The Mule: 2012
| Second generation mobile platform light bar. Improvements have been made with higher accuracy GPS that works in dense tree canopies as well as width adjustment from 8-32’. Normal speed of travel is 10-11 km/hr (6-7 mph)- at that speed we can map about 6 miles of row within 1/2 hour of midday. More on experiments conducted with the "Mule" |  |
Results Summary
Data is presented in the three graphs stacked at right for the last three years of the study: 2009, 2010 and 2011: Midday canopy light interception versus yield for two irrigation systems, fanjet and drip (includes all Nitrogen treatments in Kern county and Colusa county orchard sites).
Some of variability in PAR interception as well as yield for a given level of interception can be explained by fertilization treatment differences.
GPS-Equipped Harvester
The photo below shows the load cell and high accuracy GPS equipped harvest trailer that can be used for continuous yield monitoring in almond and walnut.