Systems Research Looks for Key Yield Factors

October 18, 2000

Results of a study now in progress through USDA's Agricultural Research Service should help farmers determine which variables limit their yields and whether precision agriculture techniques could improve their profitability. ARS scientists in Ft. Collins, CO, are measuring all possible environmental conditions and farming practices that could affect yields on two commercial farms.

Previously, researchers typically modified just one or two variables--rather than looking at all components of an agricultural system simultaneously. Their goal is to find the most significant elements. The researchers also scrutinize inputs like water, fertilizer and pesticides. They're evaluating whether intensive management techniques like variable-rate application are beneficial to the environment and financially feasible for the farmer. So far, about half-way through the study, they've found that the farmers were over-watering with their center-pivot irrigation systems. Now the farmers apply less water.

Colorado State University, several state and federal agencies and six private companies also participate in the research. The multi-disciplinary team plans to develop a decision-support tool based on the project results, to help farmers implement precision technologies and decide whether precision farming would be beneficial. The team also is analyzing techniques that measure large areas of the field economically, such as remote sensing, in order to reduce the cost of precision farming.