Syngenta Seeds is making it easy to monitor growing degree units (GDUs).

The company has provided NK Brand Agronometers, devices that electronically monitor GDUs, to 650 seed dealers and 350 farm broadcasters. Growth and development of corn and soybeans are highly dependent on GDUs, which are calculated as the amount of heat accumulated over time to achieve crop maturity levels. GDU data will help add in-season predictability to corn and soybean crop performance.

Data will be shared with farmers throughout the growing season in 11 Corn Belt states to help them fine-tune their crop management and marketing.

Syngenta has also equipped several Team FIN members (a group of farmers who work with Farm Industry News editors to test new equipment) with GDU meters. Each week, the farmers are reporting their crop conditions and accumulated GDUs. Log on www.farmindustrynews.com to read their updates.

In a recent Syngenta poll, nearly half of the farmers surveyed said they believed moisture had the greatest impact on crop development and yield. Meanwhile, some experts believe GDUs have more influence on overall crop performance than either soil moisture or rainfall.

The Agronometer resembles a wall clock with three digital readouts: year-to-date GDUs, plus/minus multi-year GDU averages and time and outdoor temperature readings. A cable connects the unit to a digital temperature sensor housed in a sheltered outdoor location.

For more information, log on to www.syngenta.com.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2007 Penton Media, Inc.