Calculations supporting management zones

Authors: CLAY, D - South Dakota State University; Kitchen, Newell; BYAMUKAMA, E - South Dakota State University; BRUGGEMAN, S - South Dakota State University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Book
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2017
Publication Date: 10/6/2017
Citation: Clay, D.E., Kitchen, N.R., Byamukama, E., Bruggeman, S. 2017. Calculations supporting management zones. In: Clay, D.E., Clay, S.A., and Bruggeman, S.A. editors. Practical Mathematics for Precision Farming. Madison, WI: ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. p. 122-135. doi:10.2134/practicalmath2017.0024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/practicalmath2017.0024

Interpretive Summary: Variability in crop production fields is the quality of uneven or non-uniform crop growth and yield. Understanding the causes and magnitude of variability within crop production settings can be used to directly improve agricultural production systems. Since the early 1990’s the tools of precision farming (GPS, yield monitors, soil sensors, etc.) have documented how variability are important factors impacting crop yield response. For “precision farming”, variability can be measured then used to divide up a field so that management practices are tailored for smaller sub-field areas. These classed sub-field areas are most often referred to as “management zones”. This book chapter reviews the management zone concept and the calculations associated with delineating management zones. It illustrates how management zones can be used for a wide variety of problems and how different problems may require different management zones. Included are examples of how different types of crop and soil data may be used for management zone delineation. Students studying this chapter and book will gain a greater knowledge and skillset for precision farming practices.

Technical Abstract: Since the early 1990’s the tools of precision farming (GPS, yield monitors, soil sensors, etc.) have documented how spatial and temporal variability are important factors impacting crop yield response. For precision farming, variability can be measured then used to divide up a field so that management practices are tailored for smaller sub-field areas. These classed sub-field areas are most often referred to as “management zones”. By definition a management zone is a sub-field area that expresses a relatively homogeneous combination of yield limiting factors for which a practice or input can be tailored. The boundaries of management zones are often defined after assessing areas that have a similar soil or crop property, or set of properties. Management zones require a known reliable relationship between the information used to create the zones, and the desired management practice. The management zone concept can be used for a wide variety of problems, to include any aspect of management practices. Different problems may require different management zones. This chapter reviews the management zone concept and the calculations associated with delineating management zones. Included are examples of how different types of crop and soil data may be used for management zone delineation.