Planting

Collecting accurate data is a theme that permeates any beneficial precision program, and this is particularly true for planting data. It can also be the most elusive. For example, if changing weather conditions require quick and decisive action, collecting data is often not the first issue on your mind.

During the planting phase of the season, it is critical that factors such as what seed variety/hybrid was planted in what locations and at what population, when the seed went in the ground, weather conditions at time of planting, etc. are considered and recorded. Identify and log data on as many potential field variables as possible. The geographic information system (GIS) software you choose should allow these variables to be entered and assigned to specific coordinates. Stacking up information in a site-specific manner will enable you to correlate your management decisions with the results you get. In essence, this is the heart of precision agriculture.

Another precision tool, automatic steering or guidance systems can be especially beneficial at planting time. Many growers have found they’ve been able to make the most of their seed investment and field area by planting with a GPS-guided system. The added precision of GPS-guided planting has sometimes allowed more rows to be planted in a given field and enabled trouble-free planting into existing drip-irrigation or raised beds.