| 摘要 |
Applying fertilizer comprises determining the chlorophyll content of the plants, using a microprocessor connected to the sensors to determine the nutritional status of the plants, using an on-board computer to control the fertilizer application rate, determining the position of the tractor by means of a digital global positioning system (GPS) and controlling the sensors and microprocessor. Applying fertilizer to plants by tractor comprises (1) determining the chlorophyll content of the plants using sensors for measuring reflectance in the visible or near infrared region of the spectrum; (2) using a microprocessor connected to the sensors to determine the nutritional status of the plants; (3) using an on-board computer to control the fertilizer application rate on the basis of nutritional status; (4) determining the position of the tractor by means of a digital global positioning system (GPS) and (5) controlling the sensors and microprocessor in real time by means of signals transmitted from the GPS and reference signals transmitted from a reference satellite. An Independent claim is also included for an apparatus for carrying out the process which comprises a drivable carrier e.g. a vehicle and/or trailer, equipped with a computer, one or more sensors mounted on the carrier in the direction of travel through the crop, a microprocessor connected to the sensors for determining the nutritional status of the plants, the microprocessor being connected to the computer, an applicator for variable distribution of the fertilizer and a digital GPS receiver connected to the microprocessor.
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