Technology: JD’s Manure Sensing delivers required slurry nutrients exactly
It is based on the award-winning HarvestLab near-infrared (NIR) sensor technology used on the company’s 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester range.
The NIR sensor can measure the key constituents of the slurry being applied (dry matter, total nitrogen, ammonium, P and K) in real time.
It is part of the Manure Sensing system which then automatically adjusts the final flow of slurry, to deliver exactly the quantity of nutrients required.
The system will be featured on a Joskin slurry tanker at the UK event in May.
With the help of complementary data from yield mapping, soil sampling, N-sensors and other sources, the required targeted or maximum slurry application rate can be set in the GreenStar in-cab display before starting work.
The user can set application rates to match field conditions, which helps to increase productivity and crop yields, while minimising input costs.
If a John Deere tractor is used with the spreader, the process can be enhanced by the tractor implement automation (TIA) system.
This enables automatic speed control of the application rate adjustment, based on the tractor’s forward speed.
