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Improving nitrogen decisions with crop sensing: an overview of the different crop sensing options available to Australian growers for improving nitrogen decisions and for use in precision agriculture (Factsheet)

This Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) factsheet explains how crop sensing technologies can be used to improve in-season nitrogen decisions in Australian grain cropping systems. It describes how tools such as canopy reflectance sensors and satellite imagery can assess crop biomass and nitrogen status during the growing season, allowing fertiliser decisions to be adjusted in response to seasonal conditions and yield potential. The factsheet includes a case of study about grower Mark Branson’s experiences and strategies with precision agriculture, focusing on the use of large-scale variable-rate technology for nitrogen and phosphorus applications. This factsheet is relevant to all Australian broadacre cropping systems [PDF 3.9 MB, 6 pages]. #

Steps towards site-specific nitrogen management:
Crop reflectance data
Sources of crop reflectance data
Using crop reflectance data for nitrogen management decisions
Nitrogen test strips (N-rich strips)
Variable-rate nitrogen application decisions

  • Audience: RSP, tertiary students, landholders, SFSG, consultants
  • State: WA, SA, VIC, ACT, NSW, TAS, QLD
  • Author/Editor: GRDC
  • Publisher: GRDC
  • Resource Type: Factsheet
  • Copyright Year: 2023
  • Not Provided
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Resource Last Updated: February 15, 2026

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