Robert, Rust and Larson, Eds. Hummel, J.W. Sensors for variable rate application of agricultural chemicals. 1995 Illinois Agricultural Pesticides Conference, Ill. Coop. The mission of my research is to develop knowledge and technology to improve pest management and production practices while minimizing erosion and enhancing water and soil quality. SSCM is a farming system in which rates and placement of herbicides, fertilizers, and other inputs are varied according to sub-field variability for improved profitability and natural resource conservation.
Progress is enhanced by contributions made by faculty and graduate research assistant cooperators.
Several sensing technologies have been used in the development of soil and crop parameter sensors. Recent research has resulted in a patented sensor that uses infrared reflectance to predict soil organic matter, soil moisture, and cation exchange capacity of mineral soils from across the central U.S. Cornbelt. Photodiodes and a visible light beam have been used to sense the amount of grain being transported by an elevator flight.