A Spatially Variable Management System for the Application of Fertilizer for the Production of Winter Wheat in the Palouse

A procedure for developing a GIS database for a Palouse wheat field is described and a case study used for an example. The database and standard fertilizer rate formulas based on potential yield were combined with an expert system to develop a fertilizer rate database for each of 200 cells in a 32 h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:SAE transactions 1993-01, Vol.102, p.312-326
Main Authors: Peterson, Charles L., He, Bin, Shropshire, Geoffrey J., Fisher, Keith B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A procedure for developing a GIS database for a Palouse wheat field is described and a case study used for an example. The database and standard fertilizer rate formulas based on potential yield were combined with an expert system to develop a fertilizer rate database for each of 200 cells in a 32 hectare field. GPS instrumentation and a variable rate fertilizer applicator were used to apply the spatially variable fertilizer rate in the field. Average fertilizer applied was reduced from the farmer's anticipated 71 kg/ha to an average of 45 kg/ha for the variable rate. The fertilizer rate on slopes steeper than 20 percent averaged 33 kg/ha or a 54 percent reduction. The fertilizer cost was reduced by $7 per acre.
ISSN:0096-736X
2577-1531