Precision agriculture techniques can help optimize nutrient management by accounting for spatial variability within fields. Soil sampling is done on a grid to produce fertility maps showing nutrient levels in different areas. GPS and GIS combine to map yield and collect data that identifies low-yielding zones. Remote sensing uses imagery to detect differences such as no-till fields. Yield monitors coupled with GPS measure harvest yields in various locations. Variable rate technology then applies nutrients precisely based on need. This precision nutrient management improves efficiency and protects the environment.

1. Precision Agriculture in relation toin relation to
Nutrient managementNutrient management
Speaker: Dr. Tarik MitranSpeaker: Dr. Tarik Mitran
SST
Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science
,,

2. “It would be a simple matter to describe the earth’s
surface if it were the same every where. The
environment, however, is not like that there is
almost endless variety.”
– Webster and Oliver (1990).

3. Definition of Precision Ag.
Precision agriculture is an art and
science of utilizing innovative, site-
specific techniques for management of
spatial and temporal variability using
affordable technologies… for enhancing
output, efficiency, and profitability of
agricultural production in an
environmentally responsible manner
Source: Koch and Khosla, 2003

4. Basic steps in precision farming
Assessing variation
Managing variation
Evaluation

5. The Building Blocks of Precision Farming
Global Positioning Systems
Geographic Information
Systems
Direct
&
Remot
e
Sensi
ng
Variabl
e Rate
Techno
logy
Yield
Monit
ors
Precisi
on
Naviga
tion
Precision Data Management
Software
Direct
&
Remot
e
Sensi
ng
Yield
Monit
ors
Source: Shibusawa, 2001

6. Components of PF
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Variable Rate Technology (VRT)
• Yield Monitor
• Remote Sensing
• Use of Laser Land leveler in SSNM

7. Science has never had aScience has never had a
more complete set ofmore complete set of
“knowledge nuggets”.“knowledge nuggets”.
Industry has never had aIndustry has never had a
more impressive set ofmore impressive set of
technologies.technologies.
Wright
Highly P fixing soilHighly P fixing soil
The challenge:
Delivering science and technology to the farm such that it
can be integrated in support of decision making

8. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Computer software that stores, analyzes and
displays spatial data and its corresponding
attributes
• Attributes include: soil type, pH, salinity levels,
nutrient levels, and crop history
• GIS can overlay multiple data maps
• GIS can store, calculate, and model current and
historical data
• Maps are the main visual output but can include
reports, tables and charts

9. GIS Example
Data layer of yield
Data layer of topography
from a Digital Elevation
Model (DEM)
Data layer of soil
conductivity
Output: A visual display of areas of low yield and high EC,
indicating possible salinity problems OR fertility differences
GIS can be used to predict fertilizer needs across a field

10. Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
An instrument that receives satellite signals to
calculate your position (latitude, longitude and
elevation).
Source: Morgan and Ess, 1997

11. Signal Availability and Accuracy
Availability: GPS units need 4 or more signals to accurately
pinpoint your location.
Signal loss can occur with atmospheric conditions,
excessive electromagnetic radiation (e.g. a microwave
transmitting tower), etc.
Differential GPS (DGPS) – corrects signals
DGPS – accurate within 1 yard
Uncorrected GPS - accurate to within 10 yards.
It’s important to recognize uncorrected GPS from
DGPS.
Uncorrected GPS accuracy has greatly improved in the
last few years.

12. Having precise
location information
allows soil and crop
measurements to be
mapped.
GPS/GIS
Source: A Conference on Nutrient Management:A Certified Crop Adviser’s
Perspective by Steven Cromley, Certified Crop Adviser, Columbia, 2007

13. Phosphorus
Variability found
through Field Map by
GIS/GPS.
Soil test phosphorus
levels range from low
to very high.

14. Precision agriculture allows
you to place the nutrients
where you need them.
• Maximize crop returns with a
minimum amount of inputs.
• The environment is protected
because only the precise quantity
of inputs is applied when and
where needed.
“Do the right things in the right
place at the right time and in the
right way”

15. Remote Sensing (RS)
Collects data from reflected electromagnetic energy and
converts it into images using satellites or airplanes.
Any data that is suspect or highly irregular, needs to be confirmed by
field investigation.
Source: Morgan and Ess, 1997

16. Source: www.ppi-ppic.orgSource: www.ppi-ppic.org

17. Source: Gowrisankar and Adiga, 2001
Major Indian remote sensing missions for agriculture (current & immediate future)
Mission Year of launch Sensors
IRS-IA, IB 1988
1991
LISS-I (72.5 m resolution)
LISS-II (36.25 m resolution)
IRS-P2 1994 LISS-II (36 m resolution)
IRS-IC, ID 1995
1997
PAN (5.8 m resolution
LISS-III (23.5, 70.5 m resolution)
WiFS (188.3 m resolution)
IRS-P3 1996 WiFS (188.3 m resolution)
TES 2001 PAN (1 m resolution
RESOURCESAT-1 2001 LISS-IV (6 m resolution)
LISS-III (23 m resolution)
AWiFS (80 m resolution)
CARTOSAT-1 2002 PAN Stereo (2.5 m resolution
CARTOSAT-2 2002/03 PAN Stereo (1 m resolution

18. Example of
Remote Sensing
Imagery
Source: Bricklemeyer et al., 2002
A Montana study
identified no-till
fields with RS
imagery with 95%
accuracy.
Selected till
treatments (bold
white lines) and no-
till fields (dashed).

19. Yield Monitoring and Mapping
• Sensors mounted on the combine measuring yield as the crop is
harvested.
• Coupled with a GPS logging location, data can be mapped.
• Identifies in-field variations in yield.
• Allows fine tuning of next year’s seeding and fertilizer applications.
• Overall yield monitor accuracy is improving with use and research,
while in-field accuracy is improved with calibration.
Yield monitors are
attached to conveyors
or combines to
measure grain yield
and moisture content.

20. Comparison between Conventional and Precision agriculture
Operation Tools implements and equipments
Conventional Precised
Land Development
and Levelling
Bullock or tractor operated
scrappers and levelers
Lasers guided precession
land leveler.
Tillage Mould board plough disc
harrow, tyne cultivators,
bakhars etc.
Pneumatic plants inclined
plate planter, vegetable and
rice transplanter, Potato
Planter, sugarcane planter
etc.
Irrigation Centrifugal and submersible
pump, lift irrigation etc.
Sprinkler and drip irrigation
systems
Plant Protection Manual, animal operated or
engine operated sprayer,
duster
Self propelled, Power tiller
sprayer electro static and air
assisted spraying
Harvesting and
threshing
Sickles and reaper Grain combines sugarcane
harvester, high capacity
multicrop threshers, potato
and ground nut digger etc.

21. Why is Precision Nutrient
Management Important?
• Nutrient variability within a field can be very high
(graphs to follow), affecting optimum fertilizer rates.
• Yield potential and grain protein can also vary
greatly even within one field, affecting fertilizer
requirements.
• Increasing fertilizer use efficiency will become more
important with increasing fertilizer costs and
environmental concerns

22. Source: Keith Jones, 2008Source: Keith Jones, 2008
Govern by 4 R’sGovern by 4 R’s
Nutrient Mangement in Precision Agriculture

23. SITE SPECIFIC NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
‘Feeding of crop with nutrients as and
when needed’
 Fertilizers have played a key role in increasing
crop production.
 Cost of fertilizer is increasing.
 The current fertilizer practice results in high loss
of applied fertilizers. Recently, scientists have
developed a new technique of nutrient
management known as site specific nutrient
management- based on site, climate and actual
plant needs.

24. Source: P. C. Robert (2002), Plant & Soil 247

25. Grid Soil Sampling
• Field is divided into equal areas (grid cell).
• 10 cores (min.) composited within each grid cell,
either a random or systematic pattern.
• Collected composite sample represented each area
appropriately.
• Fertility Map produce, provide accurate information
about soil reaction, nutrient status.
Advantage:
• Provides a good assessment of variability.
Disadvantage:
• Expensive.

26. Whole Field vs. Site Specific Management
Whole-fieldWhole-field assumes the “average” conditions are theassumes the “average” conditions are the
same everywhere within the field (uniform/homogenous)same everywhere within the field (uniform/homogenous)
Management action is theManagement action is the same throughoutsame throughout the fieldthe field
Z1
Z3
Z2
Z1
Z2
DiscreteDiscrete Management ZonesManagement Zones
break the field into areas ofbreak the field into areas of
similar conditionssimilar conditions (zones)(zones)
Management action is theManagement action is the
same withinsame within each zoneeach zone
ContinuousContinuous SurfacesSurfaces break the field into smallbreak the field into small
consistent piecesconsistent pieces (cells(cells)) that track specificthat track specific
conditions at each locationconditions at each location
Management actionManagement action varies throughoutvaries throughout the fieldthe field
((BerryBerry))
The bulk of agriculturalThe bulk of agricultural
research has beenresearch has been
““non-spatialnon-spatial””
……but PA is all aboutbut PA is all about
spatial relationships/patternsspatial relationships/patterns
Research OpportunityResearch Opportunity Is Smart Sampling really dumb?Is Smart Sampling really dumb?

27. Recognize Field Nutrient VariabilityRecognize Field Nutrient Variability
Nitrate - Nitrogen
lbs/acre
0-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-80
>80
SourceSource:: Hailin Zhang and Gordon Johnson, 1997
Soil test nitrate N – variability in 25′×′25 area in Garfield County Oklahoma

28. Visualizing Spatial Relationships
What spatial relationshipsWhat spatial relationships
do you see?do you see?
Interpolated Spatial DistributionInterpolated Spatial Distribution
Phosphorous (P)
……do relatively high levelsdo relatively high levels
of P often occur with highof P often occur with high
levels of K and N?levels of K and N?
……how often? …where?how often? …where?
HUMANSHUMANS can “see” broadcan “see” broad
generalized patternsgeneralized patterns
in ain a singlesingle map variablemap variable
Source: Joseph K. Berry 9th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, 2008 — Denver, ColoradoSource: Joseph K. Berry 9th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, 2008 — Denver, Colorado

29. Variable Rate Technology
• Varying the application rates of seed, fertilizer
or pesticides to adjust for in-field differences
• Historically, intensive soil sampling had been
necessary to measure and adjust for this
variation.
Refers to any equipment designed to allowRefers to any equipment designed to allow
the rate of farm inputs to be preciselythe rate of farm inputs to be precisely
controlled and varied while the machine is incontrolled and varied while the machine is in
operationoperation

30. Variable Rate Technology
Precision agriculture technologies such as variable-rate
fertilizer applicators can increase cotton profitability by
improving nutrient use efficiency.
Source: Phillips et al.(2008) Better Crops, 92 ( No. 3)

31. Integrated Sensing & Application
Individual SensorsIndividual Sensors
Six individual sensor readings are used to calculateSix individual sensor readings are used to calculate
the crops mean NDVI for the width of the applicatorthe crops mean NDVI for the width of the applicator
and the N rate is automatically adjustedand the N rate is automatically adjusted
RT200 Variable Rate Applicator
with GreenSeeker
Crop appearance – high tech (before yield loss)
Lafond, 2005

32. TOOLS MONITORED EFFECTIVE OPTION FOR
SCHEDULING FIELD SPECIFIC APPLICATION OF
FERTILIZER
Source: Misha and Shukla, 2007
For Nitrogen during the
growing season, based
on plant leaf N- status
which is monitored by
leaf colour Chart (LCC)

33. Gains in irrigated rice yield and the agronomic efficiency of fertilizer-N (kg
grain yield increase per kg fertilizer-N applied) through site-specific nutrient
management in Nueva Ecija province, Philippines.
Source: Dobermann et al., 2004

34. Table – : Productivity of rice and wheat as influenced by SSNM at Pant agar
Tr.
No.
Rice Wheat
Major Nutrients
(kg /ha)
Yield (kg/ha)
Rice Wheat
Major Nutrients
(kg /ha)
Micro-
nutrient
(kg/ha)
N P2O5 K Borax N P2O5 K Grain Straw Grain Straw
T1 170 60 120 5 170 60 120 7950 8850 5625 11093
T2 170 30 120 5 170 30 120 7850 8600 5468 9250
T3 170 0 120 5 170 0 120 7600 8050 5343 10593
T4 170 30 80 5 170 30 80 7800 8160 5094 9281
T5 170 30 40 5 170 30 40 7400 7930 6218 10968
T6 170 30 0 5 170 30 0 7100 7820 5281 8937
T7 170 30 120 5 170 30 120 7305 8010 5156 10718
T8 170 30 120 0 170 30 120 7500 8090 5687 10406
T9 State Recommended doses of Nutrients 7200 7935 5750 9718Source : Annual Report : 2005 – 06 AICRP – CS

35. Table –Yield of rice and wheat (2003-04) as influenced by SSNM at Modipuram
Tr. Rice (kg/ha) Wheat (kg/ha) Yield (kg/ha)
Rice Wheat
N P2O5 K2O S ZnSO4 MnSO4 Borax N P2O5 K2O Grain Grain
T1 170 0 120 20 30 17 5 150 0 120 9060 5120
T2 170 30 120 20 30 17 5 150 30 120 10480 6090
T3 170 30 80 20 30 17 5 150 30 80 10220 5970
T4 170 30 40 20 30 17 5 150 30 40 9290 5430
T5 170 30 0 20 30 17 5 150 30 0 7840 5010
T6 170 30 120 20 30 17 5 150 30 120 9240 5520
T7 170 30 120 20 30 17 5 150 30 120 8840 5810
T8 170 30 120 20 0 17 5 150 30 120 8420 5740
T9 170 30 120 0 30 17 5 150 30 120 7730 5180
T10 170 75 75 - 25 17 5 150 60 60 7040 4920
STL
R
170 65 55 - 25 17 5 180 45 45 6940 6070
FP 170 60 - - 25 17 5 180 60 - 6700 4360
CD (P<0.05) 421 326

36. Table : Productivity of rice and wheat as influence by SSNM at Kanpur
Tr.
No
Rice (kg /ha) Wheat (kg /ha) Yield (kg/ha)
Rice Wheat
N P205 K2O S ZnSO4 N P205 K2O Grain Straw Grain Straw
T1
150 30 120 40 25 150 30 120 9351 10180 5733 6022
T2
150 0 120 40 25 150 0 120 8413 9375 5409 5769
T3
150 60 120 40 25 150 60 120 9471 10290 5817 6022
T4
150 30 80 40 25 150 30 80 8690 9579 5657 5841
T5
150 30 40 40 25 150 30 40 8413 9254 5553 5865
T6
150 30 0 40 25 150 30 0 8329 9099 5481 5793
T7
150 30 120 40 50 150 30 120 9796 10998 6406 6875
T8
150 30 120 0 25 150 30 120 8065 9122 5613 6106
T9
150 30 120 40 0 150 30 120 8546 10084 5433 5745
T10
150 30 120 0 0 150 30 120 8029 9512 5457 6022
T11
State Recommended doses of Nutrients
(N-150, P-75, K-60, Zn- 25kg/ha)
8462 9928 5661 5938
T12
Farmer’s Practice (n30, P30, K0) 7260 7885 4964 5673
Source : Annual Report : 2005 – 06, AICRP – CS

37. Laser Land Leveling
Laser Land Leveling is a process of smoothing the land
surface from its average elevation using laser equipped
with drag buckets. This practice uses tractor & soil
movers that are equipped with GPS/laser guided
instrumentation so that soil can moved either by cutting
or filling to create desired level.
Advantages
 Increases nutrient use efficiency.
 Improves application and distribution efficiency
of irrigation water.
 Increases crop productivity.
 Helps in weed management.

38. Functioning of laser land leveler

39. Source: Jat et al. (2006)
Grain yield of rice and wheat under precision and
traditional land leveling in western Uttar Pradesh
Statistical
parameters
Grain yield(t/ha)
rice wheat
Leaser leveling Traditional
leveling
Leaser leveling Traditional
leveling
Number of
farmer
71.00 71.00 71.00 71.00
minimum 3.90 3.50 4.60 4.20
maximum 5.70 5.44 6.21 6.12
mean 4.84 4.51 5.53 5.21
kurtosis -0.63 -0.62 -1.09 -0.931
skewness -0.29 -0.07 -0.24 -0.093
SD 0.46 0.462 0.435 0.460
SE 0.055 0.055 0.052 0.054
CV(%) 9.58 10.24 7.86 8.82

40. Source: Jat and Sharma, 2005
Grain Yield Of Rice And Wheat Under Precision And
Traditional Land Leveling at Modipuram
TraditionalPrecision

41. Treatment Agronomic
Efficiency of N
(Kg Kg-1
)
Agronomic
Efficiency of P
(Kg Kg-1
)
Agronomic
Efficiency of K
(Kg Kg-1
)
2003 2004 2003 2004 2003 2004
Laser Leveling + NPK
(120:26:40) Kg ha-1
18.75 20.00 86.54 92.31 56.25 60.00
Traditional Leveling + NPK
(120:26:40) Kg ha-1
7.67 9.17 35.38 42.31 23.00 27.50
Source: Pal et al.,2004
Agronomic Efficiency (Kg Kg-1) of N,P and K under
different Land Leveling System in Rice at Modipuram
(UP)

42. Effect of Precision land leveling on uptake
efficiency of N, P and K in rice
Source: Precision Farming Project (NATP)

43. Source: Jat & Sharma, 2007

44. Need for Precision Farming in India
• Increased Land degradation.
(In India, out of 329 million ha of total
geographical area182 million ha of area is affected
by land degradation due to water erosion, wind
erosion, water logging and chemical deterioration.)
• Depletion of Water resources.
• Socio economic need for enhanced productivity / unit of
land, water and time.
• Environment Pollution because of increased and
indiscriminate use of fertilizers and chemicals.
• Precision Farming is essential in order to address
poverty alleviation, enhance quality of life and food
security.

45. PROBLEMS IN ADOPTION OF
PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGY:
• Fragmented land holding
• Lack of continuously monitoring the health and availability of
the nature resources.
• Climatic aberrations.
• Operational constraints.
• Uncertainty in getting the various inputs.
• Absence of a long standing and uniform agricultural policy.
• Lack of success stories.
• Lack of local technical expertise.
• Land ownership, Infrastructure and Institutional constraints.

46. Probable Strategies
• Farmer’s co-operatives.
• Pilot projects.
• Agricultural input suppliers, Extension advisors
and consultant play important role in the spread of
the technology.
• Combined effort of Researchers and Government.
• Public agencies should consider supplying free
data such as remotely sensed imagery to the
universities and research institutes involved in
Precision farming research.

47. Relevance Of Precision Farming To Indian Condition
(Present Scenario)
• Precision farming technologies have been developed and
adopted in developed nations such as USA, Europe, Canada
and Australia.
• Agriculturally progressive states such as Punjab, Haryana,
Gujarat and Rajasthan, 20% of agricultural lands have
operational holding of 4 ha or more. When contiguous fields
with the same crop are considered, those fields are used to
initial the implementation of precision farming.
• The concept of precision farming being implements by the
Tata Kisan Kendra.
• Some of the research institutes. Such as Space Applications
Centre ,ISRO
M.S. Swamminathan Research Foundation, Chennai
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi;
Project Directorate of Cropping System Research,
Modipuram………………………had started working in this
direction.

48. Conclusion
• Research on Precision Farming is at infancy stage
in our country.
• Tools and techniques for assessing soil and yield
variability for application of inputs need to be
standardized at a low cost and farmers’ friendly.
• Thus, Precision Farming may help farmers to
harvest fruits of frontier technologies without
compromising on the quality of land and produce.
• The Precision Farming would trigger a techno-green
revolution in India which is the need of the hour.

49. He Sits over Here for Precision Farming
Thanks for your attention