Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Management Zones (MZ) are core components of precision agriculture (PA) and predominantly used for variable rate fertilizer management. MZ developed based on NDVI, calculated from satellite images and historical yield data are very popular among farmers in Alberta. Improved and stable MZ can be created by combining different types of parameters based on satellite, topography, and yield data. However, very limited work has been conducted in Alberta.
Cost analysis of different zone delineation procedures helps the growers in decision making to select zone creating methods for different practices. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate performance of different zone delineation methods. Research will be conducted at three fields in farms around Strathmore, Alberta.
Machine learning and artificial neural network techniques will be deployed to develop zones by integrating variables based on satellite imagery, historical-yield, and topography. MZ developed by various techniques will be compared using physical and chemical properties of soil, crop nutrient uptake and grain yield. Economic analysis will also be completed to dissect the cost associated with MZ delineation methods and net return.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Improvement of management zones leads to efficient allocation of fertilizer, enabling mitigation of environmental pollution such as nitrous oxide emission, enhancing environmental sustainability. Adoption of better management zones leads to increased crop yield, helping meet global food demands in a sustainable way. Better zones will help reduce the overall farming cost by reducing input costs in terms of fertilizer and seeds.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be shared with universities, Fertilizer Canada, provincial specialists and extension agents, producers' associations, federal research scientists, and other stakeholders. Investigators and summer students will participate in regional and international scientific and producers' events. At least four oral presentations will be provided at various events across Canada and North America. Project findings will also be shared on social media.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.