A tractor with a spoiler?

(2004-02-03) Actually, it's one of the world's most advanced systems for measuring levels of nutrition in plants.

Plants need the proper nutrients to reach their natural growth potential, and the goal of modern fertilization practices is to provide it. But there's more to it than that. It's just as important to limit the amount of fertilizers to the correct level for maximum growth, avoiding costly excessive application. And there's an environmental cost to incorrect application, too. Excess nutrients may seep into creeks and rivers and alter ecosystems.

Engineers at Yara have developed the N-Sensor^TM, a tool that scans plants while the tractor traverses the field, using infrared light to measure the chlorophyll content of the grain. With that information, a computer calculates the amount of nitrogen the plants need to develop the high protein content of fully grown plants. That information is fed to the spreader, which adjusts the application rate to the right level.

Greater precision in the application of fertilizer creates healthier agriculture, better productivity for farmers and a cleaner environment for all of us.