Soil sampling is an important step in site-specific crop management as soil variability is often directly correlated to variations in yield. Traditional soil sampling consists of collecting and compositing random samples from across a field resulting in a uniform application of fertilizer and lime. This broad application often leads to an over, or under, application of plant nutrients. Precision soil sampling is accomplished by geo-referencing soil samples from the area which the sample was taken using a Global Positioning System (GPS). This allows growers to manage field variability by optimizing nutrient and lime inputs on a site-specific basis. Precision soil sampling is accomplished through either zone or grid sampling methods.
Precision agriculture practices often generate extensive amounts of data – boundary files, yield data, guidance lines, prescription files, as-applied data – the list goes on and on. The following are tips for managing and utilizing... more
With everyone gearing up for the 2010 growing season, one task to complete before spring work kicks into high gear is making sure all your data cards have been downloaded and all data has been... more
The 2009 Precision Ag and Field Crops Conference, set for December 8th at the Wind Creek Hotel in Atmore, Alabama, promises to offer a wide variety of information on precision agriculture (PA) technologies. The conference... more
Farmers across Alabama have begun to receive funding for the new EQIP Precision Ag (PA) incentive. The program encourages the adoption of GPS-enabled precision agricultural technology and equipment for nutrient and pest management. Variable-rate application... more
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