Abstract: A crop monitoring system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense a stalk of a growing crop and generate a detection signal that is representative of the diameter of the stalk. A processor is configured to generate a nutrient status indicator from the detection signal. The nutrient status indicator may also depend partially on VOCs (volatile organic carbon compounds) released by the growing crop. A user interface device is configured to display the nutrient status indicator for use in a crop management system. Related methods are also disclosed, and may be used earlier than conventional nutrient inspection methods, for example, after maize plants have at least six leaves.

Abstract: A crop monitoring system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense VOCs released by a growing crop and generate a detection signal that is representative of the sensed VOCs. A processor is configured to generate a nutrient status indicator from the detection signal. A user interface device is configured to display the nutrient status indicator for use in a crop management system.

Abstract: A crop monitoring system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense VOCs released by a growing crop and generate a detection signal that is representative of the sensed VOCs. A processor is configured to generate a nutrient status indicator from the detection signal. A user interface device is configured to display the nutrient status indicator for use in a crop management system.