Much has been discussed about precise nutrient management. I’m curious, how is GreenSeeker-based nitrogen fertilizer applied in rice? How much nitrogen is determined based on the NDVI values observed, and is there a standard protocol followed for this approach?
The GreenSeeker sensor measures the amount of red and near-infrared light reflected back from a plant. This measurement is then used to calculate the NDVI, which is an indicator of plant health and vigor.
How it works:
The sensor emits brief bursts of red and near-infrared light, and then measures the amount of light reflected back from the plant.
Usage:
GreenSeeker can be used to manage nitrogen (N) fertilizer, a key nutrient for plant growth.
Data interpretation:
The sensor provides NDVI readings, which are typically represented as values between 0.00 and 0.99. Higher NDVI readings indicate healthier, more vigorous plants
N fertilizer recommendation by GreenSeeker in rice was judiciously determined, considering the real time plant health by measuring Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Green seeker is a hand-held or tractor-mounted optical sensor which emits red and near-infrared light to quantify the amount of light reflected back by the crop canopy. Here’s how the nitrogen recommendation process unfolds:
Baseline practice: A Nitrogen-rich strip (N-rich strip) is developed at the beginning of the season in the rice field. This strip gets plenty of nitrogen so that it is not in short supply at anytime in the growing season. It also provides a frame of reference for maximum plant vigor.
Sensor reading: Reading at active tillering to panicle initiation stage (35–45 days after transplanting or sowing) of N-rich strip and farmer’s practice/normal (target area) plot are taken with NDVI from GreenSeeker.
NDVI Comparison: The N status of the crop is the difference in NDVI between the N-rich strip and the target plot. If the NDVI value in the target plot is lower than that in the N-rich strip, the plot needs nitrogen application.
INSEY (In-Season Estimated Yield) Using INSEY, which is estimated by dividing NDVI by the number of growing degree days (GDD) from planting to sensing, yield potential can be predicted. The yield potential gives you an idea of how much nitrogen is needed to meet the crop’s potential yield.
Nitrogen Recommendation Algorithm Region-specific algorithms or DSTs have been developed by scientists based on NDVI values.
The GreenSeeker device is used to measure the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), which reflects plant health and vigor. In rice cultivation, nitrogen fertilizer recommendation is calculated using a process that links NDVI values to the crop’s nitrogen needs through the following steps:
1. Measure NDVI at a specific growth stage, such as tillering or before panicle initiation.
2.Compare the field NDVI with the NDVI of a control strip, where sufficient nitrogen has been applied (this is called the nitrogen-rich strip).
3. Calculate the difference or ratio between the field NDVI and the control NDVI.
4. Insert the values into a calibrated formula, which accounts for NDVI values, the crop stage, and previously applied nitrogen.
5.The result gives the recommended nitrogen dose to apply.
This method helps avoid over-fertilization, reduce costs, and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer