Multiplex: An innovative optical sensor for diagnosis, mapping and management of nitrogen on wheat
- Publication Type
- Contribution to conference
- Authors
- V. Martinon and E. M. Fadailli and S. Evain and C. Zecha
- Year of publication
- 2011
- Published in
- Precision agriculture 2011
- Editor
- John V Stafford
- Pubisher
- Czech Centre for Science and Society , Ampthill, UK/Prague, Czech Republic
- ISBN / ISSN / eISSN
- 978-80-904830-5-7
- Page (from - to)
- 547-561
- Conference name
- 8th European Conference on Precision Agriculture
- Conference location
- Prague
- Conference date
- 11-14 July 2011
The Multiplex proximal optical sensor gives rapid and quantitative estimations of chlorophyll and polyphenolics of crops by measuring the fluorescence and absorption of these molecules. The in vivo and real-time assessments of these plant compounds allow definition of new indicators of crop nitrogen status, health and quality. The measurements of Multiplex indicators allow consultants and farmers to monitor the nitrogen status of row crops, and to assess the canopy density of crops. This information can be used to adjust inputs of fungicides, pesticides and fertilisers. The sensitivity of Multiplex signals to nitrogen status on wheat is illustrated according to chemical analysis. The capability of Multiplex to assess nitrogen status of a whole wheat field when mounted on a tractor was demonstrated. Due to this new optical sensor and associated models, the management of agricultural technical operations can be optimised and performed for the whole field with high spatial resolution, in real time or off- line.