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CropSpec Crop Canopy Sensors

CropSpec™ On-the-Go Crop Canopy Sensors

Features & Benefits:

  • Reduce fertilizer costs by applying based only on crop need
  • Create prescription maps, or prescribe and apply in a single pass
  • Round-the-clock 24/7 operation
  • Cab roof-mounted sensors protected and out of harms way
  • Largest sensor footprint in the industry senses a larger percentage of the area to be applied
  • Compatible with X30 and X20 consoles
  • Provides on-the-go averaging with user-determined target rates
  • Read and Record allows user to collect and store data for offline analysis and creation of prescription maps
  • Provides on-the-go VRA - four alogrithms available to build customized fertilizer application plan based on observed field conditions

Just-in-time crop management

CropSpec is a real-time integrated crop monitoring and application system for agriculture. Designed for use with Topcon's X30 and X20 consoles, CropSpec operates with the VRC program MapLINK or any of the application controllers and allows the user to monitor in-field variability, treat on-the-go, or keep data for future analysis or prescription applications. CropSpec was developed in cooperation with Yara International, a leading world suppier of nutrients.

CropSpec is a two-sensor configuration that is light and easy to install. The sensors mount on the cabin roof, out of harm's way with less potential for damage to crops or equipment. With technology based on Topcon's core competency of optics, CropSpec uses pulsing laser diodes for sensing. The sensors measure plant reflectance to determine chlorophyl content, which is closely related to the nitrogen concentration in the leaf. This non-destructive, non-contact method provides accurate, stable readings and repeatable values.

 

Three Different Modes of Operation

Read and Record -- Users can read and record data for analysis and creating prescriptions. Scanning the crop creates a map to indicate nitrogen levels, including nitrogen rich and deficient areas. This information can be used to construct a variable rate prescription application to be used immediately or at a later date.

User Determined Rate Control -- Hi/Low Basic Mode, with a simple two-point calibration, lets the user set high and low points then perform actual on-the-go application using field averaging. The target rate can be determined by the user.

Real-Time Variable Rate Application -- Operators can subscribe to optional Yara software which processes the CropSpec readings using crop-specific algorithms to determine optimum site-specific fertilizer rates. This system allows the farmer to perform variable rate application at the same time nitrogen levels are determined, controlling the output of fertilizer in one pass over the corp.

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