Trimble Introduces GreenSeeker Handheld Crop Sensor
August 8, 2012 Trimble recently introduced the GreenSeeker handheld crop sensor, a measurement device designed to assess the health of a crop. Readings taken with the device can be used to make objective decisions regarding the amount of fertilizer to be applied to a crop, resulting in more efficient use of inputs.
Operators position the handheld sensor over a plant, pull the trigger, and the GreenSeeker handheld instantly calculates the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which represents the health of the plant. By gathering several readings from plants throughout a field, users can better determine the overall health and needs of a crop. This can result in more efficient use of fertilizer, which benefits both the farmer’s bottom line and the environment.
Readings from the handheld unit can be used to indicate basic nutrient response, crop condition, yield potential, stress, biomass, leaf area, herbicide efficiency, and pest impact. It can be used to monitor changing field conditions (crop and plant) during the growing season as well as the effects of different levels of an input compared to a local standard.
The GreenSeeker handheld is expected to be available in mid-August 2012. The list price for the device starts at $495.
For more information, go to www.trimble.com.