Yara N-Sensor®: Advancing nitrogen sensor technology

Nitrogen sensor solutions for real-time variable-rate nitrogen application

The Yara N-Sensor® is a cutting-edge, tractor-mounted device that revolutionizes crop nutrition by enabling real-time, variable-rate nitrogen application. By analyzing the nitrogen status of crops with high spatial resolution as farmers move across the field, the N-Sensor ensures precise and optimal fertilizer doses tailored to every spot in the field.

This industry-leading technology helps farmers enhance yield, reduce waste, improve crop quality, and boost sustainability, setting the benchmark for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization. The Yara N-Sensor® allows farmers to achieve more efficient farming with each pass across their fields.

The benchmark for tractor-mounted remote sensing devices

Site-specific fertilization is a cornerstone of precision agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize nutrient use and maximize yields. The Yara N-Sensor® is an advanced agronomic tool designed to meet this need by determining crop nitrogen requirements with accuracy and efficiency. Using cutting-edge remote sensing technology, this nitrogen sensor analyzes light interaction with crop canopies to evaluate nitrogen status and instantly sends recommendations to the machine for real-time variable fertilizer application.

Precision farming made practical

Changing soil properties and varying growth conditions create diverse nitrogen requirements across a field. Traditional methods of assessing and addressing these differences are often time-consuming and costly. The Yara N-Sensor®, however, records nitrogen supply data with measurements, enabling precise fertilization tailored to every part of the field.

This innovative nitrogen sensor tool streamlines nitrogen application, allowing farmers to modulate fertilizer inputs “on-the-go” without additional steps. With its capability to correct intra-field variability, the N-Sensor has set a new standard for practical and efficient variable-rate fertilization.

How does the N-Sensor® work?

The Yara N-Sensor® is a breakthrough in real-time agronomy, enabling efficient and accurate nitrogen sensing. This advanced sensor analyzes crop health by capturing and processing light reflected from the plants as it moves with the spreader tractor, collecting measurements every second at standard fertilizer application speeds and widths.

By focusing on indicators like chlorophyll levels and biomass, the N-Sensor provides precise, field-specific nitrogen insights, offering a more tailored approach compared to traditional methods that rely on generalized vegetation indices such as NDVI.

Watch this video to learn how Yara N-Sensor® works!

Key steps in the process

Light Reflectance Measurement

The N-Sensor measures the light reflected from the crop canopy in real-time

Nitrogen Uptake Calculation

The N-Sensor is calibrated to calculate the crop’s actual nitrogen uptake based on chlorophyll content and biomass

Optimum Fertilizer Derivation

Based on the sensor-predicted nitrogen uptake data, the N-Sensor determines the ideal application rate

Instantaneous Adjustment

The optimal rate is sent every second to the variable-rate spreader or sprayer controller for instant, delay-free adjustments

Benefits of the N-Sensor®

Agronomic

Utilizes crop-specific algorithms tailored for various crops like wheat, oilseed, and maize.
Operates day or night, ensuring consistent nitrogen sensing without reliance on satellites.
Optimizes nitrogen fertilizer rates across fields to maximize crop potential and yield uniformity.
Minimizes the risk of crop lodging, enhancing grain quality and harvesting efficiency.

Environmental

Enhances nitrogen use efficiency, reducing the risk of nitrogen losses to the environment.
Decreases nitrogen residues in soils post-harvest, mitigating environmental contamination.
Reduces carbon footprints by promoting more efficient nitrogen management practices.
Contributes to sustainable farming by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Practical

Supports variable nitrogen applications, from basic "switch on and go" to advanced precision mapping.
Lightweight, modular design ensures easy, safe, and flexible fitting.
LAN connections enable wider sensor head spacing.
Boosts productivity with optimal fertilizer dosing and improved crop potential.

80%

Reduction in lodging rates compared to conventional practices

10-30%

Reduction in carbon footprint through improved nitrogen use efficiency

14%

Nitrogen savings, enhancing both sustainability and cost-efficiency

Why you should buy the Yara N-Sensor®

Real-Time Precision Fertilization: Measures nitrogen requirements instantly and adjusts fertilizer rates in real time for optimal efficiency and productivity.
Improved Crop Performance: Reduces lodging by up to 80%, enhances yield uniformity, and increases cereal protein levels by 0.2–0.5%, ensuring better grain quality and harvest efficiency.
Environmental Sustainability: Reduces nitrogen emissions and leaching by an average of 3 kg/ha while decreasing carbon footprints by 10–30%, promoting sustainable farming practices.
Cost-Efficiency: Achieves nitrogen savings of up to 14%, lowering input costs while maintaining crop health and yield potential.
24/7 Usability: Operates effectively day or night with light-independent technology, offering flexibility and reliability in all farming conditions.