The idea of precision ag or site-specific field management is built on the concept that if we can measure and document crop and landscape differences and where they occur, then we can manage these differences to our best agronomic, economic and environmental benefit.
Documenting differences across a landscape lends itself to using a map as the most efficient way to capture, store and communicate information at any given location.
With the advent of GNSS/GPS systems that capture geographic positions and the availability of mobile computing to log those positions, the mapping of any kind of field information at its source location is being accomplished.
Most growers already have most of the tools needed to capture useful data and deliver site specific crop production plans. The same “box” used for autosteer likely has data capture options or turned on to deliver a product delivery plan.
Georeferenced yield and soil test information are an obvious place to start because their use outreaches the season.
What am I trying to record here?
- What are conditions such that they need treatment?
- Where are the conditions different such that we can treat site specifically?
- Where and when did we do that field operation?
What do I need?
- GNSS/GPS for positioning (steering/guidance)
- In-field data logging (monitor/computer)
- Flow control/monitoring, meter, sensors
- Training and support
- Data that was logged
- Software/app or platform to do something with the data (or a service provider to work with who has)
- Agronomy, ideas or learning opportunities to try
- Decent internet connectivity is an advantage
All of this joins information with location aka a “Map”
What do I need to do?
- Log It (aka turn it on)
- Read Instructions, or watch you tube videos then practice pre-season
- Concentrate on having consistent FIELD names year after year. Of the Grower>Farm> Field format of all systems FIELD Names are the most important. Do “Home 1” instead of “1”. Never name by year and crop
- Learn how to offload data (USB or Wireless)
- Keep only current year on the monitor
- Map It: Build a series of high quality field boundaries. These are the containers for your data, they guide search for relevant satellite imagery, weather data as well as loading the right field in the monitor and operational shut offs that can be edited year by year
- Re-Organize, rename, merge, clean. This becomes a yearly check for the crop year going forward.
- Have the two-way conversation with equipment: Download data, upload plans or field adjustments
- Upload clean field list to monitor every year. Have the same list on all equipment.
- Upload Boundaries, Prescription maps, Variety locator maps, product lists as needed
What does a software, app or (online)platform do for me?
- Data Needs a Place to Live
- Allows you to collect as much map-based information as is possible and practical from your operation.
- Keeps a copy of all ‘original’ or source data from the field.
- Houses it in a computer software, app or platform to view and store for the long term.
- Software/app/platform allows you to
- Store it.
- Tidy it, edit boundaries and FIELD names.
- View it.
- Query it.
- Make reports, Analyses, Prescriptive Maps.
- Communicate with others in your organization or service providers.
How do I keep the data “clean”?
- Use best GNSS/GPS possible for the task
- Use recommended calibrations and set ups for your particular equipment. Buy that service plan. Use their resources. READ the Manual!
- Keep in-field cab monitor versions and in-office data management software current. This may require an annual fee or costs to pay for online storage and ongoing updates and support.
- Backup your data to a safe/secondary location
- Require your service provider to give you a copy of digital map files, not just paper.
- Commit to learning new ways of using this information in your business.
- Do not wait for a perfect system to be complete. It is all part of a fluid and ever-changing process and always has benefits.
- Team up with service providers or colleagues to share data, learning and insights.
- Actually look at the maps and information. Ask questions about it. Be curious. Become map literate.
What are the benefits of organized data?
- Once you start the process it does not have to be done over and over again from scratch
- These same principles are true for all brands equipment and software and yes there are ways to talk back and forth between brands made easier by having good FIELD names and boundaries.
- If you make good FIELD names and boundaries a priority everything else falls into place more easily
- You will have created easier access and benefits from the tools provided and the knowledge created
- It becomes easier to add different data types
- Tillage, Planting, Fertilizing, Irrigation, Crop Protection, Yield, Quality
- Soil Type, Soil Tests, Tissue Tests, EC, Topo, Imagery, NDVI
- Easier to query, compare, combine, discuss, learn to add to our knowledge base
- Becomes tool for practising good agronomy and proving that you did
- Maximizes the Operational Efficiencies
- In-field instantaneous diagnosis>fix
- Crucial operations monitoring
- Product handling and Placement
- Tendering
- Equipment functions: fuel, speed, swath, load summaries
- More efficient communication with staff and service providers
Gains may seem small, but they are often numerous and result in incremental improvements.
AgTech GIS 