Blog: NIR Analyzers on Combine Harvester. Optimize Nitrogen Use

The integration of NIR analyzers on combine harvester has revolutionized precision agriculture by enabling real-time measurement of grain protein content during harvest. This advancement provides critical insights into the nitrogen uptake of crops, facilitating more effective nitrogen management. By measuring protein levels and mapping variability across the field, farmers can assess nitrogen use efficiency and adjust future fertilization strategies accordingly. Utilizing the data collected from NIR analyzers, they can develop precise prescription maps to optimize nitrogen application—reducing environmental impact while enhancing both yield and profitability.

NIR analyzers on combine harvester

Introduction

Precision agriculture has become a cornerstone of modern farming, driven by the need to improve resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. One of the most significant challenges in crop production is managing nitrogen, a key nutrient that influences yield and grain quality. Excessive or insufficient nitrogen application can lead to economic losses and environmental concerns, including nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.

NIR technology, when installed on combines, provides a direct and efficient method for monitoring grain quality, particularly protein content, during harvest. This real-time data offers a unique opportunity to assess the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops and inform subsequent management practices.

The role of NIR analyzers

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique that measures how materials absorb light in the near-infrared spectrum. In agriculture, NIR analyzers are widely used to determine the protein content of grains — a key indicator of the nitrogen status of a crop.

Protein content as an indicator of nitrogen uptake

Grain protein levels offer a reliable proxy for nitrogen uptake during the plant’s growth cycle. By assessing spatial variations in protein content across a field, farmers can identify areas with differing nitrogen availability.
For instance, in a study conducted over 200 hectares of wheat, fields with average protein levels below 10% were identified as nitrogen-deficient, while areas above 12% indicated excess nitrogen.

Real-time monitoring during harvest

When installed on combines, NIR analyzers enable real-time protein measurement during harvest. This significantly reduces the need for labor-intensive laboratory testing. The collected data can be geo-referenced via GPS, allowing farmers to generate detailed protein maps that highlight variability within the field.

From protein maps to prescription maps

The protein maps generated by NIR analyzers serve as the foundation for creating variable-rate nitrogen application strategies through prescription maps. The process includes:

• Data integration: protein content data is combined with other field information — such as yield maps, soil fertility levels, and historical crop performance — to gain a comprehensive understanding of field variability.
• Zonal analysis: fields are divided into management zones based on protein levels and additional agronomic factors. Zones with low protein content typically indicate nitrogen deficiency, while high-protein zones may suggest over-application.
  In one example, a 40-hectare field was segmented into five zones based on protein variability. Applying prescription maps in low-yielding areas led to up to 30% improvements in nitrogen use efficiency.
• Precision application: prescription maps guide variable-rate nitrogen applications, ensuring that each zone receives the appropriate amount of fertilizer. This targeted approach reduces waste, lowers input costs, and minimizes environmental risks.

Benefits of NIR Technology in Precision Agriculture

• Economic efficiency: optimizing nitrogen input allows farmers to cut costs and boost profitability. Accurate protein measurement ensures fertilizer is used where it’s most needed, avoiding both over- and under-application.
  In a comparative study, farms using NIR-based prescription maps increased yields by an average of 15% while reducing nitrogen input by 20%.
• Environmental sustainability: precision nitrogen management helps decrease nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. This supports broader environmental goals such as climate change mitigation and water quality protection.
  In a pilot project involving maize fields, the use of NIR data led to a 25% reduction in nitrate leaching.
• Better decision-making: real-time insights from NIR analyzers empower farmers to make informed decisions that enhance both immediate operations and long-term field performance.

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Conclusion

The integration of NIR analyzers on combine harvester represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture. By providing real-time protein measurements, these devices enable farmers to assess nitrogen uptake and develop prescription maps for targeted nutrient management. This technology not only improves economic outcomes for farmers but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the risks associated with improper nitrogen application. As the agricultural sector continues to embrace digital and precision tools, NIR technology will remain a vital component of sustainable farming practices.

Bibliography

1. Afnor, C., & Dupont, L. (2018). “Advances in Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Agriculture: Applications and Benefits.” Journal of Precision Agriculture, 19(2), 123-134.
2. Coble, K. H., Mishra, A. K., & Ferrell, S. (2016). “Precision Agriculture and Nitrogen Use Efficiency: Insights from On-Farm Research.” Agricultural Systems, 149, 51-62.
3. Smith, J. P., & Jones, R. D. (2020). “Real-Time Protein Monitoring in Combines: Implications for Nutrient Management.” Field Crops Research, 245, 107654.
4. USDA Economic Research Service. (2021). “Nitrogen Management in U.S. Agriculture: Trends and Innovations.” ERS Report No. 302.
5. Zha, X., & Li, Q. (2019). “Developing Prescription Maps Using Protein Data from NIR Analyzers.” Precision Agriculture Technology, 12(3), 210-223.
6. Brown, M., & Taylor, G. (2022). “Integration of NIR Technology in Combines for Sustainable Farming.” Agronomy Journal, 114(6), 987-1002.