ARS | Publication request: SITE-SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT OF POTATO CROP PRODUCTION

Submitted to: Potato Association of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 10, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Through the use of precision farming technologies, agriculture is becoming increasingly more precise at applying inputs and managing crop production systems, yet these technologies do not change the agronomy and physiology of crop production. As precision increases, the challenge is to better understand complex spatial and temporal interactions within agriculture cropping systems. To site-specifically assess potato production, potato yields were monitored using a global positioning system and a scale mounted into the sorting table of the harvester. Spatial crop quality data such as tare dirt, grade and specific gravity were collected by analyses of site- specific grab samples from the harvester. Spatial and temporal soil data, environmental data and various geophysical measurements were also collected on/around the potato field. Data visualization revealed substantial variability in site-specific potato yields and quality. Using geostatistical procedures and artificial intelligence systems, the contributions of factors and the complex interactions of those factors as they affect potato production were analyzed. Analyses coupled with grower experience is producing valued information for farm management decisions.