proposal for implementation of agriculture by management zones

8/9/2019 Proposal for Implementation of Agriculture by Management Zones

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Proposal - Implementation of Agriculture by ManagementZones

Table of Contents

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1

Description of the process and scope of services...........................................................................2The Process................................................................................................................................2Base Map....................................................................................................................................3Productivity maps by field............................................................................................................3Ground truthing and characterization of management zones .............................................. ..... .4Variable rate prescription and applications, yield mapping, and post season analysis ...............5

Summary of services provided........................................................................................................5

Introduction

Agriculture by Management zones focuses on differential management of zones with differentyields potential, optimizing the use of inputs and maximizing yields. To illustrate the concept,these are some examples of how management can be optimized, by an adequateidentification of management zones 1:

• Areas with consistent high yields over the years are typically backslope areas thathave adequate soil moisture but are not prone to flooding. Producers may wish toincrease inputs in these areas, as agronomists report that nutrient depletion oftenoccurs in areas of consistently high production.

• Areas with consistent low yields are typically summit or shoulder positions with limitedsoil moisture. These areas may also be eroded with low organic matter contents andlimited production capabilities. Producers may wish to cut back inputs in these areasto increase efficiency

GeoAgro brings a comprehensive, practical, and cost-effective approach to implementingagriculture by management zones. Understanding the implementation process as acontinuous cycle, our mission is to support the producer and his consultant by providinginformation, tools supporting each step of the process, helpdesk, training, and local

agronomic assistance to assure successful implementations.This approach has been validated by GeoAgro clients in more than 480,000 acres, helpingthem reach significant benefits, operational efficiency, and improving decision making in eachfarm. Also, environmental benefits are significant, since it reduces the required amount of fertilizers and pesticides.

1 Examples from: Jonathan Keinjan et al., 'Developing Productivity Zones from Multiple Years of Yield Monitor data', GIS Applications in agriculture edited by Francis J. Pierce and David Clay, 2007

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Description of the process and scope of services

The Process

The process is a continuous cycle that can be improved every season. It comprises thefollowing steps:

• The first step is Georeferencing of farm and fields boundaries , as well asthe base map information (soils, topography, imagery)

• Generation of productivity maps , which delineate areas with higher and lower productivity, based on the analysis of historical satellite images on key dates.

•

Ground truthing (field validation) of the distribution of productivity zones, toidentify limiting factors. Optionally, soil samples can be taken and sent to the lab for further analysis.

• Characterization of management zones , and making decisions on alternativecourses of action, such as prescription of variable rate seeding or fertilizing, or croprotation strategies based on economic considerations.

• Variable rate applications, yield mapping, and post season analysis to verify resultsand evaluate management improvements for next season

The scope of services is detailed as follows.

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Image:Landsat 5TM 3/8/2004 Image:Landsat 5TM 01/06/2005 Image:Landsat 5TM 01/25/2006

NDVI 3/8/2004 NDVI 01/06/2005 NDVI 01/25/2006

After generating all the required normalized NDVI layers, these are integrated through thecluster technique, defining homogeneous areas and generating the productivity map.

Ground truthing and characterization of management zonesIt includes the following steps:

• Initial interpretation of productivity maps, evaluating possible limiting factors.

• Planning of field visits, defining 'spots' that will require detailed review.

• Ground truthing (field validation) through a 'field-walk' using GPS, visiting the selectedspots and others.

• Optionally, duing the visit or afterwards, sampling points can be taken for later analysis by the soil lab and adjusting the management zones characterization.

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• After review of the gathered information, management zones are defined, taking intoaccount homogeneous areas and limiting factors.

GeoAgro provides tools and remote support to carry out this phase. Optionally, local

agronomic support is available to do an on-site evaluation togeher with the producer or assigned personnel, and to answer questions about the process.

Variable rate prescription and applications, yield mapping, and post seasonanalysis

The knowledge of management zones is applied in the following steps. GeoAgro provides thetools and support to facilitate its implementation:

• Differential management or Variable rate prescription : In this step, theconsultant enters the recommended input rates in a Prescription tool to obtain aprescription map. Optionally, decisions may just focus on alternative crop rotation or drainage strategies for instance.

• Variable rate applications : Prescription maps can be automatically exported ina compatible format with the variable rate equipment, and sent by e-mail to thecontractor or equipment operator.

• Yield mapping: If available, yield maps are valuable data that can provideaccurate information on the yield distribution, and the impact of managementdecisions. Yield maps can be imported in shape file or txt formats to the system.

• Post season analyisis : Also, tools are provided to relate different layers, such asyields with management zones or prescription maps. Then, data is exported to excelfor more detailed analysis, and drawing conclusions for the next season.

Please visit http://www.geoagro.com/en/content/geoagro-gis-quick-tour for anoverview of some of these features

Summary of services providedAs mentioned, our mission is to facilitate the implementation of agriculture by managementzones in each step of the process through a combination of resources for the producer andthe consultant. This includes:

• Information processing :GeoAgro provides the required information to supportthe described process, including base map information, historic NDVI information, anproductivity maps for each field. Information can be downloaded to GeoAgro GIS or other GIS of the client’s choice

• Software tools : Alternatively, clients may use the GIS that they are currentlyusing, or GeoAgro GIS, which has been designed to facilitate the whole process, andis provided as part of the service . This acts as an implementation platform,organizing and analyzing georeferenced information, simple to use and at the sametime with powerful features for agronomic management (seehttp://www.geoagro.com/en/content/geoagro-gis )

• Support : As part of the service, our support team dedicated to assist clients insolving any issues that may arise when implementing the process. The SupportCenter is available at: http://wikiagro.com/en/Portals:GeoAgro_Support ,where clients can search for an answers, review reference guides, troubleshooting,Frequently Asked Questions and other useful resources. Also, support is available byemail or phone. This is provided as part of the service.

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• Training : GeoAgro's Training team can help you optimize information managementfor crop production and making effective use of technologies. Through Self-pacedtutorials, Web-based seminars, or instructor-led online courses, clients can find thebest option for your needs in GeoAgro's training center, available at:http://wikiagro.com/en/Portals:GeoAgro_Training . Training on themanagement zones process is included as part of the service.

• Local Agronomic support : Optionally, and at an additional cost, technicaladvice can be provided on site regarding specific topics of the agriculture bymanagement zones process, such as variable rate application, yield monitors, or other related topics.

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proposal for implementation of agriculture by management zones

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