Transcript Precision Farming with GPS

… putting the precision in ...
1
What is Precision Farming?
Precision farming is a series of tools that allow farm managers
to make decisions based on needs of specific areas. In essence,
it is the ‘art’ of tailoring soil and crop management applications
to fit varying conditions in the field.
“... changing the traditional process of farming by the square
mile to farming by the square meter…”
2
Precision Farming tools can be divided into
three categories:
•
Computerized GIS maps and databases that analyze data
from the following:
• Crop, soil, and positioning sensors
• Machine controls that guide field equipment
We will concentrate on how GPS technology
affects each of these areas...
3
GIS…the management center for GPS
collected data...
Weed zones
•
Base map: This is any geographically
accurate depiction of the area in
question.
•
Site specific data: Soil analysis, soil
compaction, weed density, etc. Each
collected with its own specific
geographic coordinates (via GPS).
•
Layers: Individual drawings based on
types of data collected, inserted and
overlaid based upon a geographic
coordinate system.
Soil Analysis
Topography
Geo-referenced photos
4
Mapping the Soil...
•
•
•
•
Soil sampling: provides the
necessary data to accurately
determine soil variability.
Method: usually done on a 2.5
acre grid with 4 to 6 samples taken
in each grid.
Accuracy: each sample taken is
numbered and then geographically
referenced using a GPS receiver.
Attribute data is stored/referenced
geographically.
Result: an accurate base map
detailing zones of varying soil
types,depths and nutrient levels,
allowing farm managers to
determine appropriate fertilization
applications for each zone.
5
Controlling Weeds...
•
•
•
Weed locating: using linear sampling
techniques, weed patches are found
and identified. The borders of the
weed patches are surveyed using a
GPS receiver
Accuracy: weed data is input into
the GIS system based on geographic
coordinates determined by GPS.
Result: herbicides are applied as a
result of weed zones rather than a
blanket application. This is achieved
by attaching a GPS receiver to the
sprayer and tracking its location over
these predetermined zones. When
the sprayer enters/exits a weed zone,
valves are adjusted by the on-board
computer to meet the needs of each
zone.
6
Accurate Planting...
•
•
•
Performance: Each type of seed has
a specific depth and spacing,
dependant on soil type, that allows it
to germinate and grow to its fullest.
Planning: Geo-referenced data is
analyzed to determine the
appropriate planting ratios. Then a
planting layer is made in the GIS
system, based on these ratios.
Planting: A GPS receiver is attached
to the planter and connected through
the on-board computer to the GIS
map. As the planter moves into
different geographic regions, the GIS
system controls the depth of the
planter as well as the spacing of the
seeds. This approach optimizes the
growth and production of each seed.
7
Creating Yield Maps...
•
•
•
•
Typical Yield Map
Legend: Low Yield
Low/Moderate Yield
Moderate/High Yield
High Yield
Harvesting: Once the final step in
farming, it has become another in a
series of cyclical procedures that
makeup Precision Farming.
Yield Monitors: are counters that
take volume measurements on
harvested material.
Location: The location of measured
yield is obtained by mounting a GPS
receiver to a combine.
Yield Map: Volume measurements
combined with their exact
geographic locations, and input into
a GIS package, produce a Yield Map
providing a picture of the results
based on earlier decisions. This is a
powerful tool for forecasting future
needs, which will lead to increased
quality and quantity of yield.
8
Benefits...
•
•
•
Environmental Control: Applying
herbicides/pesticides based on the
square meter reduces application
amounts. This allows the soil to
absorb all or most of the application
which reduces runoff.
Reduced Cost: Because treatment
application rates are based on small
areas, the overall application of
chemicals is less (up to 40% in some
research studies), which leads to a
significant cost savings.
Increased Revenue: Since planting
rates and weed control are on the
micro level, decisions can be made to
increase the quality and quantity of
yield at every point across the field.
•
Which, in turn, can significantly
increase the level of return on crops.
Data: Probably the single greatest
benefit. Having geo-referenced data
that represents current and past field
conditions, coupled with the results
of decisions based on these factors,
provide an intelligent and up-to-date
data base that can be used to further
enhance the farming process.
9
The Future of Precision Farming...
•
•
•
Current Trends: Precision
Farming is still in it’s infancy, a
technology driven enterprise.
Government: The Federal
Government is requiring more
detailed information regarding the
amounts and locations of chemical
and fertilizer applications (Senate
Bill S.1081).
Money: Precision Farming
systems can be costly to
implement, but as tech costs drop
and revenues increase as a direct
result of this technology, more and
more farms will adopt this
practice, thus Precision Farming
demands will start dictating the
direction of the technology.
10
References...
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Using Differential GPS to improve Crop Yields, GPS World, February 1994.
http://www.trimble.com/home/prec_frm.htm
http://www.precisionfarming.com/features/0497Gibbons.html
http://www.precisionfarming.com/features/0497Clark.html
http://www.precisionfarming.com/features/0199feat_pf.html
http://www.precisionfarming.com/PFFAQ.html
http://pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/%7Emmorgan/PFI/over.htm
http://pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/%7Emmorgan/PFI/ess_1.htm
http://www.deere.com/deerecom/Farmers+and+Ranchers/GreenStar+Precision
+Farming+System/default.htm
Matthew Sullivan, Precision Agriculture Specialist, Extension Associate, The
Ohio Sate University Extension; Department of Food, Agriculture and
Biological Engineering.
11
USCG Corrections...
12