TITLE: Precision Farming PUBLICATION DATE: December 1994 ENTRY DATE: April 1995 EXPIRATION DATE: UPDATE FREQUENCY: CONTACT: Jane Gates Alternative Farming Systems Information Center National Agricultural Library Room 304, 10301 Baltimore Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 Telephone: (301) 504-6559 FAX: (301) 504-6409 Internet: afsic@nal.usda.gov DOCUMENT TYPE: text DOCUMENT SIZE: 26k (12 pages) ================================================================== ISSN: 1052-2255 United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Blvd. Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2351 Precision Farming Agri-Topics: AT 95-01 Compiled by: Bonnie Emmert, Water Quality Information Center Jane Gates, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center Joe Makuch, Water Quality Information Center Special thanks to: Kenneth Sudduth, Agricultural Research Service, for his helpful comments in reviewing this publication. December 1994 National Agricultural Library Cataloging Record: Emmert, Bonnie Precision farming. (Agri-topics ; 95-01) 1. Precision farming--Bibliography. I. Gates, Jane Potter. II. Makuch, Joe. III. Title. aZ5073.A37 no.95-01 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. TITLE: Precision Farming PUBLICATION DATE: December 1994 ENTRY DATE: April 1995 EXPIRATION DATE: UPDATE FREQUENCY: CONTACT: Jane Gates Alternative Farming Systems Information Center National Agricultural Library Room 304, 10301 Baltimore Blvd. Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 Telephone: (301) 504-6559 FAX: (301) 504-6409 Internet: afsic@nalusda.gov DOCUMENT TYPE: text DOCUMENT SIZE: 26k (12 pages) ============================================================== Precision Farming This publication is a brief guide to information about precision farming"a means of growing crops by making more efficient use of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Other terms for precision farming include: prescription farming, prescription agriculture, site-specific farming and site-specific crop management. The expected benefits of precision farming include increased farm profits with less possibility of environmental damage from agricultural operations. Crop management decisions are typically made on a field-by-field basis, i.e., entire fields are treated as if they were one homogeneous unit. But soil characteristics (pH, texture, organic matter) and other factors such as moisture conditions or weed problems may vary considerably within a given field. Instead of managing an entire field based upon some hypothetical average condition, which may not exist anywhere in the field, a precision farming approach recognizes site-specific differences within fields and adjusts management actions accordingly. For example, based on extensive soil testing, different locations within a field may receive different amounts of fertilizer. Technological advancements make precision farming easier. Smaller, faster, less expensive computers are of critical importance in gathering, analyzing, and acting upon information about soils and growing conditions in a timely manner. Soil sensors, variable rate applicators, on-the-go yield monitors, and global positioning systems (GPS) that use satellite technology to identify specific locations within fields are the high-tech tools of the precision farmer. What's Here The articles listed in this publication are from newspapers, the scientific literature, and the farm press, and are intended, collectively, to give an overview of precision farming. The listing of research projects comes from the United States Department of Agriculture's Current Research Information System (CRIS) database and serves to acquaint the reader with publicly funded research efforts involving precision farming. The inclusion or omission of a citation should not be construed as endorsement or disapproval. Please contact your local, state or university library to access the publications. If unable to locate the desired publication, your library can contact the National Agricultural Library (NAL). Who We Are The Water Quality Information Center (WQIC) and the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) are two of eleven centers located at the NAL. Centers provide in-depth coverage of specific subject areas relating to the food and agricultural sciences. Areas of interest between centers frequently overlap, as they do in this instance on the subject of precision farming: WQIC is concerned with the relationship between agricultural activities and the quality of surface water and groundwater. AFSIC focuses on alternative farming systems that employ methods of farming sustainably which protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural productivity and profitability. Copies of this and other publications on related subjects are available at no charge from either center. Contact: Alternative Farming Systems Information Center National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville Md 20705-2351 phone 301/504-6559; Fax 301/504-6409 Internet nalafsic@nalusda.gov or Water Quality Information Center National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville Md 20705-2351 Phone 301/504-6077; Fax 301/504-7098 Internet wqic@nalusdagov READINGS IN PRECISION FARMING Agriculture is Reaping the Rewards of Computers Johnson, Lori Beckman PC Today p. 64-69 (April 1991) Computers have a wide variety of uses on farms, from accounting to controlling the application of nitrate. Area Co-op Tries Focused Fertilizing LeDuc, Doug. The News-Sentinel, August 30, 1993. Business Monday, p. 13B Cooperating with Purdue University researchers, an Indiana agricultural cooperative participates in DeKalb Agra's Variable Rate Technology Program. Combines with Senses Mowitz, Dave Successful Farming v. 91 (11): p. 24-25 (November 1993) NAL Call No: 6 S412 Combines can now be equipped with electronic sensors that weigh yields on-the-go or at unloading. Directed Sprayer for Targeting Pesticides Morrison, J. E. & Chandler, J. M. Weed Technology v. 6 (2): p. 441-444 (April-June 1992) NAL Call No: SB610 W39 Experimental directed sprayer design improvements that deliver pesticides to targets at minimum application rates. Effects of Spatial Variability of Nitrogen, Moisture, and Weeds on the Advantages of Site- specific Applications of Wheat Chancellor, W. J, & Goronea, M. A. Transactions of the ASAE 37(3): p.717-724 (1994) NAL Call No: 290.9 Am32T Evaluates the major differences between spatially determined applications and conventional blanket applications of water, nitrogen, and herbicide on irrigated winter wheat. Considers the variable efficacy of the site-specific method for short- and long-term intervals. Environmentally Sound Agricultural Production Systems Through Site-Specific Farming Engel, B.A. & Gaultney, L.D. Paper-American Society of Agricultural Engineers (90-2566) (Winter 1990) St. Joseph, MI: The Society NAL Call No: 290.9 AM32P Examines site-specific or prescription farming for reducing environmental impacts and describes a prescription-farmed field project. Farm by the Foot Reichenberger, Larry & Russnogle, John Farm Journal v. 113(6): p. 11-15 (Mid-March 1989) NAL Call No: 6 F2212 Growers can increase profits by tailoring fertilizer applications to soil types. Farmers Find GPS Useful Management Tool Stock, Elaine Farmweek v. 22 (19): p. 6 (May 9, 1994) Global positioning systems (GPS) provide farmers with the ability to monitor an exact spot in a field for yields, soil type, fertility and chemical problems. Farmers can use these data to apply inputs where they are needed. Farming Soils, Not Fields: A Strategy for Increasing Fertilizer Profitability Carr, P. M., Carlson, G. R., Jacobsen, J. S., Nielsen, G. A. & Skogley, E. O. Journal of Production Agriculture 4(1): p.57-61 NAL Call No: S539.5 J68, 1991. Compares crop yields produced by different soils within fields and the economic consequences of using soil-specific applications of fertilizer vs. conventional uniform applications. Generally, results indicate potential for increasing fertilizer profitability by using the soil-specific method. Farming Takes on New Computer Technology Wall, Robin Christian Science Monitor, November 30, 1993. Economy p. 8 Examines an agricultural vehicle of the next decade which adopts new methods and technologies such as a satellite dish, sensors, lasers, and a computer. Field Navigation Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Larsen, W.E., Tyler, D.A & Nielsen, G.A. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Microfiche Collection 10 pp. ill.(fiche no 88-1604) (1988) St. Joseph, MI: The Society. NAL Call No: FICHE S 72 Describes technology needed for prescription farming. Field-Testing the Smart Box Holmberg, Mike Successful Farming v. 91 (8): p. 38 (August 1993) NAL Call No: 6 SU12 Technology for the precise application of insecticide granules. Fine-Tuning Agricultural Inputs Cooke, Linda Agricultural Research v. 41 (1): p. 16-18 (January 1993) NAL Call No: 1.98 Ag84 Prescription farming increases production efficiency and reduces potential for water contamination. Discusses sensors and yield variability measurement. Harvesting From the Heavens/Farmers Embrace the Computer Age Chicago Tribune Sacramento Bee, November 26, 1993. Business, p. B8 Computers move into the farm fields to launch variable rate application of pesticides and fertilizers, and satellite mapping for farmland using global positioning systems. Herbicide Application to Targeted Patches Miller, P. C. H. & Stafford, J. V. Brighton Crop Protection Conference Weeds v. 3: p. 1249-1256 (1991) NAL Call No: SB610.2.B74 Describes concept for targeting herbicide application to weed patches in arable crops so that sprays can be applied only to detected patches. High Tech is Fertile Ground for Farmers Goering, Laurie Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1993. Business, p.1 Farm equipment outfitted with personal computers, optic-sensors, and satellite receivers combines with variable application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs. How Much and Where Goering, Carroll E. Agricultural Engineering v. 73 (4): p. 13-15 (July 1992) NAL Call No: 58.8 Ag83 Technical advances make site-specific crop management feasible. How Much Fertilizer? The Satellite Sees All Uhlenbrock, Tom St. Louis Post Dispatch, November 8, 1992. News p. 1A Ken Gilmore, manager of the prescription farming program for the Space Remote Sensing Center, Stennis Space Center, explains the application of remote sensing technology on an Oran, Missouri farm. In Ohio's Maumee River Valley Precision Put to Test Wanzel, Robert J. Dealer Progress v. 25(1): p. I4-I5, I14 (January 1994) NAL Call No: S631 F44 Experiences of twelve fertilizer dealers involved in the Maumee Valley Prescription Farming Feasibility Project. Index for Describing Spatial Variability in Prescription Farming McCauley, J. D. & Whittaker, A. D. Transactions of the ASAE v. 36 (3): p. 691-693 (May-June 1993) NAL Call No: 290.9 AM32T Presents a scalar descriptor of the spatial variability of fertilizer application maps with regard to the difficulty an applicator may have in matching prescribed rates for site-specific application. Influence of Fertilizer Application Nonuniformity on Crop Response Ndiaye, J. P. & Yost, R. S. Soil Science Society of America Journal 53: p.1872-1878 (1989) NAL Call No: 56.9 So3 Examines variable applications of potassium fertilizer in field areas with potassium deficient soil. Using cabbage as an indicator crop, results showed that nonuniform fertilizer distribution decreased maximum yields about 9.5% Mapping and Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) as Alternative Methods to Address Variability in Soil Test Results Beverly, R. B., Hoogenboom, G., Shuman, L. M., & Tollner, E. W. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis v. 25 (7&8): p. 1057-1070 (1994) This case study from field plots in Georgia looks at soil testing aspects of precision nutrient management. The study compares strategies for addressing spatial and statistical variability in soil characteristics using currently available technology. Mapping of Spatially Variable Yield During Grain Combining Searcy, S. W., Schueller, J. K., Bae, Y. H., Borgelt, S. C. & Stout, B. A. Transactions of the ASAE 32(3): p.826-829 (1989) NAL Call No: 290.9 Am32T A data acquisition system, consisting of a grain flowmeter and location detection sensor, was mounted on a combine and used to generate grain yield maps that indicated field-site variations. Describes method of analysis used to produce these maps. Military Satellites Lock onto Farm Targets Keller, Des Progressive Farmer v. 108 (10): p. 24-25 (October 1993) NAL Call No: S1 P74 Satellite positioning technology, on-the-go yield monitors, variable rate fertilizer applicators, and sophisticated computer programs are making prescription farming a reality. New Technology Out of this World - Literally Stock, Elaine Farmweek v. 22 (19): p. 6 (May 9, 1994) Satellite and computer technology allows farmers to precisely map their fields to show variations in nutrient needs, crop yields and other data. These very specific data are then used to tailor the amount of inputs applied to each part of a field. Precision Farming: Soil Sensors Reduce the Use of Fertilizer for Crops Anonymous The Futurist v. 27: p. 56 (November-December 1993) Electronic sensors measure organic matter and moisture in soil. Precision Farming Series (93-ARS-29) USDA Research Reports Vidiocassette (VHS; 11 minutes) (1993) NAL cataloging in process This film consists of five short clips: Introduction, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Variable Rate Technology (VRT). For copies or more information, contact USDA-ARS Information, Room 456, 6303 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Preparing for the Future Farm Krutz, Gary Conservation Impact v. 12 (9): p. 1 (October 1994) NAL Call No: S604 C66 The lead article of an issue devoted to precision farming technology. This article examines a prototype vehicle developed at Purdue University. Other articles discuss GIS, GPS and VRT. Prescription Farming Based on Soil Property Sensors Gaultney, Larry D. Paper-American Society of Agricultural Engineers (89-1036) (1989), St. Joseph, MI: The Society Prescription farming will improve profitability and potentially reduce agricultural pollution. Soil property sensors provide the basis. A Prototype Design of a Computer-Controlled Spreader System for Prescription Farming Technology Tsui, Tak-Lap & Smith, Donald A. Proceedings of the North Dakota Academy of Science v. 46: p. 64 (April 1992), Grand Forks, ND: The Academy NAL Call No: 500 N813 A database system; knowledge-based system; micro-controller; and location sensing system are four parts of a computer-controlled prescription farming system. Recycling a Concept Goering, Carroll E. Agricultural Engineering v. 74 (6): p. 25 (November 1993) NAL Call No: 58.8 Ag83 Site-Specific Crop Management (SSCM) surfaces again because of technological advances and environmental awareness. A Review and Integrating Analysis of Spatially-Variable Control of Crop Production Schueller, John K. Fertilizer Research 33: p.1-34 (1992) NAL Call No: S631 F422 Reviews research and development in managing and controlling crop production by examining the variability of components within each field, such as soils, crops, and pests. Considers advances in various technologies that contribute to this type of sensitive analysis. Uses both conventional scientific and non-traditional sources. An Rx for Tailor-Made Fertilizers: Farmers Could Get Prescriptions for Their Fields Gertz, Deborah Quincy Herald-Whig, April 4, 1993. Business Extra, p. 8 Farmers could prescribe tailor-made field fertilizer and chemical applications using satellite, infrared sensor and on-tractor computer technology. Selling Precision at DeKalb Agra...Their Future is Now Wanzel, Robert J. Dealer Progress v. 25(1): p. I10-I13 (January 1994) NAL Call No: S631 F44 Technology and techniques utilized by one commercial entity to achieve precision farming. Sensors, Software and Satellites May Hold Seeds of Better Yields Sugarman, Carole The Washington Post, September 7, 1992. A Section, p. a03 Satellite farming utilizes global positioning systems and other technology to customize agricultural chemical application rates. Soil Organic Matter, CEC and Moisture Sensing with a Portable NIR spectrophotometer Sudduth, K. A, & Hummel, J.W. Transactions of the ASAE 36(6): p.1571-1582 (1993) NAL Call No: 290.9 Am32T Evaluates the accuracy of soil reflectance data gathered with a portable spectrophotometer by comparing results with standard laboratory analyses. Movement of soil past the sensor during sample collection contributed to a higher error rate for the spectrophotometer. Soil Specific Crop Management: Proceedings of a Workshop on Research and Development Issues, Minneapolis, MN, April 14-16, 1992 Robert, P. C., Rust, R. H. & Larson, W. E. (ed.) Soil Society of America, Inc., Madison, WI NAL Call No: S596.7 P76 1993 Conference proceedings with forty-three papers covering a variety of topics related to precision farming. Papers are grouped under these section headings: soil resources variability, managing variability, engineering technology, profitability, environment, and technology transfer. Also included is a list of participants. Spectroscopic Sensing of Soil Organic Matter Content Shonk, J. L., Gualtney, L. D., Schulze, D. G, & Van Scoyoc G. E., Transactions of the ASAE 34(5): p.1978-1984 (1991) NAL Call No: 290.9 Am32T Evaluates the effectiveness of a sensor to determine the composition of organic matter in soil. Tests indicate the sensor is likely to be useful for prescription application of chemicals. Variable Fertilizer Application Based on Yield Goal, Soil Fertility, and Soil Map Unit Wibawa, Winny D., Dludlu, Duduzile L., Swenson, Larry, J., Hopkins, David G. & Dahnke, William, C. Journal of Production Agriculture 6(2): p.255-2611(1993) NAL Call No: S539.5 J68 Examines how fertilizer treatment can be adjusted to meet the variable conditions within fields. Differences in soil fertility were determined by preparing grid patterns and soil maps based on soil samples for each of several eastern North Dakota fields. consisting mainly of Haploborols, Calciaquolls, Argialbolls. Wheat and barley were grown. Determined that fertilizer variability using the sampling method increased yields but the increased cost of using this method resulted in a lower net return. Variable Rate Fluid Technology Arrives for Dealers Peitscher, Alissa Solutions v. 36 (5): p. 31-34 (July/August 1992) NAL Call No: 57.8 SO4 Describes variable rate technology, which offers prescription application of fluid fertilizers and crop protection chemicals. Varying Fertilizer Applications within a Field Buchholz, Daryl D. & Wollenhaupt, Nyle C. Better Crops v. 72 (2): p. 12-13 (Spring 1990) NAL Call No: 6 B46. Missouri researchers have found major benefits to managing fertilizer applications. Systems that do this can be termed prescription farming. Yield Determination Using a Pivoted Auger Flow Sensor Wagner, L. E. & Schrock, M. D. Transactions of the ASAE 32(2): p.409-413 (1989) NAL Call No: 290.9 Am32T Evaluates the use of a grain flow sensor, mounted on a combine, to determine yield variations of wheat and sorghum within a field. Examines factors that could influence sensor accuracy, such as vibration, vehicle motion, time lag of grain conveyance through the combine, and unsteady flow rates. PRECISION FARMING RESEARCH This section lists examples of precision farming research projects entered on the Current Research Information System (CRIS) database. CRIS is the U. S. Department of Agriculture's electronic documentation and reporting system for publicly funded agricultural and forestry research. *** Applying and Recording Agricultural Chemicals Simultaneously via Computer Control Project No. SD00189 To ensure safety plus enhance productivity, applied chemicals for crop production need to be feasibly utilized with as much control as possible. A machinery system (both hardware and software) is being designed to control and adjust the release of pesticides so that the on-the-go applied delivery corresponds to the soil environment. A laptop microcomputer (positioned within the tractor cab) is the main component and provides simplicity, reliability and establishes the capability to record and maintain a chemical-field history. Investigator(s): Froelich, D. P., Klosterman, T. & Alcock, R. Agricultural Engineering South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota 57007 Project Duration: 10/4/89-9/30/93 *** Engineering Systems for Field and Vegetable Crop Production Project No. CA-D-AER-5468-H The objective of this project is to develop efficient and sustainable production systems for field and vegetable crops to: reduce soil compaction, energy use and dust generation; enhance residue utilization and management; accommodate nonchemical pest control alternatives; enhance product quality; allow site specific application of inputs, such as pesticides, fertilizers or water. Investigator(s): Studer, H. E., Chancellor, W. J. & Garrett, R. E. Agricultural Engineering University of California Davis, CA 95616 Project Duration: 8/21/91-9/30/96 *** Engineering Systems for Spatially Variable Agricultural Production Project No. TEX06745 (1) To develop a computer based system that can obtain data, analyze that data and implement management practices on small area production units. (2) To determine the nature of variability of parameters affecting agronomic productivity on a spatial basis and to determine the economic impact of that variability. Investigator(s): Searcy, S. W., Whittaker, A. D. & Coble, C. G. Agricultural Engineering Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77843 Project Duration: 3/29/91-3/28/96 *** Remote Sensing and Associated Technology Transfer to Production Agriculture Project No. 1270-66000-011-03S Develop remote sensing based products in cooperation with Agricultural Research Service scientists and users that are most appropriate for agriculture production management decisions. Assist users in independently evaluating cost effective use. Investigator(s): Hart, G. F. & May, G. A. Institute for Technical Development Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39520 Project Duration: 9/1/93-8/31/95 *** Remote Sensing Laboratory: Remote Sensing of Agricultural and Natural Resources Project No. MIN-40-016 The overall project goal is to advance the development and application of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) in agricultural and natural resource inventory and management. The major objectives are: develop a quantitative understanding of the relationships of spectral-radiometric properties of vegetation and soil to biophysical characteristics; and research and develop analysis techniques and capabilities that will enable resource managers in Minnesota to effectively utilize remote sensing and GIS. Investigator(s): Bauer, M. E. & Martin,R.D. Natural Resources University of Minnesota St Paul, Minnesota 55108 Project Duration: 7/1/89-6/30/94 *** Sensing and Control Technology to Optimize Cropping System Inputs Project No. 3622-21000-006-00D Establish methods and develop instrumentation for sensing organic carbon, depth to clay layer, and other agronomic properties important in spatially variable cropping systems management. Develop integrated agrichemical application systems utilizing soil and crop spatial data as basis for variable application rate control. Assess performance of sensors, application systems, and techniques in field evaluations. Investigator(s): Sudduth, K. A Agricultural Research Service Columbia, Missouri 65211 Project Duration: 10/1/90-9/30/95 *** Sensors for Measuring Physical and Chemical Properties of Agricultural Materials Project No. IND046056 The general objective is to develop reliable methods for sensing important physical and chemical properties of agricultural materials, particularly grain and soil. The adaptation of these sensors for use with real-time process control systems on agricultural equipment will be a high priority consideration. Special attention will be given to developing equipment suitable for prescription application of pesticides. Investigator(s): Gaultney, L. D Agricultural Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 Project Duration: 10/1/90-9/30/95 *** Spatial Variability of Crop Production Variables Project No. ILLU-10-0339 Investigate alternative navigation systems, then select and obtain a system for use in building a Geographic Information System (GIS). Investigate alternative possible organizations of geographic information systems and begin to develop a system structure suitable for midwest agricultural production. Investigator(s): Goering, C.E., Reid, J.F. & Hummel, J.W. Agricultural Engineering University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois 61801 Project Duration: 10/1/89 - 9/30/94 *** Use of Global Positioning System in Production Agriculture Project No. NEB-11-094 The overall objective of this research effort will be to utilize GPS as a tool to provide site-specific location: (1) integrate computer, GPS receiver and signal conditioning equipment so that sensitivity and reliability can be evaluated (2) develop hardware and software to measure seed crop yield and location within a field (3) develop a system for using fertilizers or pesticide based on site-specific requirements. Investigator(s): Bashford, L.L. Biological Systems Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln, ND 68583 Project Duration: 9/3/92-8/31/97 *** Variable Rate Crop Management System Project No. 3611-12220-001-02S Assess the potential impact of variable rate crop management on improving water quality. Investigator(s): Hummel, J.W., Goering, C.E. & Wax, L.M. Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station Urbana, Illinois 61801 Project Duration: 5/20/93-4/30/96