Precision Ag Precision agriculture (PA) refers to using information, computing and sensing technologies for production agriculture. PA application enables improved production efficiencies and profitability, whilst reducing input costs and minimising the impacts on the environment. In cotton crop production, pa can be used for: 1. Spatial control - this includes GPS as well as remote monitoring and control. 2. Site specific crop management (SSCM). Referring to the analysis of spatial agronomy and production information which is decision based. E.G moisture probes data Influences when irrigation is needed.

EM surveys Electromagnetic induction (EM) surveys, measure soil electrical conductivity (soil eca), which is closely linked to soil properties, including water content, clay content, and salt content. In non-saline soils eca variations reflect different soil texture and moisture content. EM surveys when combined with soil sampling help to create soil type maps, crop-specific yield-potential management zones related to subsoil constraints and deep drainage or leakage areas.

EM Survey Maps

Remotely Sensed Multispectral Imagery Airborne (plane, UAV) and satellite multispectral imaging systems, measure the sunlight reflected off crops. Chlorophyll-containing crops have strong reflectance in the green wavelength range and low reflectance in the red and blue wavelengths and in combination with strategic in-crop inspections, have been used extensively in cotton farming systems for plant stand biomass evaluation and crop growth stage assessment.

Elevation Elevation (including slope, aspect and wetness maps) maps show the relationship between topography, soil water infiltration, and subsequent yield. Often where terrain changes, so does soil type. Topography is a primary determinant of the movement of water and subsequent infiltration, and its measurement and management can assist in improving crop yield and quality of cotton produced. Elevation maps can be created by most tractor guidance systems.

Yield Recording an actual lint quantity is critical information about field variability (and the integrated effect of environmental factors that influence yield). Some self- propelled round bale pickers with monitors and “Harvest ID“ service packs, have enabled the capacity to match ginning data to specific round module Radio Frequency Identifications (RFID) to create lint yield quality maps.

Other Types of Precision Ag Variable rate planting (population): Matching the seeding rate to soil type and/or topography. Variable rate planting (hybrid): Changing crop hybrid varieties within a field to match soil conditions and/or topography. Variable rate fertiliser (starter): Redistributing planting/starter fertiliser to allocate rates to specific production zones, created or ground-truthed from intensive soil nutrient sampling. Variable rate fertiliser (pre-sowing): Redistributing fertiliser to allocate rates to specific production zones, based on previous crop yield and ground-truthed from intensive soil nutrient sampling. Variable rate fertiliser (topdress, in-crop): Using remotely sensed multispectral imagery to identify zones of differing reflectance. Ground-truthing via in-crop inspections and tissue testing being critical to determining links between reflectance zones and crop biomass/crop nutrient status.

Other Types of Precision Ag Variable rate herbicide (in-crop): Using early season multispectral imagery to identify high density populations of weeds, which after ground-truthing can be patched out by applying variable rates of knockdown herbicides (RR crops. Variable rate irrigation (in-crop, pivot/lateral): Utilising soil EM and topography derivatives (aspect, slope) to create production potential management zones. Variable rate herbicide (resistance mapping for no-till, dryland): Utilising multispectral imagery after a solid field application of knock-down herbicide, to determine areas for application of double knock or alternative control methods. Variable rate growth regulator (in-crop): Utilising in-crop multispectral imagery and subsequent ground-truthing to determine biomass/crop growth based management zones.