This peculiar contraption is Fritzmeier’s latest nutrient sensing tool which varies fertiliser application rates according to the nitrogen content of the plant.

Five LEDs illuminate plants as the machine passes over and a sensor detects the amount of light reflected by the leaves.

The signal generated by this sensor is used to work out the plant’s nutrient demand and fertiliser rates are adjusted accordingly.

At €16,000 it’s substantially cheaper than their €44,000 Mini Veg N system and, according to the manufacturer, does the same job.