Agronomy Consulting and Soil Sampling in Precision Ag. By Josh Pittman

Why do we need to address crop production issues? Environmental Concerns PROFIT How do we address these issues, and how do they relate to precision ag.? Soil Sampling- Avoid under or over application of nutrients which could cause profit loss or environmental damage. Crop Consultants- Wealth of records and commercial credibility Precision Management “Precision Ag.”

Soil Sampling Techniques: Composite sample Grid Sample Others Problems: Not a good representative sample of field Random Stratified Sample Good Numbers/better numbers(REF.-SOIL4213-Spatial Variability and Grid Sampling)

Create Management Zones -From Topography Yeild Maps Fertilizer Application Records Mobile and Immobile Nutrients Separate pH Records Soil Texture Attempt to Maintain Resolution < 1Acre

Agronomy Consulting Records Commercial Credibility Existing Manpower Land Area for Application**Opportunity**

Create Application Maps Use GPS ** Implement Correction Factors Same Data Types Overlay Data to Achieve Layered Mapping

Application of Fertilizer Variable Rate Application Apply with respect to soil fertility, not crop condition Utilize GPS in Application, in Conjunction with Layered Data Maps.

Economics Evaluate possible profit gains or losses with fertilizer application. Improve Application efficiency -Less Machine time -Less Man Hours Decrease Opportunity Cost of Production

HOW? Computer Technology * Create Computer Program to Compile and Arrange Data into Maps *Implement Into Sampling and Application Equipment

Conclusions Profit *Increase by Precisely Evaluating Soil “Needs” *Increase by Minimizing Inputs *Increase by Decreasing Opportunity Costs

Conclusions Environmental *Prevent contamination from excessive nutrient application