Development of sensor based detection of crop nitrogen status for utilization in variable rate nitrogen fertilization

Early season detection of corn (Zea mays L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) N status as an in-field indicator of spatial N availability and fertilizer N demand has been difficult with proximal sensors. The objective of this research was to evaluate selected vegetation indices (VI) for their ability to detect early season crop N status in cotton and corn. A tractor mounted sensor was used to acquire canopy reflectance at an oblique angle and selected VIs were related to cotton leaf N during early flower bud formation, and corn leaf and whole plant tissue N concentrations and whole plant N content at 6 fully collared leaves. Indices utilizing a red edge component were the most consistent and resulted in stronger relationships to plant tissue N concentration for early season sampling.

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