SpectraCam
Precision crop management with the SpectraCam
The SpectraCam measures chlorophyll content, biomass, and stress levels in crops. Where other crop sensors can only distinguish the crop from the background at a later stage, the SpectraCam does this much earlier. Because the crop doesn't necessarily need to cover the soil, the camera can be used, for example, with onions - from emergence onwards. The SpectraCam is currently applied to potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions, wheat, and beans and has been developed through collaboration with various parties*.
Advantages:
- Generate 24/7 measurement data;
- Strong flash lamp for reliable measurements at dusk or in the dark;
- Camera mounted on field sprayer or tractor;
- Data and GPS locations via 4G to web server (thus immediately available);
- Real-time insights for follow-up treatment of soil or crop;
- Own portal with mapping system to compare plots or monitor values (and take timely action).
*TK-Agrotech, students of Biosystems Engineering, TTW Systems B.V., Novifarm
Customer experiences:
"We were one of the first users of the SpectraCam and the biggest advantage of the system for us is that we don't just cultivate on our own land. The disadvantage of rented land is that you can never know in advance what condition the soil is in. Is the soil still nutritious, not too wet, are all the favorable soil elements that promote growth still present, or has soil fatigue occurred due to growing the same crop for too long and too much?
The SpectraCam's camera is mounted on one of our existing machines along with LED lights and a reference card. As soon as the assembly is ready, you can start measuring. We see an overview of everything that has been measured on the computer and can zoom in on what we find interesting. How does one plot differ from another? What does a specific piece of land need to be able to grow good crops? You sometimes wonder how you ever worked without this technology. It makes a world of difference.
The only maintenance you really have - especially in wet weather - is that you need to wipe splashed soil or other dirt off the reference card from time to time.
The card is behind a waterproof cover, but of course it must remain clearly visible to measure accurately enough. The time we saw strange measurements on the computer, we immediately knew we had forgotten to keep the reference card clean.
For the rest, the explanation with the SpectraCam, the support from TechNature, and our own curiosity are sufficient to fully utilize this technological novelty."