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Zones
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1
Description of the process and scope of services...........................................................................2
The Process................................................................................................................................2
Base Map....................................................................................................................................3
Productivity maps by field............................................................................................................3
Ground truthing and characterization of management zones ....................................................4
Variable rate prescription and applications, yield mapping, and post season analysis ...............5
Summary of services provided........................................................................................................5
Introduction
1 Examples from: Jonathan Keinjan et al., 'Developing Productivity Zones from Multiple Years of Yield
Monitor data', GIS Applications in agriculture edited by Francis J. Pierce and David Clay, 2007
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Description of the process and scope of services
The Process
The process is a continuous cycle that can be improved every season. It comprises the
following steps:
• The first step is Georeferencing of farm and fields boundaries, as well as
the base map information (soils, topography, imagery)
• Generation of productivity maps, which delineate areas with higher and lower
productivity, based on the analysis of historical satellite images on key dates.
• Ground truthing (field validation) of the distribution of productivity zones, to
identify limiting factors. Optionally, soil samples can be taken and sent to the lab for
further analysis.
• Characterization of management zones, and making decisions on alternative
courses of action, such as prescription of variable rate seeding or fertilizing, or crop
rotation strategies based on economic considerations.
• Variable rate applications, yield mapping, and post season analysis to verify results
and evaluate management improvements for next season
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Base Map
To generate the base map, the following steps are carried out:
a) Sending information by the client, optionally as shape file boundaries, or GPS points with
farm layout.
b) GeoAgro georreferences the farm/fields and compiles the base information.
c) GeoAgro provides the base map comprising the following layers:
• Georeferenced farm and field boundaries
• 3 satellite images on key dates (depending on availability of the imagery provider)
• 3 images of normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI). These maps will provide
a first view of intra-field variability
• General Cartography (states, counties, Public Land Survey System, roads, etc.)
The maps are generated based on the cluster analysis technique, which combines Vegetation
indexes maps; It's an objective procedure which compares different responses from a
different time, in a single thematic map.
For this purpose, satellite images on key dates are selected, where crops reflect an advanced
growth stage. Normalized vegetation indexes are generated based on these images.
The different normalized layers are integrated and summarized in the productivity map. These
show homogeneous zones, facilitating the generation of management zones and prescription
maps with recommendations of variable inputs of seeds or fertilizers.
It's important to mention that the map is generated by field and the analysis is intra-field,
allowing to compare productive areas within the same field, but not between fields.
The following figures illustrate the process.
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Image:Landsat 5TM 3/8/2004 Image:Landsat 5TM 01/06/2005 Image:Landsat 5TM 01/25/2006
After generating all the required normalized NDVI layers, these are integrated through the
cluster technique, defining homogeneous areas and generating the productivity map.
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• After review of the gathered information, management zones are defined, taking into
account homogeneous areas and limiting factors.
GeoAgro provides tools and remote support to carry out this phase. Optionally, local
agronomic support is available to do an on-site evaluation togeher with the producer or
assigned personnel, and to answer questions about the process.
Variable rate prescription and applications, yield mapping, and post season
analysis
The knowledge of management zones is applied in the following steps. GeoAgro provides the
tools and support to facilitate its implementation:
• Differential management or Variable rate prescription: In this step, the
consultant enters the recommended input rates in a Prescription tool to obtain a
prescription map. Optionally, decisions may just focus on alternative crop rotation or
drainage strategies for instance.
• Variable rate applications: Prescription maps can be automatically exported in
a compatible format with the variable rate equipment, and sent by e-mail to the
contractor or equipment operator.
• Yield mapping: If available, yield maps are valuable data that can provide
accurate information on the yield distribution, and the impact of management
decisions. Yield maps can be imported in shape file or txt formats to the system.
• Post season analyisis: Also, tools are provided to relate different layers, such as
yields with management zones or prescription maps. Then, data is exported to excel
for more detailed analysis, and drawing conclusions for the next season.
Please visit http://www.geoagro.com/en/content/geoagro-gis-quick-tour for an
overview of some of these features
• Support: As part of the service, our support team dedicated to assist clients in
solving any issues that may arise when implementing the process. The Support
Center is available at: http://wikiagro.com/en/Portals:GeoAgro_Support,
where clients can search for an answers, review reference guides, troubleshooting,
Frequently Asked Questions and other useful resources. Also, support is available by
email or phone. This is provided as part of the service.
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• Training: GeoAgro's Training team can help you optimize information management
for crop production and making effective use of technologies. Through Self-paced
tutorials, Web-based seminars, or instructor-led online courses, clients can find the
best option for your needs in GeoAgro's training center, available at:
http://wikiagro.com/en/Portals:GeoAgro_Training. Training on the
management zones process is included as part of the service.
• Local Agronomic support: Optionally, and at an additional cost, technical
advice can be provided on site regarding specific topics of the agriculture by
management zones process, such as variable rate application, yield monitors, or
other related topics.
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