1. GreenSeeker® Applicator Mounted Crop Vigor Sensors

3. What is GreenSeeker? Electronic sensor system
Identify in-field variation
Manage variability in season
Manage in real time
An electronic system to identify variation in the field.
A system that enables the farmer to manage in season variability -- in real time.

4. Applicator Mounted Sensors

5. What can GreenSeeker do?
Measure and quantify plant health variation
Manage application to treat variation
Map
Crop condition
Targeted prescriptions
As-applied data
A tool, not a service
What does GreenSeeker do?
Measure and quantify variation in a growing crop.
Allow farmers to manage application to treat variation in the crop.
Maps crop condition, targeted prescriptions and as-applied data.
This is a tool, not a service.
GreenSeeker is a product not a service.
GreenSeeker is capable of detecting, measuring, and recording data in real time.
No waiting on outside vendor services to compile data, decipher measurements, and record recommendations.
GreenSeeker does it all, simultaneously in one operation. Whereas outside service providers hire a plane or satellite to perform the detection phase, rely on another provider to measure the results, another to generate a recommendation, and yet another to perform and record the recommended application.

6. How Does GreenSeeker Work?
Measures plant NDVI readings where NDVI = (NIR-Red)/(NIR+Red).
NDVI can range from 0.00 to 0.99.
The principle behind NDVI is that red-light is absorbed by chlorophyll in the plant and near-infrared light is reflected by the plant’s leaf
Vigorously growing healthy vegetation has low red-light reflectance and high near-infrared reflectance, and hence, high NDVI values.
Upon pulling the trigger, the sensor turns on and emits brief bursts of red and infrared light, and then measures the amount of each that is reflected back.

7. GreenSeeker Sensor Principle
Emits 2 wavelengths of light
Red (656 nm)
Near infra-red (780 nm)
Sensor output:
NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetative Index
NDVI = (NIR-Red)/(NIR+Red)
NDVI (range: )
Each GreenSeeker sensor emits and measures the reflectance of red and near infra red light. The ratio of light reflectance is reported as an index, in this case the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index.
The higher the index, the higher the level of biomass and vigor. The index ranges from to

8. NDVI ≈ Vigor ≈ Biomass ≈ Leaf Area
0.26
NDVI
0.70

9. NDVI ≈ Vigor ≈ Biomass ≈ Leaf Area
0.35 NDVI ~ 20 in tall corn.
0.40 NDVI ~ 30 in tall corn.
0.55 NDVI ~ 40 in tall corn.
0.66 NDVI ~ 50 in tall corn.

10. Variable Rate Application with GreenSeeker
Most common is in-season nitrogen (N)
Corn, wheat, canola, cotton, sorghum
Usually liquid N solution
Granular N
NH3 anhydrous nitrogen
Cotton
Defoliant and harvest aids (boll opener)
Plant Growth Regulators (PGR’s)

11. Nitrogen Fertilizer Algorithms
Algorithm is equation used to determine N rate based upon sensor values and other environmental factors.
26 N application algorithms based upon university and government research for various regions
9 Different crops
Custom algorithms
Growers or agronomist can/do easily create or modify existing algorithms
Trimble does not endorse any algorithm

12. Application Graph
0.35
0.40
0.55
0.66

13. Economics of VRA Nitrogen with GreenSeeker
Field trails and grower experiences in corn and wheat over the last 5 + years have shown a consistent range of $10 to $15 USD per acre improvement in profit.
Most often less fertilizer, but several cases GreenSeeker called for more N than past practice, with increases in yield
Actual N demand in field varies, putting the right amount in the right place pays

14. Other Applications of GreenSeeker
Create management zones
Create map based prescriptions for later use
“Smart Scouting” to go where the trouble is
Comparison of vigor between hybrids
Differential harvest, wine grapes
Monitor irrigation/drainage efficiency

15. Typical Installation
Typical sensor install on a boom

16. Sensor Field of View
24”/ 0.61m

17. Recommended Use Plant N rich strip
Apply strip with highest rate necessary to supply all nutrients needed throughout growing season
Plant strip at least 300 ft (91m)n long, ideally length of row
Position sensors at ” ( m) height range
Recommend 50% plant coverage in field of view
Collect data and perform

18. Two Use Models Data Collection Mode Real Time Application Mode
Scan field creating map of crop vigor
Import data into Farm Works
Map individual or composite sensor values
Analyze and create prescription map
Real Time Application Mode
Scan field and apply nutrients in real time
Use existing application algorithms or create your own
Apply N as it as needed by the plant at critical growth stages

19. GreenSeeker Interface Capabilities
Farmers have a choice of guidance and flow control systems
Wide range of controller interface capabilities
4 sensor and 6 sensor configurations available
Recommend 4 sensor system on booms less than 60 ft (18.3m) wide and 6 sensors on booms greater than 60 ft (18.3m) wide

20. GreenSeeker System
This is a diagram of the GS RT200 System. It has 6 sensors that mount on a sprayer boom or implement bar, and are designed for up to 100’.
Each sensor takes 100s of vigor readings per second, and sends a 1 second average value back to the Interface Module (device on right).
The interface module collects the data from all sensors and creates a boom average value every second.
The boom average value is sent to the yellow Recon controller, which mounts in the cab of the applicator.
The Recon does all the data logging (mapping) and also houses the application prescriptions.
The Recon sends a target rate out to a 3rd party rate controller. This rate is updated every second.

21. Two Choices for Display Interface

22. Display Options FmX Display with GreenSeeker plug-in
Use in conjunction with Field-IQTM and Trimble flow and application solutions
Compatible with a full array of liquid, dry and anhydrous application equipment
Simple CAN cable connection to FmX

23. GreenSeeker Plug-In for FmX
Plug-in shows and stores data from sensors and communicates with rate controller
Field-IQ Plug-In active

24. Display Options Farm WorksTM Mobile software
Replaces previous RT Commander software
Operates on any Windows Mobile, Vista, XP, or Windows 7 device
Use with Trimble Nomad®, Juno® or Yuma® devices
Compatible with at least 26 different variable rate controllers
Allows for individual and composite sensor mapping (when used in mapping mode)

25. Map of Individual Sensor Readings

26. GreenSeeker & RAVEN Raven 400, 600, 700 series flow controllers
Raven Viper & Viper Pro Controllers

28. GreenSeeker & John Deere
JD 2600 (GS2) and GS3 in sprayers/spreaders

30. Compatible Rate Controllers:
AGCO FALCON II
AMAZONE
AXIOMATIC
BOGBALLE
DICKEY JOHN
FARM SCAN
FLEXI-COIL
HARDI
HINIKER
JOHN BLUE
JOHN DEERE GS2, GS3
KVERNLAND
LH AGRO
MICRO-TRAK
MID TECH
MUELLER
NEW LEADER
RAVEN
RAWSON
SQUIB TAYLOR
TEE JET
VERIS

31. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

32. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

33. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

34. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

35. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

36. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

37. GreenSeeker Works on Most Applicators

38. GreenSeeker Handheld Solutions
Handheld sensor with readout only
RT150 for mapping only

39. VRA GreenSeeker Systems
4 sensors for spreader, toolbar, ≤ 60ft (18.3m) boom sprayer

40. VRA GreenSeeker Systems
6 sensors for > 60ft (18.3m) sprayers

41. Installation & Operation

42. Installation Steps Mount RT200 interface module
Mount sensors across the boom
Connect sensor harnessing from sensors to RT200
Connect RT200 to power and display

43. RT200 Interface Module
Interfaces boom mounted sensors with user interface
Serial, CAN, and power connections

44. RT200 Interface Module
Environmentally sealed to mount in or out of cab
Mount module in close proximity to center of boom mounted sensors
Mount with connections facing downward
Connect harness for right and left CAN bus to innermost sensor of respective boom
If using Nomad/Recon/Yuma, connect serial cable

45. RT200 Interface Module

46. RT200 Lights Power light blinks 3 times and beeps at power up
Status LED blinks with each data transmission, brief green flash followed by red indicating data from left and right CAN ports

47. Assemble Sensor Mounts
Connect mounting bracket to sensor

48. Mount Sensors To Boom
Use provided U bolt mounts or create mount

49. Mount Sensors To Boom

50. GreenSeeker Installation
Mount sensors free of obstacles to either window
Mount with 12” (0.3m) in front of and 6” (0.15m) in back of lenses peripheral view. Keep at least 12” (0.3m) clear for side view.
Daisy chain sensors together with innermost sensors connecting to RT200 module
2 outermost sensors will only have 1 cable connected.
2nd port will have CAN terminator that comes preinstalled

51. GreenSeeker Installation
Mount sensor in front of or behind boom
Direction doesn’t matter but LED must be parallel to boom
For broad acre crops like wheat, mount sensors evenly across boom.
For row crops like corn, mount directly over row.

52. GreenSeeker Installation Layout
Power

53. End Sensor Installation
CAN terminator

54. Daisy Chain Harness Between Sensors

55. Display Harnessing
Serial for Nomad
CAN to FmX

56. FmX Harness 77704
From Sensor
To RT200
To FmX

57. FmX Harnessing 75407 FmX/FM-1000 to CAN
77704 Cable Assy, Greenseeker to Display

58. Nomad Harnessing
USB to Serial Box

59. GreenSeeker In Operation
Sensors take reflective readings
Units generate their own light so can be used in any lighting condition, day or night
When unit is on, a red band of light will show directly below rectangular sense window as it is emitted
Reflected light from plant canopy is focused on detector behind circular window

60. GreenSeeker In Operation
Light emitted here
Reflected light gathered here

61. Operating Height
Optimal operating height 24-48” ( m) from the rectangular window to crop canopy
Extended range 26-62” ( m)
Full field of view (width of sensor measurement area) is about 24” (0.6m) within sensor’s optimal operating height range.

62. How To Operate In The Field
Establish N rich strip before or shortly after planting
Reference strip is highest rate necessary to satisfy all crop needs throughout growing season
Strip indicates plant response to optimal N available
Strip should ideally be length of field and at least 300’ (91m) long planted in representative portion of field
N rich strip compared to field reading used to apply N at relevant growth stages based on crop algorithm used

63. Operating Tips For top/side dressing, plant coverage should be 50%
When scanning N rich strip, scan at height of 32-48” ( m) above crop canopy
Decrease pre-plant N to at least ½ of historical N rates

64. Calibration
Press calibrate button for each strip and collect readings while scanning
Scan at least one pass

65. Calibration Example from Prior Slide
Maximum reference NDVI for crop is 0.75 out of potential of 1
i.e NDVI is most productive crop will get
Past this point is a waste to apply more N
Minimum reference NDVI for crop 0.50
Below this point crop will not be able to generate beneficial yield from application of N
Working zone for this crop and algorithm and calibration of Nrich strip (Reference) compared to average of Non-Reference is plant reading of 0.50 to 0.75 NDVI in this example.

66. Algorithm Formula = if this, apply that Select algorithm from list
26 algorithms, 9 crops
Create custom algorithm

67. Limits
Limits enabled keeps actual rate within working zone of the sprayer.

68. Output Specify material type to be applied
Remaining application managed by Field-IQ

69. 8 Take Away Points to Remember
Sensors indicate plant vigor and size
Vigor maps have value to customers
VRA for Nitrogen, also other inputs
Payback average is $10 to $15 USD per acre
4 and 6 sensor systems available or handheld data collection versions
Imbedded algorithms or build your own
Nomad version runs on Deere and Raven, etc.

70. How to Become a GreenSeeker Dealer
Staff with extensive experience in flow control systems. 
Ability to offer support after the sale. 
On-staff certified agronomist or consulting agronomist to work with producers to integrate sensors.
Annual dealer market action plan.
Train all departments in GreenSeeker

71. More info at: www.greenseeker.com
Questions?
More info at: