Technology
Clip turns smartphones into nitrogen
sensors Fertiliser specialists Yara have developed a new tool to help more growers adopt precision crop nu- trition techniques. YaraIrix allows farmers to measure crop nitrogen require- ments using their smartphones – avoiding the need for expensive equipment by using a small clip which turns mobile phones into high-tech nitrogen sensors. The YaraIrix system includes
Precision farming equipment worth thousands of pounds is being stolen John Deere unveils security
feature to thwart thieves • GPS kit stolen from tractors and farms • Code renders equipment useless • Owner receives alert if machine moves
J
ohn Deere is now offering a new PIN code locking sys- tem to help deter the theft of valuable GreenStar displays and StarFire receivers.
The code has been designed to make it impossible to use the com- ponents if they are stolen. A num- ber of the GPS systems have been stolen from tractors and farms in recent weeks – and the deter- rent aims to render the equip- ment useless.
Because of their popular ‘plug
and play’ design, John Deere dis- plays and GPS receivers have been more susceptible to theft compared to some other systems on the market. Until now, they could only be locked and protect- ed mechanically. Worth thousands of pounds, the equipment has been seen as easy pickings by criminals, es- pecially when left on tractors or sprayers overnight in isolat- ed fields. But thieves have been known to break into machinery sheds and stores too. To increase the level of protec- tion, John Deere has introduced
44 ANGLIA FARMER • APRIL 2019
a built-in PIN code lock – simi- lar to that used on smartphones – for both components. The PIN code for the display and the re- ceiver are entered via the John Deere display.
Master code
If the user forgets the code, they can continue working for a lim- ited period, up to a maximum of 72 hours. After this a master un- lock code is required, which can be easily generated in the Stel- larSupport online portal. The new PIN code locking sys- tem is now available for John Deere 4240 and 4640 Universal Displays and the StarFire 6000 receiver. It is bundled with the re- cent 19-1 software update, which permits the upgrade of these spe- cific displays and receivers. This latest security feature complements the range of pre- cautions already introduced by John Deere to deter thieves. Trac- tors are fitted as standard with the CESAR Datatag security system, as well as an immobilis- er, whereby the key has a tran-
sponder unique to each individ- ual tractor.
This means that while any
other John Deere tractor key will still fit the door and ignition, the tractor won’t start without the proper key. John Deere was the first company to introduce the unique key system as standard on a full range of tractors in the UK and Ireland, in 2011.
Curfew mode
Other security related items are also available from dealers, such as lockable fuel tank caps and separate door lock keys, as well as immobiliser systems from the John Deere owned Vapormat- ic all-makes parts business. In addition, all 7R, 8R & 9R Se- ries tractors have JDLink telemat- ics fitted as standard, with a one- year licence free of charge. This includes the ability to geofence machines, so text or email alerts are sent if the machine moves out- side a predefined area. JDLink can also warn the owner if the machine was turned on during a pre-defined period, for example, during the night. Stand- ard on larger tractors, this curfew mode is available as a factory-fit- ted option on 6R Series models and can be field fitted on most other vehicles.
a free-to-download-app (for An- droid & iOS), which uses camera photos to determine the nitrogen demand of different crops in ear- ly growth stages. The smartphone clip and a Bluetooth N-Tester en- able precise measurement in lat- er growth stages.
“Every field is special,” Ste- fan Fürnsinn, of Yara’s digital farming department. “YaraIrix is a game-changer that can ulti- mately provide millions of farm- ers with insights previously un- available about their field.” With access to precise data about the nutritional needs of crops, the company says grow- ers can produce more food while reducing the environmental im- pact of farming. Crop nitrogen needs can be precisely deter- mined, making it easier to apply the correct amount of fertiliser. Without the clip, the app al- lows photo-based nitrogen de- mand determination for winter wheat, oilseed rape, maize and barley during early growth stag- es (first dressing).
The smartphone clip attaches easily and delivers accurate results, says Yara
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