RELATIONS BETWEEN OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND N STATUS OF TOMATO LEAVES

An efficient use of N fertilizers in intensive vegetable production systems is one of the most important keys to reduce harmful side effects on the environment and to produce yield with high quality in a competitive market.
Due to the fact that the N level in the soil and in the plant can vary highly during cropping period and within a field area, the measurement of the current and site-specific N status of plants can be a rewarding effort for the cultivator.
Nevertheless, sensor based systems to detect the N status in real time have been scarcely implemented for horticultural purposes.
This study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the use of a non-invasive sensor technology using spectral feedback signals from tomato leaves.
The results indicate that it is possible to infer the N status of tomato crops using optical sensor technologies.
Accordingly, the study showed that corresponding to N fertilization the use of optical sensors can supply data to specify the N input to an accurate level.

IV International Symposium on Ecologically Sound Fertilization Strategies for Field Vegetable Production

M. Gauder, J. Pfenning, H.-P. Liebig, S. Graeff, W. Claupein

remote sensing, reflectance, site-specific nutrition, N deficiency, yield

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2010.852.30