Top dressing in the future even more precise with sensor technology
The first results of an experiment with sensor technology at PPO location Marwijksoord show that it may be possible to distinguish nitrogen deficiency in the plant from phosphorus and potassium deficiency. Growth differences caused by mineral deficiency could already be shown by means of sensor technology but this could not be ascribed to a specific mineral. And now this is possible.
Last year Applied Plant Research (PPO), part of Wageningen UR, conducted a trial on its deficiency experimental site in Marwijksoord. No nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium have been applied on this field for more than 50 years. This makes it very suitable for research into the possibilities of distinguishing deficiencies of those different minerals by means of sensor technology. The study included several strips with potatoes, sugar beet and spring barley. The first measurements show differences in the ‘spectral signature’ of the crops on the different strips. This provides a basis for getting better insight into the causes of the differences in growth.
This new knowledge should make it possible to draw reliable and dependable calibration curves. These calibration curves enable the conversion of information from satellite pictures or crop sensors into recommendations for top dressings in the major arable crops. PPO would like to cooperate with interested parties in continuing this important research.