(GRAND ISLAND, NE)-  Growers will learn how to outfit and implement high tech sensors at the August 16th Project SENSE update in Chapman, NE.  Project SENSE (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment) is a pilot program that focuses on improving the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use. Strategies which determine nitrogen in crops at early growth stages are showing a promising way to improve nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and lower groundwater nitrate levels.  Growers will see a demonstration of the project’s high clearance nitrogen applicator outfitted with active crop canopy sensors and will see the high-tech sensors in action.  Attendees will learn how producers are conducting research trials on their own fields in partnership with the Project SENSE team.

The update will take place from 10:00 a.m.-Noon on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Ken Seim Farm in Chapman, NE. The public is invited to attend. A complimentary noon meal will be served. 

Drone Demo

An eBee SQ drone demonstration is a new addition to the SENSE field day this year.  The demonstration will include how to build a flight plan, calibrate the camera, launch the drone, and post flight imagery analysis.  This year, for SENSE sites had an extra treatment added that the nitrogen application was directed by the drone imagery and applied by the SENSE applicator during the same event as OptRx™ sensors were being used. 

Future Use:

In the future, drone imagery will be used to help direct nitrogen recommendations during the season.  This in-season application will most likely be targeted for fertigation through a pivot but could be turned into an application map and used in a sidedress machine.  Another benefit from the imagery is detecting stressed areas in the field that can be targeted for scouting of the field. 

Project SENSE is a collaborative effort between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Nebraska Corn Board, five Natural Resources Districts (Central Platte, Little Blue, Lower Loup, Lower Platte North, and Upper Big Blue) in Nebraska, and producers participating in the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.

RSVP for meal planning purposes by contacting the Central Platte NRD at (308) 385-6282 or e-mail: lee [at] cpnrd.org.  Additional information is available at www.cpnrd.org.  CCA credits are available.

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Attached: Flyer with additional details.

Marcia Lee

Information/Education Specialist

Central Platte Natural Resources District

215 Kaufman Ave  Grand Island NE 68803

(308) 385-6282  www.cpnrd.org