Use of precision agriculture technology to investigate spatial variability in nitrogen yields in cut grassland.
Spatial variability in N uptake and utilisation by swards within uniformly managed field units could be responsible for a significant proportion of the NH3, N2O, NO3- and NOx (NO and NO2) 'pollutants' generated by agriculture and released to the environment. An investigation was commenced, therefore, to quantify, map and explain the spatial variability in sward N yield in a 'large' silage field and to assess the potential for managing this variability using some of the latest precision agriculture technology. Sward dry matter (DM) and N yields were predicted from the results of plant tissue analyses using mathematical models. Sward N yields were found to vary greatly across the field seemingly because of differences in net soil N mineralisation, but the pattern of variability appeared to remain constant with time. Conventional soil analysis of a range of soil chemical and physical properties, however, failed to explain this variability. It was concluded that the N-yield distribution map might be used in place of soil analysis as the basis for varying the rates of N application to different parts of the field with the twin objectives of maximising fertiliser use efficiency and minimising N emissions to air and water.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, Agricultural and Environmental Science Division, Belfast, UK. john.bailey@dardni.gov.uk
J S
JS
Bailey
K
K
Wang
C
C
Jordan
A
A
Higgins
D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil
D012987:Soil; D009584:Nitrogen