Irrigated precision farming for corn production

摘要

Precision fanning is being practiced in the mid-west under non-irrigated conditions but little explanation exists regarding the practical application under irrigated conditions in our semi-arid environment. A USDA-ARS and CSU interdisciplinary research team is developing a scientific understanding of the causes of yield variability of corn. Two years of data are analyzed for two commercial center pivot irrigated fields (72 and 52 ha). Variability in water application, field elevation, soil texture, western bean cutworm, ammonium, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium and soil electrical conductivity were significant in explaining the yield variability. The transfer of this knowledge to the cooperating farmers is as important as gaining the knowledge itself. First year data showing over-irrigation resulted in the farmers reducing their excess irrigation by 70 percent. Farmers are also beginning to experiment with reduced fertilizer and pesticides. The risk can be minimized with a better understanding of the variables contributing to crop production.