Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In an effort to increase productivity as well as improve overall soil quality of historically degraded Tennessee Valley (AL) soils, a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) study utilizing a conservation system with cover crops was implemented at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center (Belle Mina, AL). Due to the importance of soil organic carbon (SOC) on dynamic soil quality and soil carbon sequestration, measurements of SOC and related carbon pools were studied. The soils are in a prime farmland map unit named for the Decatur series. Results indicated that cover crops significantly increased SOC concentrations near-surface (0-10 cm) from 2007 through 2011. In 2011, SOC with cover crops was 11% higher (relative) than no cover. Irrigation impacts on SOC (0-10 cm) have been mixed, with significant differences observed 3 out of 6 years, and no significant differences in 2010 and 2011. A soybean molybdenum study was conducted at the same location. In addition, GreenSeeker, SPAD chlorophyll meters, and pH assessment were evaluated for use as predictors for molybdenum deficiency. The 2012 drought conditions led to extremely poor soybean stand. Thus, results are limited to 2011. Initial soil characterization verified that there was no difference in pH or Mo among treatments. The pH increased from 5.2-5.3 to 5.8-6.0 in the two lime treatments. An increase was observed at 2-3 wk following emergence and was maintained throughout the growing season. Soil Mo, however, did not differ among treatments most likely due to the analytical difficulty in assessing small application rates of Mo. Chlorophyll meter readings did not detect differences among treatments until 4 wk following the last foliar application. Conclusions regarding the efficacy of techniques such as Greenseeker and chlorophyll meter readings were inconclusive. Variable-rate application of nutrients continues to increase in Alabama and consequently research is being conducted to enhance distribution and successful implementation of nutrient management planning. One investigation indicated that variable-orifice nozzle uniformity across the spray boom ranged from 5% to 13%. However, in many cases, there were individual nozzles which performed well outside an acceptable flow rate. Lower flow rates tended to generate less uniformity (higher CVs) across the spray boom. Another study provided an understanding of fertilizer particle behavior on spinner-discs and its impact on fertilizer distribution. Results indicated that vane or fin design used to control fertilizer acceleration and trajectory off the discs greatly impacts particle ricocheting off the vanes thereby having a negative impact of distribution. A modified vane design reduced particulate ricocheting by 50% improving spinner spreader ability to accurately place granular fertilizers. Knowledge from this research continues to be published through the Alabama Precision Agriculture website, presentations during professional conferences and through popular farm press across the Southeast US. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. John Fulton served as project director. Drs. Shaw, Mask, McDonald. Ortiz and Howe coordinated individual studies while participating in outreach efforts. Alabama Cooperative Extension System helped coordinate all workshops, trainings, and field days during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our primarily audiences for this project are Alabama farmers, agribusinesses, foresters, land owners, consultants, custom equipment operators, equipment manufacturers, and USDA-NRCS. We disseminate the scientific information and experiences from this project through extension field days, workshops, and demonstrations along with regional ag meetings and appropriate publications (e.g. popular press, regional extension pubs, etc.). We also focus on classroom instruction at both the university and K through 12 levels educating students on geospatial technologies and new management practices. Finally, we communicate with faculty and researchers located at other institutions across the US and globally through conferences and professional meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Although general improvements in dynamic soil quality and soil organic carbon sequestration are suggested by these measurements, these data show significant temporal variability in carbon. The aggregate of these data suggest that after seven years of adoption, these systems sequester soil organic carbon at shallow depths due to the use of cover crops, but subsurface drip irrigation effects are mixed. Increase in the use of variable-rate technology in Alabama has reduced over-application of nutrients on average by 7% thereby enhancing environmental stewardship. Further, the use of guidance systems and automatic section control during nutrient application has been able increase this estimate to over 10%. Overall, the adoption of PA technologies by 2012 Alabama growers continues to provide savings of over $25,000,000 on inputs reducing their economic risks. Based on recent Alabama survey data from farmers, the use of precision ag technologies has improved farm workers quality of life allowing them to work over longer periods with less fatigue. Based on research, results from the spinner spreader study have been presented to a US spreader manufacturer and in return are redesigning there vanes to improve equipment performance to maintain spread uniformity. For UAN application using variable-rate orifices, results have been used to generate best management practices for sprayer operators to ensure consistent and uniform flow across spray booms. Finally, research based information on precision ag technologies have facilitated a new, 2013 Alabama USDA-NRCS EQIP program aimed at improving the handling and application of broiler litter. We continue to observe increased adoption of precision ag technologies in the state of Alabama with benefits serving the farmers and the public in whole.
Publications
- Fulton, J.P., A. Sharda, R. Taylor, T. McDonald, E. van Santen, A. Brooke, and M. Hall. 2012. Evaluation of Variable-rate Orifices. 30-year Celebration of the Alabama Cotton Commission, Robert Trent Jones, Prattville, AL; January 18.
- Fulton, J.P., B. V. Ortiz, and P. Mask. 2012. Alabama Precision Ag Program. 30-year Celebration of the Alabama Cotton Commission, Robert Trent Jones, Prattville, AL; January 18.
- Fulton, J.P. and A. Brooke. 2012. Telematics: Wireless Communication and Data Transfer. Timely Information Web publication, September 2012. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 3pp.
- Ortiz, B., K. Balkcom, H. Stone, J.P. Fulton, G. Vellidis, E. van Santen. 2012. Evaluation of the advantages of using GPS based Auto-guidance on rolling terrain Peanut fields. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Indianapolis, IN, July 15-28.
- Poncet, A., J.P. Fulton, T.P. McDonald, G. Pate and B. Tisseryre. 2012. Maximizing Agriculture Equipment Capacity Using Precision Agriculture Technologies. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Indianapolis, IN, July 15-28.
- Sharda, A., J.D. Luck, J.P. Fulton, T.P. McDonald, S.A. Shearer, and D.K. Mullenix. 2012. Comparison of 2-way Versus Metered 3-way Boom Shut-off Valves for Automatic Section Control on Agricultural Sprayers. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 28(5): 725-733.
- Sharda, A., J.D. Luck, J.P. Fulton, T.P. McDonald, S.A. Shearer, and D.K. Mullenix. 2012. Comparison of 2-way Versus Metered 3-way Boom Shut-off Valves for Automatic Section Control on Agricultural Sprayers. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 28(5): 725-733.
- Torino, M. B. Ortiz, J.P. Fulton and K. Balkcom. 2012. Determination of differences in corn biomass and nitrogen uptake at various growth stages using spectral vegetation indices. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Indianapolis, IN, July 15-28.
- Via, B. T.P. McDonald, and J.P. Fulton. 2012. Nonlinear multivariate modeling of strand density from near infrared spectra. Wood Science and Technology. Published online 20 January 2012. Doi: 10.1007/s00226-012-0467-x. (2012)46: 1073-1084.
- Arriaga, J.S., J.N. Shaw, J.P. Fulton and R.L. Raper. 2009. Cotton conservation system and irrigation effects on soil carbon pools of Tennessee Valley (Alabama) Paleudults. In 2009 Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
- AbdelGadir, A.H., M. Dougherty, J.P. Fulton, L.M. Curtis, T.W. Tyson, H.D. Harkins, and B.E. Norris. 2012. Effect of Different Deficit-Irrigation Capabilities on Cotton Yield in the Tennessee Valley. Irrigation and Drainage Systems Engineering. Doi: 10.4172/2168-9768.1000102.
- Fulton, J.P., S.A. Shearer, S.F. Higgins, and T.P. McDonald. 2012. A method to generate and use as-applied surfaces to evaluate variable-rate fertilizer applications. Precision Agriculture. Published online 25 September 2012. Doi: 10.1007/s11119-012-9286-1.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The survey for the agribusiness industry was developed with test runs using selected people conducted to finalize it. The producers survey conducted in 2009 indicated a range of precision ag technologies being adopted by producers with nearly 70 percent indicating they want to be using technologies such as variable rate technology over the next two years. In short, the interest in precision ag is high in Alabama with expected growth over the next couple of years. The CORS evaluation methodology was established with dynamic testing currently being conducted to determine the accuracy of CORS for RTK applications over time. Preliminary results suggest CORS accuracy is within a few inches if not the manufacturer's published accuracy for single base solutions. Soil organic carbon (SOC) pools directly influence soil quality and are affected by agronomic management. Permanganate-oxidizable carbon (also termed active C) is a potential soil quality indicator and related to carbon (C) sequestration. Soils of the Tennessee Valley region in Alabama are intensively utilized for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. This inherently fragile soil resource has been historically degraded due to intensive monoculture cultivation, but research has shown productivity can be enhanced by using irrigation and conservation systems that improve dynamic soil quality. The objective of our study is to determine permanganate-oxidizable C dynamics in cotton produced in a conservation system [no-tillage with and without a winter rye (secale cereale) cover crop] using subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). The experimental site is a field-scale test located in the Tennessee Valley Region at Belle Mina, AL, with Decatur (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults) soils possessing silt loam textured surface horizons. Soil organic carbon at 0-10 cm in 2009 was affected more by cover crop than SDI, with no differences at 10-20 cm. Three sampling dates in 2009 showed cover crops significantly increased soil permanganate-oxidizable C at 0-10 cm, with no significant differences at 10-20 cm. The July sampling date in 2010 showed no significant differences in the treatments for permanganate-oxidizable C. The experimental design has been established for the Molybdenum-soybean study with data collection occurring in 2011. Our agricultural sprayer research has determined that application uniformity and off-rate errors can occur during automatic section control actuation. Sprayer operation and hardware can impact the occurrence of off-rate application. Similarly, variable orifice nozzle testing suggested inconsistent performance at times with a few nozzles applying off rate. Finally, we have disseminated information from this project through several extension publications, conference proceedings, journal articles, various presentations across the US and the Alabama Precision Agr Website. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. John Fulton coordinated the day-to-day activities related to this project plus leads the variable technology study. Dr. Paul Mask assisted with project coordination. Dr. Joey Shaw is coordinating the carbon dynamics study and provides assistance with data analysis for other studies. Dr. Julie Howe is coordinating the Molybdenum-soybean study. Dr. Ortiz assists with various research projects plus coordinated educational components. Dr. Tim McDonald assisted with the variable-rate technology study and provided assistance with data analyses. Mr. Christian Brodbeck and Mr. Daniel Mullenix assisted with field data collection, overall data summary, and publication development for all studies. Ms. Shannon Norwood helped coordinate field data collection and extension activities for the various studies. Ms. Amy Winstead helped coordinate field data collection, publication development, and extension activities for the precision agriculture studies. Dr. Anne Adrian has assisted with the producer and industry adoption survey. Alabama Cooperative Extension System helped coordinate all workshops, trainings, and field days during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our primarily audiences for this project are Alabama farmers, agribusinesses, foresters, timberland owners, consultants, equipment manufacturers, and government and state agencies. We disseminate the scientific information and experiences from this project through extension field days, workshops, and demonstrations along with regional ag meetings and appropriate publications (e.g. popular press, regional extension pubs, etc.). We also focus on classroom instruction at both the university and K through 12 levels educating students on geospatial technologies and new management practices. Finally, we communicate with faculty and researchers located at other institutions across the US and globally through investigator presentations and participation at professional meetings and conferences. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The agribusiness and producer surveys have increased the awareness and benefits of precision ag technologies and management across Alabama. One interesting result was that 70 percent of Alabama producers which completed the survey indicated they will be using precision ag practices over the next two years. The use of zone or grid management has increased in Alabama promptly producers to utilize variable rate application of nutrients and seeding providing potential savings but reducing the amount of inputs and thereby environmental risks. On average, we have seen a 10% average reduction in applied nutrients and pesticides in Alabama helping producers promote on-farm environmental stewardship while saving them on input costs. We have seen an increased adoption in CORS or Real-time network solutions providing users high accuracy position data for use by precision ag technologies. Currently, around 35 percent of Alabama producers using RTK with more than 70 percent expected over the next few years indicating the interest in high accuracy GNSS positioning for crop production. Assessment of soil quality and carbon sequestration is critical for evaluating management sustainability in highly weathered soils of the Tennessee Valley region. In summary, permanganate-oxidizable C differences were found to be generally consistent with perceived soil quality for these treatments, with consistent results obtained throughout the growing season suggesting some degree of latitude in sampling timeframe. The aggregate of this indicates permanganate-oxidizable C can be used for soil quality assessment in this region. Our variable-rate research has highlighted the need for precision ag practitioners to properly calibrate and setup up rate controllers. When using variable orifice nozzles, flow rates should be checked periodically to ensure proper functioning of the nozzles. There can be a tendency for the diaphragm to immobilize. Further, the use of 3-way boom valves versus 2-way can greatly reduce nozzle flow or pressure variations during automatic section control actuation. Overall, the results from this project has provide Alabama farmers practical information to make purchasing decisions on precision ag technologies and ensure proper adoption for their operation.
Publications
- Luck J.D., A. Sharda, S.K. Pitla, J.P. Fulton, and S.A. Shearer. 2010. Generating Herbicide Effective Application Rate Maps based on GPS Position, Nozzle Pressure, and Boom Section Actuation Data Collected from Sprayer Control Systems. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, CO, July, 18-21 (poster presentation).
- Mullenix, D., J.P. Fulton, T. Harbuck, and A. Winstead. 2010. RTK Networks: Cellular Modem Communication Technology. Timely Information Web publication, May 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2 pp.
- Ortiz, B.V., K. Balkcom, W. Goodman, and J.P. Fulton. 2010. Profitability of RTK Autoguidance and its influences on peanut production. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, CO, 18-21, July.
- Luck, J.D. A. Sharda, S.K. Pitla, J.P. Fulton and S.A. Shearer. 2010. Generating As-Applied Pesticide Distribution Maps from a Self-Propelled Agricultural Sprayer Based on Nozzle Pressure Data. ASABE Paper No. 1009598. ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, June 20-23.
- Sharda, A., J.P. Fulton, T.P. McDonald, W.C. Zech, M.J. Darr, and C.J. Brodbeck. 2010. Real-time pressure and flow dynamics due to boom section and individual nozzle control on agricultural sprayers. Trans. ASABE. 53(5): 1363-1371.
- Sharda, A. J.D. Luck, J.P. Fulton, and S.A. Shearer. 2010. Application rate stability when implementing automatic section control technology on agricultural sprayers. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, CO, July, 18-21.
- Sharda A., J.D. Luck, J.P. Fulton, S.A. Shearer and T.P. McDonald. 2010. Nozzle uniformity for agricultural sprayers operating under field operation when using automatic section technology. ASABE Paper No. 1009386. ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, June 20-23.
- Veal, M.W., S.A. Shearer, and J.P. Fulton. 2010. Development and performance assessment of a grain combine feeder house-based mass flow sensing device. Trans. ASABE. 53(2): 339-348.
- Arriaga, J.S., J.N. Shaw, J.P. Fulton and R.L. Raper. 2009. Cotton conservation system and irrigation effects on soil carbon pools of Tennesee Valley (Alabama) Paleudults. In 2009 Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
- Bernhart, M., O.O. Fasina, J.P. Fulton, C.W. Wood. 2010. Compaction of poultry litter. Bioresource Technology. 101(2010): 234-238.
- Fulton, J.P., A Brooke, A. Winstead, and D. Mullenix. 2010. Guidance Systems: Implement Guidance. Timely Information Web publication, November 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 3 pp.
- Fulton, J.P., A Brooke, A. Winstead, and D. Mullenix. 2010. Guidance Systems: Terrain Compensation. Timely Information Web publication, September 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 3 pp.
- Fulton, J.P., D. Mullenix, A. Brooke, A. Winstead, B. Ortiz, and A. Sharda. 2010, Automatic Section Control (ASC) Technology for Sprayers. Timely Information Web publication, May 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 5pp.
- Fulton, J.P., D. Mullenix, S. Basinger, A. Winstead, S. Norwood, and B. Ortiz. 2010, Automatic Section Control (ASC) Technology for Planters. Timely Information Web publication, April 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 4pp.
- Fulton, J.P., A. Brooke, A. Winstead, and D. Mullenix. 2010. Yield Monitoring and Mapping. Timely Information Web publication, May 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2 pp.
- Fulton, J.P., M.J. Darr, R.K. Taylor, and S.A. Shearer. 2010. Proper Implementation of Precision Agricultural Technologies for Conducting On-farm Research. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, CO, 18-21, July.
- Hall, J.B., J.P. Fulton, T.P. McDonald, O.O. Fasina, W.C. Zech. 2010. Using 3-D simulation to evaluate spinner spreader performance for variable-rate application of poultry litter. ASABE Paper No. 1009265. ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, June 20-23.
- Harbuck, T., A. Brooke, D. Mullenix, J.P. Fulton, A. Winstead, and B. Ortiz. 2010. GPS/GNSS Related Terminology. Timely Information Web publication, May 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 12 pp.
- Luck, J.D., S.K. Pitla, S.A. Shearer, T.G. Mueller, C.R. Dillon, J.P. Fulton, and S.F. Higgins. 2010. Potential for pesticide and nutrient savings via map-based automatic boom section control of spray nozzles. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 70(1): 19-26.
- Winstead, A. J.P. Fulton, and D. Mullenix. 2010. Considerations for Adopting & Implementing Precision Ag Technologies. Timely Information Web publication, October 2010. www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 2 pp.
- Winstead, A. J.P. Fulton, and D. Mullenix. 2010. Precision Agriculture: Commonly Used Terms & Applications. Timely Information Web publication, August 2010. See www.AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline.com, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 6 pp.
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project was initiated in September 2009 and therefore progress has been limited to-date for most of the planned studies. The Ag-Industry survey's have been drafted and shared with a working group consisting of Auburn faculty, extension personnel, and industry representatives for feedback to arrive at a final survey. Exchange of information within this working group has provided valuable insight on the current status and needs of Alabama's ad-industry related to precision agriculture technologies and practices. The CORS, RTK-correction evaluation for autoguidance has obtained information from guidance manufacturers' along with Auburn researchers on how to properly conduct this study. Information related to the survey and CORS projects have been disseminated through recent extension publications, presentations and interactions at the Alabama Precision Agriculture and Field Crops Conference. The variable-rate technology study will include modeling the distribution of dry materials using spinner spreaders as a means to improve distribution and reduce over-application of nutrients. The principle investigator along with the graduate student working on this project has met with 3 US manufacturers to discuss needs within the spinner spreader industry and possible ways to collaborate on this project. The exchange of information has led to defining the methodology to validate this modeling approach and it may assist these manufacturers to improve their products in the future. The experimental design has been established for the Molybdenum-soybean study and will start during the 2010 growing season. Soils samples were collected in 2009 for the carbon dynamics study with results summarized. Information which includes both research and experiences for all these study have or will be published on the Alabama Precision Agriculture website to disseminate this knowledge to our Alabama constituents along with producers across the US and globally. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. John Fulton coordinated the day-to-day activities related to this project plus leads the variable technology study. Dr. Paul Mask assisted with project coordination. Dr. Tim McDonald assisted with the variable-rate technology study and provided assistance with data analyses. Dr. Joey Shaw is coordinating the carbon dynamics study and provides assistance with data analysis for other studies. Dr. Julie Howe is coordinating the Molybdenum-soybean study. Mr. Christian Brodbeck assisted with field data collection, overall data summary, and publication development for all studies. Ms. Shannon Norwood helped coordinate field data collection and extension activities for the various studies. Ms. Amy Winstead helped coordinate field data collection, publication development, and extension activities for the precision agriculture studies. Alabama Cooperative Extension System helped coordinate all workshops, trainings, and field days during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Alabama farmers, agribusinesses, foresters, timberland owners, consultants, equipment manufacturers, and government and state agencies through extension field days, workshops, classroom instruction at both the university and K through 12 levels, and training programs were conducted. Faculty and researchers located at other institutions across the US and globally through investigator presentations and participation at professional meetings and conferences. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Efforts from this project has assisted Alabama producers in adopting CORS as an RTK-correction service which has reduced investments costs by about 40% to 50%. Thus, autoguidance technology has become more feasible to producers thereby increasing guidance technology adoption and improving field efficiencies, reducing over-application of nutrients and pesticides by up to 8%, and enhancing environmental stewardship. Preliminary meetings about the ag-industry survey have helped to identify industry needs and their current knowledge related to precision agriculture. In return, this information has been provided the basis to establish research and extension focus at Auburn to address critical needs for production agriculture in Alabama.
Publications
- Fulton, J.P., T. Harbuck, D. Mullenix, B. Ortiz, A. Winstead, and S. Norwood. 2009. ANR 1352: Global Positioning System (GPS): An Explanation of Global Navigation System (GNSS). Circular. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. 2pp.
- Mullenix, D., J.P. Fulton, T. Harbuck, S. Norwood, and A. Winstead. 2009. GPS Correction Services for Alabama. PA 07 01. Timely Information Web publication.
- Mullenix, D., J.P. Fulton, T. Harbuck, A. Winstead, and S. Norwood. 2009. Update on GPS: New Civilian Accessible Signals: L1C, L2C, and L5. BSEN PA 09 03. Timely Information Web publication.
- Winstead, A., S. Norwood, J.P. Fulton, and T. Harbuck. 2009. Application of CORS in Agriculture. Precision Agriculture Series. Timely Information Web publication.
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