Abstract
In this paper, site-specific management zones (MZs) were delineated in three fields belonging to a farm in the center of Italy and characterized by different soil texture. Crop yield and various soil parameters, both physical (soil structural stability, clay fraction, water content, and organic matter) and mechanical (shear strength and penetration resistance) were monitored. Yield data were acquired by means of a combine harvester equipped with a precision land management system during three consecutive growing seasons. At the end of the third growing season, soil properties were investigated by means of georeferenced soil sampling. After data gathering, a fuzzy clustering algorithm was applied to define management zones. Results highlighted spatial variability between the three fields and temporal variability between the three consecutive growing seasons. Whilst the latter could be ascribed to the rainfall distribution (therefore moisture could be considered as a limiting factor in wheat growth), the delineated MZs suggest that clay content and organic matter could affect both mechanical parameters of soil and crop yield. The defined MZs can serve as a basis to generate prescription maps for variable-rate application inputs and variable tillage.
Highlights
Precision agriculture technologies and variable rate application (VRA) of inputs can play a fundamental role in the farm management, improving production and nutrient use efficiency (Monaghan et al, 2013; Hedley, 2015)
Results highlighted spatial variability between the three fields and temporal variability between the three consecutive growing seasons. Whilst the latter could be ascribed to the rainfall distribution, the delineated management zones (MZs) suggest that clay content and organic matter could affect both mechanical parameters of soil and crop yield
In a previous study (Servadio et al, 2017), the definition of three management zones within a field showed that shear strength and structural stability were the most significant limiting factors for wheat yield
Summary
Precision agriculture technologies and variable rate application (VRA) of inputs can play a fundamental role in the farm management, improving production and nutrient use efficiency (Monaghan et al, 2013; Hedley, 2015). Agricultural fields have been managed as single units, it has long been known that soil condition and crop yield are not homogeneous within them (Frogbrook & Oliver, 2007; Vithar ana et al, 2008; Alletto et al, 2010; López-Lo zano et al, 2010). Site-specific management can improve the energy efficiency of the farm (Servadio & Bergonzoli, 2015) by optimizing the application of inputs. It can reduce the negative impacts of pollution due to over-application of chemicals (Di Fonzo et al, 2001; Basso et al, 2011). The Pieranna Servadio and Matteo Verotti enlargement of single management units, resulting from the enlargement of arable lands, can encourage the application of non-uniform management techniques (Sylvester-Bradley et al, 1999), including soil tillage (Servadio et al, 2014)
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