Lead Researcher
Athyna Cambouris | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Quebec, QC
Objectives
To develop and evaluate smart farming (precision agriculture) practices suitable for application in several major potato production areas of Canada. Specifically, this project will characterize soil spatial variability and evaluate methods for mapping this variability, and develop and evaluate precision agriculture strategies most relevant to each production region.
Early Outcomes of Research
- In QC the benefits of a precision N management approach based on management zones in terms of yield and N-use efficiency as compared to uniform N management were evaluated were assessed. The precision N management approach proposed will be based on soil management zones and in-season N status.
- In PE the benefits of precision agriculture approach based on soil management zones and variable application rate of fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation, plant density as compared to uniform rate application on the basis of tuber yield and quality, nutrient leaching and economic benefits were assessed.
Key Messages for Growers
- Delineation of Management Zones (MZs) using yield datasets from yield monitors reduce the spatial variability of yield data and seems to have a good potential for delineation of productivity MZs. Adding the soil electrical conductivity measurements will probably improve the delineation of the MZ for site specific application in QC.
- DualEM-II sensor used in PE showed a strong potential to be used as a mapping tool to tailor the best management practices. We will be repeating the experiments this year to have a sense of stability of data over time for temporal variations (if any). Nutrient management based on soil and crop needs can ensure economic viability and environmental safety.
Provinces Participating in this Project
