Alfa Presentation Final

8/13/2019 Alfa Presentation Final

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Precision Ag

Team

Precision Agriculture

GPS/GIS Applications for FarmingSystems

Alabama Farmers Federation

2009 Commodity Organizational Meeting

February 5, 2009

Ms. Shannon Norwood and Dr. John FultonAlabama Cooperative Extension System / Auburn University


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PA

Guidance Systems

Variable-Rate Technology

Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PA

Guidance Systems


Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


4/54

Precision Ag

Team

Two Main Ways of Saving and Making Money

Growers and Agronomist across the south are

focusing on two money maker musts for 2009. The

first is to soil test and only use the precise amountsof fertilizer that your crops require. The second is

planting only the best variety for your farm of each

crop you plant.


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Precision Ag

Team

History of Precision Ag

Data Collection Steering Control &VRA

Implement Control

Courtesy of Darr 19971992 2002 2007


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Precision Ag

Team

PA - Adoption RatesComponent

2007 2003 1999

Yield Monitor 31.7 11.6 6.0

Precision Guidance (light-bar or auto pilot system) 31.6 5.2

Georeferenced grid soil sampling 26.5 15.3 8.1

Satellite GPS receiver 26.1 7.6 2.2

Boundary Mapping 23.6 9.8 4.3

Variable Rate Application of Lime 22.2 14.0 6.7

Variable Rate Application of Phosphorus 19.6 14.1 7.3Variable Rate Application of Potassium 19.5 13.4 7.3

Aerial or Satellite Field Photography 17.3 5.2 2.7

Variable Rate Application of Nitrogen 10.7 7.7 6.3

Variable Rate Seeding 8.1 4.2 3.4

Variable Rate Application of Herbicides 7.1 5.3 5.7

Georeferenced field scouting for insects, pests, or disease 6.6 4.9 2.0

Georeferenced field scouting for weeds 6.3 6.0 2.3

Variable Rate Application of other Nutrients 5.7 4.1 3.9

Variable Rate Application of Pesticides 4.8 2.8 2.9

Percent who have adopted one or more of above 54.2 31.8 23.6

Percent adopting


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Precision Ag

Team

Current PA Trends across US

Machine Control Autoguidance and Lightbars Auto-swath control

Strip tillage, fertilizing, and planting

Implement control on sloped fields Input Management

Precise fertilizer and pesticide application

Variable-rate seeding

Solutions for information management

Demand for high-level GPS accuracy (few inches)


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Precision Ag

Team

Payback for Precision Ag Systems

Cash Methods Reduced pass-to-pass overlap with guidance systems

decreases input use & field passes

Reducing headland overlap with automatic sectioncontrol reduces input use.

Improved crop yield response from accurate inputplacement (fertilizer rate, seeding rate, etc.)

Non-Cash Methods Reduced operator fatigue

Better data and decision management Identify yield limiting problems


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Precision Ag

Team

Field variability how can we manage it?

Specify management goals. Question: Can we meet the target goal?

Motivation0.00

127.05189.77

282.47

241.27

196.63

210.37

334.23 138.56

182.90169.17

248.13

261.87

147.97

140.64

95.64

0.00

206.93

96.69

144.83

151.11

303.07

143.78

146.93

255.00

131.23

105.07102.97

124.95

108.21

90.42

Prescription Map (kg/ha)

0

1 - 75

76 - 150

151 - 225

226 - 350


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Precision Ag

Team

Use precision ag to increase profits

Addressfield variability

so that your

PROFIT map reflects

a positive return!

Yield

Map

Yield

Map

PROFIT

MAP!


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PA

Guidance Systems


Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


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Precision Ag

Team

Guidance Usage Planting

Spraying

Spreader/applicators

Tillage

Harvesting


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Precision Ag

Team

Types of Guidance

2 Types of Systems:1. Lightbar or Parallel Tracking

Operator still drives machine

Lightbar provides feedback on properpositioning reference

2. Autoguidance or AutoSteer

Machine drives itself

Operator only turns machine around, thenlines up on next pass before engaging**


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Precision Ag

Team

Lightbars

Courtesy of John Deere, Mid-Tech, Raven, and Trimble

Simple Fairly precise

Reliable

Economical

Easy to move


15/54

Precision Ag

Team

Terrain CompensationRoll Example

GPS Antenna

Roll Angle

Corrected position by TC

Position without TC


16/54

Precision Ag

Team

Autosteering Technology

Electronic controls overridestandard steering valves.

Steering decisions are made via

initial driver input (AB line

establishment) and GPS positioninformation.

Electronic processor unit calculates

precise steering angle and passes

command along to the steering

valve.


17/54

Precision Ag

Team

RTK Technology

Base station sends corrected GPS signal via radio or cell phone

to rover unit mounted on tractor

Base station corrects GPSsignal based on its known

locations.

correction signal


18/54

Precision Ag

Team

CORS Set-up

Correctiondata is

placed on

the internet.

Phone/modemconnects to

internet to

receive

correction.

CORS Station


19/54

Precision Ag

Team

Traditional Base vs. CORS

Traditional Base Station

6-8 mile radius

Line of sight

Have seen smaller radiusin AL due to terrain

Each brand typically hasits own base station

CORS

20 mile radius (approx.)

Cell phone coverage

required Compatability:

Ag Leader

AutoFarm

Leica Trimble

TopCon


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Precision Ag

Team

Cost of Accuracy

Guidance system

$2,995

Guidance + Assisted Steer

$6,500

RTK guidance + Base Station$45,000


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Precision Ag

Team

Implement Guidance


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Precision Ag

Team

Implement Guidance

Trimble Truetracker

AgGPS 252 and

NavController II mounted

on implement (in additionto on tractor)

Orthman Tracker IV,

actually assists in steering

the implement


23/54

Precision Ag

Team

Implement Assist: iTec

John Deere product

Intelligent Total Equipment Control

Use with AutoTrac

Assists with:

Headland turns

Helps position machine for next pass

Raise/lower mounted implements

Engage/disengage PTO functions

Ground speed changes


24/54

Precision Ag

Team

Harvest Guidance

AutoTrac Row Sense Combine

John Deere

Sensors in corn head communicate with AutoTrac

Allows for more precise steering, particularly in

poor conditions (weeds, down corn)

Allows combine to operate at

more consistent speed


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PA

Guidance Systems


Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


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Precision Ag

Team

Directed Soil Sampling

Grid

Typically 2.5 acres

Assess field variability

Minimum knowledge More samples = more $

Labor intensive

Zone

Approx. 10-20 acres

Time and knowledge

required to create More set-up time required


27/54

Precision Ag

Team

Directed Soil Sampling


28/54

Precision Ag

Team

What is VRT

VRT = Variable-Rate Technology

Any technology that enables the variable-rate

application of agricultural inputs,

OR

Technology which permits precise application

control of inputs


29/54

Precision Ag

Team

Uses of VRTInputs

Nutrients / Fertilizer N, P, and K

Micronutrients

Pesticides Herbicides

Insecticides

Fungicides

Lime

Seeding

Tillage Irrigation


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Precision Ag

Team

VRT Implementation

1. Map-based prescription maps

2. Sensor-based

Real-time crop or field assessment controlling

input application

Further development in AL before adoption

3. Manual operator controlled


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Precision Ag

Team

Basics of How VRT Works

ApplicatorController

DGPS

Output

Map-Based System

Map


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Precision Ag

Team

VR Control System

Computer, Controller and Software

Hydraulic Valve and Motor

DGPS Receiver

Metering Device


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Precision Ag

Team

Sensor-Based VRA System


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Precision Ag

Team

Example Sensor-Based System

Images courtesy of NTech Inc.

Sensor

Spray Nozzle

Senses NDVI Plant Health


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Precision Ag

Team

Spinner-Disc Speed Control

Proportional (PWM) Valve

Manual Valve

RESULTS:

Spinner disc control improves materialdistribution by up to 17%.

Recommended for variable-rate application


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Precision Ag

Team

As-Applied Maps

ILLUSTRATES:

1. Field traverse

2. Actual rate applied

PROVIDES:

1. Electronic verification

2. Used of future analyses

and decisions.


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Precision Ag

Team

Benefits of VRTEconomics

Increased input efficiency - apply only what is needed

Could reduce overall amount of inputs used

Improved in-field equipment efficiency

Improved crop yields through optimal input useEnvironmental Stewardship

Minimize over-application of inputs thereby reducingthe risk of pesticide and fertilizer runoff or leaching

into water sources, Reduce application in environmentally sensitive areas


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PA

Guidance Systems


Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


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Precision Ag

Team

No Auto-Swath Control

Compromise not spraying vegetated waterway and cropland.


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Precision Ag

Team

Overlap Example w/out Auto-Swath


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Precision Ag

Team

What is Auto-Swath Control (ASC)?

4/13/2009 41

Auto-Boom

Auto-Nozzle

No Auto-Swath

Planter Auto-Swath

Sections or individual nozzles/rows are turnedON and OFF automatically

Reduces overlap areas on headlands and

application in unwanted areas (waterways etc.)

Required Components:

DGPS receiver

Controller with software capable of auto-swath

Appropriate control mechanism (valve, solenoid, etc.)


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Precision Ag

Team

Benefits of Auto-Swath

Improved application efficiency & accuracy Reduced overlap thus reducing overall input

costs

Improved environmental stewardship Reduced crop damage from over-application

Optimized operator efficiency

Reduce operator fatigue


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Precision Ag

Team

Nozzle Control


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Precision Ag

Team

Auto-Swath Study

2 to 10% input savings per pass across field AVG: 4.4 % MIN: 1.0 % MAX: 10.0 %

Savings depending upon shape and size of fields. GPS and correction impacts performance

Payback period: < 2 yrs

Increased field efficiency (additional savings)


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Precision Ag

Team

Overlap Reduction (%)

Technology becomes more precise (auto-nozzle /row control) oras equipment becomes larger.

4/13/2009 45

y = 0.001x + 0.029R = 0.893

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40

OverlapRe

duction

Planter S ize [Rows]

Increases when increasing control resolution:

(5 booms auto-nozzle)

Increases with the size of planter:

(8 24 rows)


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Precision Ag

Team

Cost Saving Results

Average savings of $4.83/ac(sprayer: 5 boom sections, planter: 12 rows, no precision N application)

Savings increase to an average of $8.36/ac if

ASC for N fertilizer

Highest savings in irrigated corn if precision N-

application implemented: ($11-13/ac)

Savings of up to $25/ac can be attained.

4/13/2009 46

d l


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Precision Ag

Team

Model to Estimate Savings

Section Control - 5

y = 0.039ln(x) - 0.141

R = 0.87

Nozzle Control

y = 0.054ln(x) - 0.203

R = 0.90

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

50 70 90 110 130 150 170 190 210 230 250

S

avings

Field Index

Section Control - 5

Nozzle Control

Development of a simple index:

1. Based on field geometry

2. Estimate overlap savings


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Precision Ag

Team

Concerns - Dynamic Response


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Precision Ag

Team

Topics

Overview of PAGuidance Systems


Auto-Swath

Final Thoughts


50/54

Precision Ag

Team

Autonomous Vehicles / Robots

Carnegie Mellon - DEMETER

Ag Ant

Deeres Concept Tractor


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Precision Ag

Team

Paradigm change

Man as a power source. Man in control of a power source.

Man removed from the control loop.


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Precision Ag

Team

Final Thoughts Guidance systems makes sense

Precision sampling is a start

VRTandAuto-Swath Technology

Development of PA extension material

Management tools and current information

www.aces.edu/timelyinfo

PA technology will be a tool to assist with

management especially in the future.


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Precision Ag

Team

Final Considerations Buy products that are compatible with multiple

operations

Understand the time requirement of precision agsystems and know when to outsource activities toconsultants

Develop long-term PA implementation plans to helpwith purchasing decisions

Talk to specialists to determine the level of GPS

accuracy required for your operation AL NRCS EQIP program


54/54

Precision Ag

www.alabamaprecisionagonline.com

John [email protected]

334-844-3541

Shannon [email protected]

256-353-8702 x28

Documents

Alfa Presentation Final