Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/06
Outputs
We designed and built a field scale optical sensor-based variable rate applicator capable of sensing wheat's yield potential, determining its response to additional fertilizer, and applying only the amount needed to produce a grain crop. We worked closely with NTech Industries, Inc., Ukiah, California to commercialize the system. We perfected a system to determine nitrogen fertilizer yield for whole fields or management zones and are extending the system to Oklahoma farmers and to interested farmers in other states. We have developed algorithms to determine N rates for corn, milo, Bermudagrass and spring wheat, and have improved our algorithm for winter wheat. Major accomplishments by year--2001: Designed and fabricated optical sensors with resolution of the 0.6 by 0.6 m., which have been mounted on 60 ft wide self-propelled boom sprayer. We completed intellectual property and research agreements with NTech Industries, Inc. to manufacture and sell theses sensors. 2002:
We continued to develop and refine algorithms to fertilizer application rates and wrote software to georeference sensor data. 2003: We created an improved version of our algorithm for N fertilizer; we initiated research to adapt this algorithm to variably apply N fertilizer in corn, and also investigated the use of the sensors on turf grass and forage grasses. 2004: We conducted an extensive research program to develop a corn fertilizer rate algorithm with field research in Oklahoma, Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. This research has already yielded significant data. We worked with OSU extension personnel to conduct a program that will teach Oklahoma wheat farmers how to determine topdress fertilizer rates for wheat using the NRich Strip technology. We are working closely with farmers and extension in Argentina to apply the technology to corn and wheat and are continuing work in Mexico and are working with researchers in China and India. 2005-2006: We have conducted an extensive
research program to develop a corn fertilizer rate algorithm with field research in Oklahoma, Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, Virginia Polytechnic University, University of Kentucky. We are continuing a program with OSU extension personnel to teach Oklahoma wheat farmers how to determine topdress fertilizer rates for wheat using our technology. We conducted two workshops for extension educators on handheld sensors and educated in them in the theory and procedure for determining topdress nitrogen fertilizer rates in winter wheat. We worked with Agriculture Canada to develop a N algorithm for Canola. We began work on how to apply our research to animal agriculture precision ranching. We developed instrumentation to accurately measure the number and frequency of the bites of cattle grazing and are coupling this instrumentation with GPS to determine the amount of forage consumed, spatially and temporally.
Impacts
This project has had, literally, world wide impact. The sensor/applicator is being manufactured and sold in the United States, Australia and Canada. Calibration ramps have been placed on 586 Oklahoma farmer's field this year, along with numerous NRich strips. Working closely with CIMMYT we have extended the technology to Mexico, Ecuador, India, Peoples Republic of China and a number other countries. We are working with universities and federal research agencies in Canada and the United States to apply the technology to other crops ranging from cotton to canola. The economic benefit to Oklahoma farmers has been great typically averaging $10.00 per acre to more than $25.00 per acre.
Publications
- Xiong, X., G.E. Bell, J.B. Solie, M.W. Smith, and B. Martin. 2006. Bermudagrass seasonal responses to N fertilization and irrigation detected using optical sensing. Crop Sci. (accepted).
- Biermacher, J.T., F.M. Epplin, B.W. Brorsen, J.B. Solie, W.R. Raun. 2006, Maximum benefit of a precise nitrogen application system for wheat. Precision Agric. Springer Science + Business Media.
- Raun, W.R., J.B. Solie, M.L. Stone, K.L. Martin, K.W. Freeman, R.W. Mullen, H. Zhang, J.S. Schepers, and G.V. Johnson. 2005. Optical sensor-based algorithm for crop nitrogen fertilization. Comm Soil Sci. Plnt. Anal. 36(19&20):2759-2782.
- Raun, W.R., J.B. Solie, M.L. Stone, D.L. Zavodny, K.L. Martin, and K.W. Freeman. 2005. Automated calibration stamp technology for improved in-season nitrogen fertilization. Agron J. 97:238-342.
- Girma, Kefyalew, J. Mosali, W.R. Raun, K.W. Freeman, J.B. Solie and M.L. Stone. 2005. Identification of optical spectral signatures for detecting cheat and ryegrass in winter wheat. Crop Sci. 45:477-485.
- Hodgen, P.J., W.R. Raun, G.V. Johnson, R.K. Teal, K.W. Freeman, K.B. Brixey, K. L. Martin, J.B. Solie and M.L. Stone. 2005. Relationship between response indices measured in-season and at harvest in winter wheat. J. Plant Nutr. 28:221-236.
- Martin, K.L., P.J. Hodgen, K.W. Freeman, Ricardo Melchiori, B. Arnall, R.W. Mullen, K. Girma, J.B. Solie, M.L. Stone, Octavio Caviglia, Fernando Solari, Hailin Zhang, Agustin Bianchini, D.D. Francis, J.S. Schepers, J. Hatfield, and W.R. Raun. 2005. Plant-to-Plant Variability in Corn Production. Agron. J. 97:1603-1611.
- Raun, W.R., J.B. Solie, K.L. Martin, K.W. Freeman, M.L. Stone, K.L. Martin, G.V. Johnson, and R.W. Mullen. 2005. Growth stage, development, and spatial variability in corn evaluated using optical sensor readings. J. Plant Nutr. 28:173-182.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
During the last year we have focused on three areas: applying the GreenSeeker sensors and wheat fertilizer rate algorithm to corn (maize), extending the technology, and conducting initial research in precision ranching. We have conducted and extensive research program to develop a corn fertilizer rate algorithm with field research in Oklahoma, Mexico (CIMMYT), Nebraska (USDA-ARS), Iowa (USDA-ARS), Missouri (USDA-ARS and U. of Missouri) Colorado State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, Virginia Polytechnic University, University of Kentucky. This research has already yielded significant data. We are continuing a program with OSU extension personnel to conduct to teach Oklahoma wheat farmers how to determine topdress fertilizer rates for wheat using our technology. This past year we equipped all area agronomists and ten extension educators with GreenSeekerTM handheld sensors and educated in them in the theory and procedure for determining
topdress nitrogen fertilizer rates in winter wheat. We are working closely with farmers and extension in Argentina to apply the technology to corn and wheat and are continuing work in Mexico with CIMMYT and working with researchers in China and India and with Agriculture Canada (Canola and wheat). We have developed instrumentation to accurately measure the number and frequency of the bites of cattle grazing and are coupling this instrumentation with GPS to determine the amount of forage consumed, spatially and temporally.
Impacts
We continue our research on the economic impact of our system for determining top dress rates in winter wheat. Economic returns range from break even to $30.00 or more per acre (when the system determines no additional fertilizer is need. Typical savings is $10.00 to $12.00 per acre. This is expected to increase with the recent increase in nitrogen fertilizer prices. In Oklahoma, the technology is being accepted by farmers and fertilizer dealers are starting to offer optical sensing and fertilizer rate determination as a service.
Publications
- Stone, M.L., D. Needham, J.B. Solie, W.R. Raun, and G.V. Johnson. 2004. Optical spectral reflectance sensor and controller. Serial No. 10,606,563 Allowed (CIP of U.S. Patent 6,596,996 B1).
- Raun, W.R., G.V. Johnson, J.B. Solie, M.L. Stone. 2004. Use of within-field-element-size CV for improved nutrients fertilization in crop production. Serial No.10,801,563 Allowed.
- Raun, W.R., G.V. Johnson, J.B. Solie, and M.L. Stone. 2005. A process for in-season fertilizer nitrogen application based on predicted yield potential. Serial No. 10,801,757 Allowed (CIP of U.S. Patent 6,601,341).
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
During the last year we have focused on two areas: 1) applying the GreenSeeker sensors and wheat fertilizer rate algorithm to corn (maize), 2) extending the technology. We have conducted and extensive research program to develop a corn fertilizer rate algorithm with field research in Oklahoma, Mexico (CIMMYT), Nebraska (USDA-ARS), Iowa (USDA-ARS) and Missouri (USDA-ARS and U. of Missouri). This research has already yielded significant data. We are working with OSU extension personnel to conduct a program this winter that will teach Oklahoma wheat farmers how to determine topdress fertilizer rates for wheat using our technology. We are working closely with farmers and extension in Argentina to apply the technology to corn and wheat and are continuing work in Mexico with CIMMYT and working with researchers in China and India.
Impacts
We tested our field scale sensor applicator for three years and have conducted a number of plot scale experiments. We increased net returns by as much as $14.00/ac (accounting for N and yield) over the equivalent fixed rate and increased net return by $18.00/ac compared to the usual application rates of the farmers. Other experiments have had lower net returns, but it is clear that there are positive economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits to the optical sensor based system. We are starting to see significant interests in the commercial sensor systems. We are continuing to work with NTech Industries Inc., Ukiah, California to perfect equipment and systems.
Publications
- Bell, G.E., B.M. Howell, B.V. Johnson, W.R. Raun, J.B. Solie, and M.L. Stone. 2004. Optical sensing of turf chlorophyll content and tissue nitrogen. Hort. Sci. 39(5):1130-1132.
- Wu, Y., B.A. Kahn, N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie, R.W. Whitney, K.E. Conway. 2003. Densely Planted Okra for Destructive Harvest: I. Effect on Yield. Hort. Sci. 38(7):1360-1364.
- Wu, Y., B.A. Kahn, N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie, R.W. Whitney, K.E. Conway. 2003. Densely Planted Okra for Destructive Harvest: I. Effect on Plant Architecture. Hort. Sci. 38(7):1365-1369.
- Wu, Y., B.A. Kahn, N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie, R.W. Whitney, K.E. Conway. 2003. Densely Planted Okra for Destructive Harvest: I. Effect of Nitrogen Nutrition. Hort. Sci. 38(7):1370-1372.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
During the last year we have focused on modifying and field testing a field scale optical sensor based variable rate fertilizer applicator. Working with Dr. Marvin Stone we developed an improved optical sensor which utilizes the pulsed lighting technology that are capable of sensing crop yield potential, computes nitrogen fertilizer requirements, and variably applies UAN fertilizer. The sensor transmits measured data and amount of fertilizer applied to a user interface where it is tagged with GPS positional information. These data can be imported into a GIS program for further analysis. Resolution of the sensors is 0.6 by 0.6 m. Sensors and supporting equipment are being manufactured by NTech Industries, Inc. Ukiah, CA. As part of the project we have refined our algorithm to determine fertilizer application rates for wheat to meet the crops yield potential. This algorithm reconciles three existing strategies for determining N application rate based on NDVI. The
algorithm requires the measurement of an optically sensed response index for additional fertilizer, maximum potential yield in an N Rich strip, days from planting with active growth (GDD>0). We have initiated research to adapt this algorithm to variable apply N fertilizer in corn. We are also investigating the use of the optical sensors on turf grass and forage grasses. We have written software to georeference sensor data and actual application data for use in a geographic information system.
Impacts
We tested our field scale sensor applicator for two years and have conducted a number of plot scale experiments. We increased net returns by as much as $14.00/ac (accounting for N and yield) over the equivalent fixed rate and increased net return by $18.00/ac compared to the farmer's usual application rates. Other experiments have had lower net returns, but it is clear that there are positive economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits to the optical sensor based system. We are starting to see significant interests in the commercial sensor systems. We are continuing to work with NTech Industries to perfect these systems.
Publications
- Bell, G.E., D.L.Martin. M.L. Stone, J.B. Solie, and G.V. Johnson. 2003. Turf area mapping using vehicle-mounted optical sensors. Crop Sci. 42(2):648-650.
- Moges, S.M., W.R. Raun, R.W. Mullen, K.W. Freeman, G.V. Johnson, and J.B. Solie. 2003. Evaluation of green, red and near infrared bands for predicting winter wheat biomass, nitrogen uptake, and final grain yield. J. Plant Nutr. (In Press).
- Mullen, R.W., Kyle W. Freeman, William R. Raun, G.V. Johnson, M.L. Stone, and J.B. Solie. 2003. Identifying an in-season response index and the potential to increase wheat yield with nitrogen. Agron. J. 95:347-351.
- Raun, W.R., J.B. Solie, G.V. Johnson, M.L. Stone, R.W. Mullen, K.W. Freeman, W.E. Thomason, and E.V. Lukina. 2002. Improving nitrogen use efficiency in cereal grain production with optical sensing and variable rate application. Agron. J. 94:815-820.
- Washmon, C.N., J.B. Solie, W.R. Raun, and D.D. Itenfisu. 2002. Within field variability in wheat grain yields over nine years in Oklahoma. J. Plant. Nutr. 25: 2655-2662.
- Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, S.G. Wiese, D.D. Dobson. M.W. Smith, M.L. Stone, and J.B. Solie. 2002. Vehicle-mounted optical sensing: An objective means for evaluation of turf quality. Crop Sci. 42:197-201.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
During the last year we have focused on designing building and field testing a field scale optical sensor based variable rate fertilizer applicator. Working with Dr. Marvin Stone we developed optical sensors that utilize the pulsed lighting technology of Patchen, Inc., Ukiah California that are capable of sensing crop yield potential, compute nitrogen fertilizer requirements, and variably apply UAN fertilizer. The sensor transmits measured data and amount of fertilizer applied to a user interface where it is tagged with GPS positional information. These data can be imported into a GIS program for further analysis. Resolution of the sensors is 0.6 by 0.6 m. These sensors and supporting equipments have been mounted on 60 ft wide, self-propelled boom sprayer. NTech Industries, Inc. Ukiah, CA (successor company to Patchen, Inc.) to manufacture and sell theses sensors for field sprayers and a handheld unit for research and field sampling. As part of the project we have
continued to develop and refine algorithms to fertilizer application rates for wheat and corn required for the crop to meet its yield potential. We have also written software to georeference sensor data and actual application data for use in a geographic information system.
Impacts
We tested our sensor applicator on 9 farmers' fields and on the OSU experiment stations. We increased net returns $14.00/ac (accounting for N and yield) over the equivalent fixed rate and increased net return by $18.00/ac compared to the farmers usual application rates. We have already seen significant sales of the handheld sensor and expect it to become an important tool for researchers, consultants and fertilizer dealers. In addition, because NTech Industries plans to locate a manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, there will be a direct economic benefit from the manufacture and sale of the sensors.
Publications
- LaRuffa, J.M., W.R. Raun, S.B. Phillips, M.L. Stone and G.V. Johnson. 2001. Optimum field element size for maximum yields in winter wheat using variable nitrogen rates. J. Plant Nutr. 24:313-325.
- Lukina, E.V., K.W. Freeman, K.J. Wynn, W.E. Thomason, R.W. Mullen, A.R. Klatt, G.V. Johnson, R.L. Elliott, M.L. Stone, J.B. Solie, and W.R. Raun. 2001. Nitrogen fertilization optimization algorithm based on in-season estimates of yield and plant nitrogen uptake. J. Plant Nutr. 24:885-898.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
During the last year we have focused on designing and building a field scale optical sensor based variable rate fertilizer applicator. Working with Dr. Marvin Stone we have developed optical sensors that utilize the pulsed lighting technology of Patchen, Inc., Ukiah, California that are capable of sensing crop yield potential, compute nitrogen fertilizer requirements, and variably apply UAN fertilizer. The sensor transmits measured data and amount of fertilizer applied to a user interface where it is tagged with GPS positional information. These data can be imported into a GIS program for further analysis. Resolution of the sensors is 0.6 by 0.6 m. These sensors and supporting equipments have been mounted on 60 ft wide 'Cherokee' self-propelled boom sprayer. Oklahoma State University has completed intellectual property and research agreements with NTech Industries, Inc. Ukiah, CA (successor company to Patchen, Inc.) to manufacture and sell theses sensors. As part of
the project we have continued to develop and refine algorithms to calculate available nitrogen in wheat and fertilizer application rates required for the crop to meet its yield potential.
Impacts
Our data shows that farmers can expect a $10.00/ac return over variable costs when this sensor is used to variably apply N fertilizer, topdress, on wheat. In addition, because NTech Industries plans to locate a manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, there will be a direct economic benefit from the manufacture and sale of the sensors.
Publications
- Stone, A.E., T.F. Peeper, J.B. Solie. 2001. Cheat (Bromus secalinus) control with herbicides applied to mature seeds. Weed Tech. 15:382-386.
- Raun, W.R. G.V. Johnson, M.L. Stone, J.B. Solie, E.V. Lukina, W.E. Thomason and J.S. Schepers. 2001. In-season prediction of potential grain yield in winter wheat using canopy reflectance. Agron. J. 93:131-138.
- Roberts, J.R., T.F. Peeper, J.B. Solie. 2001. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) row spacing, seeding rate, and cultivar affect interference from rye (Secale cerale). Weed Tech. 15(1):19-25.
- LaRuffa, J.M., W.R. Raun, S.B. Phillips, M.L. Stone, J.B. Solie and G.V. Johnson. 2001. Optimum field element size for maximum yields in winter wheat using variable rates. J. Plant Nutr. 24:313-325.
- Bell, G.D., D.L. Martin, R.M. Kuzmic, M.L. Stone, and J.B. Solie. 2000. Herbicide tolerance of two cold-resistant bermudagrass cultivars determined by visual assessment and vehicle-mounted optical sensing. Weed Tech. 14:635-641.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
This project began October 1, 2000, and there is nothing to report for this period.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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