Field Crop Sensors | Video

Jerame Novak | 7/12/2012

Technology is becoming more commonplace in agriculture. Producers already use systems like auto steer and GPS to cut down on costly overlaps. One of the latest developments in precision agriculture uses crop sensors to determine how much fertilizer is needed.

The sensors shoot both red and near-infrared light at plants to determine how healthy they are. Producers can then use that data to determine potential yields, to pick up zones and for in-season fertilization.

By only applying nitrogen fertilizer in areas that need it, they can have a healthier bottom line.

"The benefit that will give farmers the opportunity to increase their profit by hopefully increasing yield and also by not applying nitrogen where it`s not needed. So making a more efficient use of their nitrogen fertilizer," said NDSU Ag Machine Systems Specialist John Nowatzki.

Currently the technology is used mostly in corn-growing areas. Each system costs between $10,000 and $20,000.

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