Masahiro Kikusawa

Crop models and precision agriculture

Crop simulation models, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), intelligent implements and site-specific management (SSM) farming techniques are the technologies behind precision agriculture. Mechanistic and process-oriented crop models using real-time daily climatic data obtained from a local, on-farm weather station accessed by the user’s computer via a modem can provide relevant information for the day-to-day or weekly management of the crop. Since most of these models cannot predict all the disturbances occurring in the field, periodic plant mapping data and visual field observations are used to adjust simulation results. Results obtained from models can be used to manage row spacing; population density; nitrogen fertilizer, irrigation water and the application of plant growth regulators; and harvest timing, to name a few. Many of these crop attributes are important considerations directly impacted by precision agriculture methodologies. The case for cotton production using GOSSYM-COMAX will be presented and demonstrated.