Spectrum Technologies

N Sensing in Corn

Determining the proper nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is important for the economic viability
of corn production. A desire for high yields, fueled by low fertilizer N costs, led producers
to apply rates that ensured adequate N rather than risk costly yield losses due to a shortage

of N. Click Image to view pdf.

Sensing Nitrogen Stress in Corn

A rise in nitrogen fertilizer prices and concerns with
water quality have made appropriate N application more
pertinent than ever. Using tools to test corn for N stress/
defi ciency can be implemented for nutrient management
options, says John Sawyer, Extension soil fertility
specialist and associate professor in agronomy, Iowa State
University.

Click Image to view pdf.

New Tool Makes Identification and Tracking of Crop Pests Faster

Growers and researchers can now use the new IPM Scope CAM from Spectrum Technologies, Inc. to aid in identifying and tracking plant pest and disease pressures. The 5 megapixel IPM Scope CAM captures high resolution pictures and videos in the field – without the need for an attached computer. View pictures instantly on the built-in 2 inch wide LCD display. Transfer images via an SD CARD or USB cable to your computer. The unit works like a digital camera.

The LED-lighted unit magnifies objects by 3-25x on the unit display and up to 300x digitally on the computer. Images can easily be emailed to industry partners for quick pest identification. The IPM Scope Cam is especially valuable in the identification and tracking of diseases and pests such as powdery mildew or aphids.

SPAD 502 Plus – Manage Nitrogen Effectively

Reduce your risk of yield-limiting deficiencies or costly over-fertilizing. The SPAD 502 Plus quantifies subtle changes or trends in plant health long before it is visible to the human eye. The SPAD 502 Plus instantly measures the chlorophyll content or “greenness” of your plant. Nitrogen (N) is a key element in chlorophyll production; hence, chlorophyll can be used as an index to gauge the nitrogen status of a plant.

Non-invasive measurements are completed by simply clamping the meter over leafy tissue. An indexed chlorophyll content reading is displayed in less than 2 seconds. Assess nitrogen needs by comparing your in-field SPAD readings to university guidelines. The SPAD 502 Plus can be purchased with or without a built-in data logger and measurements can also be geo-referenced. Research has proved a strong correlation between SPAD measurement and leaf N content.

Spectrum Technologies, Inc. has won 16 AE50 awards for technology innovation from The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Spectrum manufactures affordable weather and plant measurement technologies that help growers make better decision on crop inputs.

LightScout in March 2010 Fruit Grower

The March issue of Fruit Grower magazine features a review of the NEW LightScout DLI100 from Spectrum Technologies! In the same issue DLV Plant UK discuss the effects of light on plants growth response.

Click Here for information on the LightScout

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