FeaturesFarming on the edge

Autonomous seeder breaks new ground

Apps reviewed at EXPO

Summer 2013 Volume 9 Issue 2

precision ag news

2 Issue 2 Volume 9 SPAA

SPAA SPAA, a non-profit, independent membership organisation - promoting the development and adoption of precision

technologies in agriculture, viticulture and horticulture

Precision Ag News is published by SPAA - Precision Agriculture Australia Inc.© 2013 ISSN1449-3705SPAA - PO Box 3490 Mildura VIC 3502Ph 0437 422 000 Fax 1300 422 279 Email info@spaa.com.au www.spaa.com.auAdvertising contact: Nicole Dimos 0437 422 000 or nicole@spaa.com.auPrecision Ag News is edited and produced for SPAA by AgriKnowHow with design by Lightning Designs.

SPAA DISCLAIMERSPAA has prepared this publication, on the basis of information available at the time of publication without any independent verification. Neither SPAA and its editors nor any contributor to this publication represent that the contents of this publication are accurate or complete; nor do we accept any omissions in the contents, however they may arise. Readers who act on the information in this publication do so at their risk. The contributors may identify particular types of products. We do not endorse or

recommend the products of any manufacturer referred to. Other products may perform as well or better than those specifically referred to.

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Volume 9 Issue 2 3SPAA

Contents

News from the presidentWe enjoyed a successful EXPO in the Barossa Valley with 130 people attending. The range of speakers was good; I particularly enjoyed our UK speaker James Szabo highlighting his company’s soil testing service, which was much cheaper than in Australia.

I found his Nuffield Farming Scholarship presentation on robotics fascinating. It appears much of the work has been done, but commercialisation is the current barrier. We will bring you more details for James in the next issue.

PA in Practice II is now available. I encourage you all to buy a copy to see how the grains industry has progressed with PA in the past 10 years. There are good articles on how to use PA tools, and the benefits they bring.

We have had positive feedback from our viticulture workshops run late last year. The groups in Victoria seem to be very proactive.

Enjoy this issue of PAN. I hope there is information of value to farmers in all industry sectors.

If you are new to PA feel free to talk to any of the committee members (contacts on website) about your situation. We are keen to help you farm more precisely.

Neale Postlethwaite President SPAA

www.spaa.com.au

SPAA NEWS

4 Photo comp winner - around the EXPO

6 PV workshops

FEATURES

11 Farming on the edge Grain grower and farmer of the year 2012, Peter Kuhlmann, uses PA as a tool to remain viable in a very low rainfall environment.

14 Precision disease managementInter-row sowing can help reduce stubble borne cereal disease but with break crops a sequence of row placement is required.

17 Autonomous seeder breaks new ground Today’s large tractors could be tomorrow’s dinosaurs as small autonomous systems are developed.

19 A planned approach to PACreating a property implementation plan can help farmers to start using precision technologies.

21 Apps reviewed at EXPO

22 Appy farming A mid priced farm recording app has yet to hit the market.

24 Variable rate nitrogen trials Consider what you want from VR cost savings or yield increases.

INNOVATION

14

DEVELOPMENTS AND DEMOS

24

PA IN PRACTICE

8 PV helps identify and manage vine vigour

4 Issue 2 Volume 9 SPAA NEWS

SPAA News

Congratulations to Andrew Whitlock - Precisionagriculture.

com.au - winner of the SPAA photo competition. Andrew won a handheld

Garmin GPS unit. The picture was taken while gathering grape biomass

data using two GreenSeekers® as part of the precision viticulture project in

Victoria’s Grampians and Yarra Valley wine regions.

Soil testJim Laycock, Incitec Pivot discussed the importance of soil sampling especially for deep nitrogen which has been falling.In more than 2,300 deep nitrogen soil tests analysed from across southern Australia, 81 per cent had less than 60kg/ha of nitrogen in the sampled profile. This robotic soil sampler that he showed the audience looks like it would be as happy on Mars as in a paddock.

SPAA held its annual EXPO in February in the Barossa region, South Australia. This year’s theme was “Practical use of Innovative Technology”. Over one hundred and thirty delegates attended the event, which included presentations from farmers, agronomists, researchers and sponsors. It also included the popular trade display, demonstrations from John Deere and PA Connections, the post-event networking function which was once again sponsored by the CBH Group.In this issue of Precision Ag News, stories from this EXPO are reported on pages 11, 21 and 24.

Competition winner

From the EXPO

Volume 9 Issue 2 5SPAA NEWS

Jonathan Dyer, Kaniva caught up with Tanya Liddell, MEA to learn more about using moisture probes.

The three farmersBrendon Johns, Roger Lange and Neale Postlethwaite shared their experience of using PA in grain production.Lessons Brendon has learnt along the way -Save data - name and store it where you will rememberSet up yield mapping prior to harvestUse a laptop so you can modify VRT maps in the paddockDon’t listen to salesmenCompatibility - does it exist?Once you have learnt a system it’s probably time to changeInter-row operations don’t happen by accidentYou don’t always have to buy newDon’t be afraid to ask for help from people who know

John Deere with support from local dealers demonstrated their guided implement

system suited for use in controlled traffic systems.

Peter Treloar (left) catches up with fellow EXPO presenter James Szabo (UK).

Visiting Australia as part of his current Nuffield Farming Scholarship study, James shared his

experience on locating soil sampling points and his findings on the developments in robotics.

International exchange

Local exchange The EXPO is always a great opportunity to

network and catch-up. Left to right - Local farmers Robert Price,

Narridy and Andrew and Malcolm Sargent, Crystal Brook catch up with mining

and viticulture GIS specialist and SPAA committee member Hans Loder (2nd right).

6 Issue 2 Volume 9

Enthusiastic and progressive growers, consultants and industry suppliers attended the

two precision viticulture workshops held in Victoria’s Grampians and Yarra Valley wine regions at the end of November.

Run by SPAA-Precision Agriculture Australia, the workshops are the first activity of the new precision agriculture groups established in these areas. The groups have been formed as part of a project supported by the Australian government through a Caring for our Country, Community Action Grant.

The new project offers participants the opportunity to become familiar with the terms and tools used for precision management, in a hands-on learning environment.

Presenters, Hans Loder and Dr Richard Hamilton, Hamilton Viticulture, shared their first hand experience of implementing precision management techniques to improve vineyard profitability and productivity.

Both presenters used examples to dispel the common perceptions that precision viticulture is only for those managing large vineyards; that it is too expensive; that managers already know where variability is located and that they cannot see the benefit.

Examples included use of spatial data to manage irrigation scheduling, vine vigour and split harvesting.

Richard Hamilton reminded participants that precision viticulture (PV) is not a silver bullet but allows targeted best practice vine management based on spatially recorded information.

“The starting point for precision viticulture is the first piece of geo-referenced data collected for any block. However, the most important precision viticulture tool is the human brain as the spatial data always has to be ground truthed and analysed,” Richard said.

Generally the rule of thumb is to invest in the most accurate GPS that can be justified for the application.

Further activities will be run by SPAA as part of this project after vintage. These will in part be based around the spatial information that has now been collected as part of the project. About ten participants have had electromagnetic (EM38) soil data and plant cell density (PCD) data gathered and this will be mapped.

The EM38 data was gathered by Martin Peters, Farming IT, and the PCD by Paul Dare, Spatial Scientific Pty. Ltd.

In addition, Andrew Whitlock, www.precisionagriculture.com.au, used GreenSeeker® sensors to map the vine biomass and produce normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps. These measurements were made the day after the PCD data was gathered. The project will compare and

contrast the data produced by the two techniques.

In the cover photo it can be seen that the biomass sensors were mounted in the vertical position, just above the height of the cordon wire. The sensors were approximately 60cm from the vine. Driving at 13 to15km a data point was logged every second, which was about every 2.5m.

10 ways to apply precision viticultureThe tools of precision viticulture are – spatial information, crop models, sensors and robotics.

1. Vineyard layout for drainage and aspect

2. Soil characterisation – variable irrigation

3. Split harvesting

4. Sucker removal

5. Weed mapping

6. Matching soil probe sensors to root depth

7. Differential pruning

8. Strategic placement of mulch

9. Adjusting mowing height of inter-row cover

10. Location of cover crops

Details: Nicole Dimos, 0437 422 000, nicole@spaa.com.au

SPAA NEWS

PV workshops

Workshops show that precision viticulture has something to offer all viticulturist, irrespective of size or market.

Nicole DimosPrecision viticulture workshop presenters left to right – Andrew Whitlock, Hans Loder and Richard Hamilton – more workshop activities will occur in June 2013. Photo: Emma Leonard

Volume 9 Issue 2 7

PA uptake in grainsAs part of a GRDC project aimed at improving technology adoption, the uptake of precision agriculture has been analysed for grain growers across southern Australia.

In this study PA included the use of yield mapping, variable rate and guidance.

The study involved interviews with 600 farmers randomly selected from within cropping regions in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Figure 1 shows the differences in time of adoption for several PA technologies and practices across all regions.

It shows how the surge in use of GPS-based autosteer in the last five to10 years is yet to be experienced for more complex innovations such as variable rate fertiliser management, a practice that is dependent on the level of within-paddock variability.

The chart also shows that while the number of farmers with the capacity to spatially monitor crop yields steadily increases, only about half of those farmers generate a yield map.

The number of farmers varying fertiliser rates based on soil type within paddocks is steadily increasing. However, it is not necessarily being done using variable rate technology (such as controllers, prescription maps etc). While 35 per cent are equipped with VRT, only about 15 per cent use variable rate technology. However, the rate of automation is expected to increase substantially over the next five years.

The study is looking at reasons for current levels of adoption, particularly differences between regions and the potential to identify where the biggest future opportunities lie.

Use of advisers for PA support is of particular interest. A lack of technical support is commonly assumed to be a reason for low adoption of the more complex aspects of PA technology. This may be changing. While this was an issue for about a third of farmers the majority do not think this is the case.

Results will be fully analysed and available by July.

Figure 1. Adoption of different PA technologies by grain growers over time.

Details: Dr Rick Llewellyn, CSIRO, 08 8303 8502, rick.llewellyn@csiro.au

Farming with appsRichard Heath has launched a new website to help farmers locate the latest and most appropriate apps – www.farmingwithapps.com

Sugar projectAndrew Robson and colleagues at Agri-Science Queensland are in the process of completing a three year project relating to yield forecasting in sugarcane. They have some really good results including regional yield predictions exceeding 97% accuracy across five growing regions. The project has also generated over 30,000 yield maps from imagery.

More details are available from Andrew (andrew.robson@daff.qld.gov.au) and in future issues of Precision Ag News.

Global view of PAEmma Leonard, AgriKnowHow has received an Industry Development Award from the GRDC. This award will enable her to attend the three specialist PA conferences and visit leaders in the use of information and communication technology in Asia, Europe and North America.

“As editor of this publication I am always seeking the latest technical and practical information on PA, robotics, and information and communication technology (ICT).

At the end of June, I will attend the 5th Asian Conference on Precision Agriculture in South Korea, then travel on to the 9th European Conference on Precision Agriculture in Spain and the trip will be completed at Info Ag in Illinois (USA).

I look forward to sharing my findings with grain growers through Ground Cover and PA enthusiasts through Precison Ag News. I also hope to identify potential research collaborators and speakers for conferences in Australia”.

Diary dates Australia

26 – 28 June - Digital Rural Futures, Armidale, NSW – www.une.edu.au/smart

22 – 25 September - 2013 Society for Engineering in Agriculture Conference, Mandurah, WA - www.engineersaustralia.org.au

PV workshops - 3rd and 4th June (3rd in Yarra, 4th in Grampians)

PA Symposium - September more info in the July issue of PAN.

International

25 - 28 June - 5th Asian Conference on Precision Agriculture, South Korea

7 – 11 July – 9th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, Spain

16 -18 July – InfoAg, Illinois, USA

10 - 12 September - 6th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming 2013, Belgium

INDUSTRY NEWS

Use autosteer

Have yield map

Have yield monitor

Vary fertiliser rates on different soils

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8 Issue 2 Volume 9 PA IN PRACTICE

Treasury Wine Estates run over 11,000 hectares of vineyards on three continents and

produce 54 brands including the prestigious Penfold’s Grange.

Bethany Collins is regional viticulturist for Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) in Victoria and New South Wales. She works with managers at seven vineyards, including Great Western and St Huberts. Together

PV helps identify and manage vine vigour

Emma Leonard

Bethany Collins (right) regional viticulturist for Treasury Wine Estates discusses the use of PV for high vigour vine management with Seppelt’s Great Western, vineyard manager Andrea Hart. Photo: Emma Leonard

FARM DETAILS

Properties: Seppelt’s Great Western and St Huberts vineyards, Treasury Wine Estates

Locations: Grampians and Yarra Valley, Victoria

Rainfall: 592mm and 744mm plus irrigation, respectively.

Soil: Great Western – predominantly deep loam with a stony profile ranging through to sandy clay loams and sandy loams across the vineyard. Yarra Valley soils are generally grey sandy clay loams interspersed with broken sandstone.

Enterprises: Great Western – Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Riesling. Yarra Valley – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Roussane.

PRECISION MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS

Selective harvestingCanopy vigour managementChemical de-suckeringDisease managementMoisture mappingTrial analysis

Volume 9 Issue 2 9PA IN PRACTICE

with other regional viticulturists she is supporting the use of precision management techniques.

“With all our fruit going into our own labels, our focus has been to use precision viticulture (PV) to improve fruit quality,” said Bethany.

“We have mainly used PV to maximise the value of high quality fruit but more recently we have applied PV to improve the consistency of quality across blocks.”

Achieving the correct balance between canopy growth and fruit production is central to wine grape management. However, it is not a simple relationship with different levels of canopy vigour required for different grape types, seasons and situations.

Plant cell density (PCD) maps provide a picture of how vigour changes across a block. Bethany and colleagues at TWE follow the recommended practice of gathering PCD information at veraison, the point when grapes change from green to white or red. This growth stage has been established as a key point for identifying differences in canopy vigour using PCD data.

Aerial photography data, collected by Spatial Scientific and processed by SpecTerra, is purchased for each block of interest and occasionally for a whole vineyard.

“We may purchase a PCD map for the whole vineyard so that we can gain a picture of variation in vigour across all blocks within a vineyard, or selectively purchase PCD maps for specific blocks where variation in grape quality has historically existed.”

Multiple years of PCD maps have been combined to help assess yield variation across a block and identify locations for yield analysis. Bethany reports that generally the area and location of vigour zones is relatively consistent but the range of vigour across low to high zones varies between seasons and may be more significant in some than others.

“Regular vineyard monitoring and ground truthing of the PCD maps against the actual vines is essential.”

At TWE’s Australian vineyards the perimeter of every block has been mapped to an accuracy of +/-10cm and the boundary coordinates are provided to ensure PCD maps are produced for the correct blocks.

“An accurate GPS map of each block is a valuable starting point for anyone considering using precision agriculture and viticulture techniques.”

Regional viticulturists and vineyard managers also have access to rugged tablets or handheld computers. These store the block maps and are used to log in vineyard data spatially. For example, mapping data is being used to refine yield estimations and reduce sampling requirements by separately sampling zones within a vineyard.

Differential harvestingPCD maps are used to identify locations where canopy vigour changes. Vineyard managers use this information to assist winemakers in the selection of parts of vineyard blocks with contrasting grape quality.

“Our objective is to find the locations where the change in grape quality would alter wine grade and to use this information for managing selective harvesting.

“With PCD maps we can clearly show the winemakers the location and size of areas of high, medium and low vigour.”

TWE winemakers developed a system to grade wine grapes in the vineyard. The grading is driven by the winemakers based on sensory profiles of the fruit. However, the PCD data is helping to refine the sampling locations to assist winemakers in better assessing the range of quality that might exist across a block.

TWE undertakes differential harvesting in vineyards that are machine or handpicked.

Simple marking systems of flags or tapes are used in the handpicked vines. Pickers are instructed to keep fruit harvested from different areas separate.

A system from Advance Technology Viticulture is used on grape harvesters to achieve automated split picking. Picking zones are delineated on a GIS map that is loaded into a controller mounted in the harvester. On the outside of the harvester red and yellow lights are mounted where they can be clearly seen by the chaser bin drivers. Two chaser bins are required, one for the grapes harvested from the red light area, the other from the yellow light area.

As the grape harvester moves through the vineyard the controller switches the lamp colour depending on location and the appropriate bin is moved into position. No direct communication is required between the harvester operator and the driver of the chaser bin as the lamp colour for an upcoming change to zone flashes on the harvester prior to a change in zone.

Sometimes the variation in grape quality is due to a significant difference in ripeness, which would merit a different picking date. In these cases, the beaters on the harvester are switched off when it reaches the zone that will be picked at a later date and then switched back on when it re-enters the zone where the grapes are ready for harvest.

“This is a relatively simple and effective system to achieve automated selective harvesting.”

The responsiveness of the machine harvesting system is governed by the ability of the chaser bin drivers to swap as the harvester moves down the row. There are limitations based on the number of swaps and also on the minimum distance that is required to change between bins.

“For machine harvesting, we currently use 16m as the minimum length of row in one category before we can swap back to another category.”

Vigour managementBy veraison it is too late to manage vine vigour but the PCD maps can be used the following season to identify areas where vigour management could be applied.

At Seppelt’s Great Western, vineyard manager Andrea Hart is targeting high vigour areas in a vineyard block. The fruit produced from this section of the block is of lower grape quality compared to the rest of the block.

Precision vineyard management is helping to improve quality consistency and segregate grapes of different grades.

10 Issue 2 Volume 9 PA IN PRACTICE

She is applying a series of treatments including planting lucerne on the mid-row of the high vigour sections of the vineyard to reduce the soil moisture available to the vines. When actively growing in spring and summer, the lucerne will compete with the vines for water and hopefully reduce canopy size.

In other blocks in the vineyard mulch or compost is being applied under the vine row in low vigour areas. Mulch should modify soil water and temperature, and provide nutrients, resulting in larger canopies.

Sacrificial canes are being used in high vigour areas. These grow extra shoots that compete within the vine during the vegetative growth period. The canes are cut off once this growth period has finished, so they do not impact on the ripening fruit. This competition reduces the size of the remaining shoots, helping with fruit exposure and to achieve a more balanced ‘shoot to fruit’ ratio, which contributes to improving grape quality.

The sacrificial canes are selected in early spring prior to pruning and are tied down to the lower trellis wire so they can be identified and removed once vegetative shoot growth has ended.

Andrea has also been using a weed sensor when chemically de-suckering vines. Suckers grow from the base of the vine trunk and are normally removed manually or with a contact herbicide every season. Rather than applying chemical all the way down the row, the weed sensor is used

to trigger an application only where green suckers are identified. In some blocks savings of up to 70 per cent of chemical have been achieved using this technique as well as very effective de-suckering.

Disease managementTWE’s St Huberts vineyard is right in the centre of the Phylloxera Infested Zone in the Yarra Valley. PCD maps are being used by the vineyard manager David Ammerlaan, to identify areas within the vineyard for any possible infestations of phylloxera.

Low vigour areas are identified from the PCD maps and phylloxera traps are placed within these areas and assessed every four weeks for the presence of phylloxera. PCD maps were used in the past to track the spread of existing infestations in vineyards which have since been sold.

At Great Western, ‘hot’ spots of powdery mildew in Chardonnay vines have been identified and mapped to produce a spray map with differential zones of high and low spray rates. This enables higher rates of chemical to be applied in the locations with higher disease pressure. Rates are currently changed manually.

The futureManagers at TWE continue to look for new applications of precision technologies. In a joint project with the University of Adelaide, Catherine Kidman, regional viticulturist in Coonawarra is assessing the use of portable NIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive technique for measuring the water status. It is hoped this system could provide a simple and cost effective method of scheduling irrigation based on the plant rather than soil data.

A comparison of PCD maps and a crop biomass sensor will be conducted at Great Western vineyard as part of the SPAA precision viticulture workshops, a project supported by the Australian Government through a Caring for our Country, Community Action Grant. The aim is to establish if on-ground biomass sensors can provide accurate and more timely canopy information than PCD maps.

Details: Bethany Collins, Bethany.collins@tweglobal.com

A participant in the PV workshops inspects the use of sacrificial canes as a means of controlling high vigour vines. The sacrificial canes are selected in early spring prior to pruning and are tied down to the lower trellis wire so they can be identified and removed once vegetative shoot growth has ended. Photo: Emma Leonard

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Volume 9 Issue 2 11PA IN PRACTICE

Located near the eastern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, the environment at Mudamuckla,

South Australia is classified as semi-desert. So, it is not surprising that conserving soil moisture is vital to Peter Kuhlmann’s business.

While he is geographically on the edge of the production zone, he aims to be at the cutting edge in his use of research, technology and management.

“Mudamuckla is located on the same latitude as Broken Hill and Quorn, neither of which are renowned for their crop production,” said Peter who presented at the SPAA EXPO in February.

Compared to those areas the cooler, coastal influences probably favour

farming in this area. Nevertheless, Peter has calculated that his evaporation is eight times his rainfall. This compares to evaporation being three times the rainfall in Adelaide.

In the past ten years, Peter has also noted that ten year average rainfall has declined, and the farm regularly suffers a dry spring. In 2012, the single biggest rainfall event was 10.5mm.

“Using rainfall records back to 1955 I can see the trend is for less total rainfall and less growing season rainfall.”

However, when the grey calcareous sandy loam soil is wet it has good potential; average wheat and barley yields of about 1t/ha.

Farming on the edge

Emma Leonard

Farmer of the Year Peter Kuhlmann uses PA together with a range of technologies to collect and conserve water on his property near the Nullarbor Plain. Photo: Mudabie Pty Ltd

FARM DETAILS

Property: Mudabie Pty Ltd

Farm Location: Mudamuckla, 40km east of Ceduna, South Australia

Area: 9603ha, 8560ha arable

Rainfall: 291mm Average, 216mm GSR

Soil: Grey calcareous sandy loam, pH 8.5. High phosphorus fixing, limestone, boron toxicity, dryland salinity (magnesia flats), Rhizoctonia

Enterprises: 1300 Merino sheep mated to Merino and White Suffolk. Cropping 2012: 5520ha Wheat, 736ha Barley, 261ha Juncea Canola

Average Yield: Wheat 0.99 t/ha, Barley 1.0 t/ha

12 Issue 2 Volume 9 PA IN PRACTICE

This average yield has barely changed over the past 50 years due to the declining rainfall (Figure 1). The most exciting change is the increasing water use efficiency (WUE) which rose rapidly around the time of adopting conservation tillage (Figure 2).

Water saving techniquesIn the late 1970s, Peter returned to the farm his family have run for over 100 years. At that time they cropped about 30 per cent of the farm, with the rest under self-generating pastures. Weed control was achieved by burning and tillage.

Between 1970 and 1985 the ten year moving average for WUE was declining, reaching a low of about 27 per cent. The adoption of conservation farming practices and chemical weed control marked a significant turning point with WUE continuing to rise.

“Summer weed control to conserve summer rainfall and early sowing are now probably the two most influential factors on conserving and using our rainfall effectively in a no-till system.

“To achieve early establishment and capitalise on opening rainfall, a proportion of the 8,500 hectare cropping program is sown dry. In 2012, about 50 per cent of the program was sown dry.

“If we started seeding in Sydney we would finish when we arrived in Perth and last year we would have passed my farm before it had rained.”

The seeding program is streamlined to sow large areas without the need to stop. With the 18m (60ft) Seedhawk dual hydraulic tyne seeding bar pulling a 17,000L seedbox and 12,000L liquid tank, Peter and his team of two fulltime workmen and a casual can sow 200 hectares without refilling. This work rate is achieved when no urea is applied, just liquid phosphoric acid injected beneath the seed.

Peter has calculated that on average over the past seven years, a week delay in sowing from the start of sowing wheat (could be dry) caused an 11 per cent reduction in yield (Table 1).

While early sowing helps boost yield, it is resulting in more in-crop weed germination, which provides a new challenge.

Table 1: Actual per cent yield loss from the start to the end of sowing wheat.

Yield t/ha kg loss/ha/day loss/week

2006 0.51 6.5 8.9%

2007 0.51 29 39.8%

2008 0.55 11 14.0%

2009 1.35 5.8 3.0%

2010 1.44 12.2 5.9%

2011 1.64 3.3 1.4%

2012 0.60 3.3 3.9%

Average 10.2 11.0%

Other tools to help maximise crop water use and minimise water loss are:

• stubbleretention

• no-tillwithknifepoints–tillagebeneaththerowisused to help reduce the root disease, Rhizoctonia

• presswheels

• widerrowspacing–lesscropcompetitionandallowsinter-row sowing to improve seedling establishment due to protection from wind

• goodseedandnutrientplacement

• pre-emergentandin-cropweedcontrol;and

• modifyingseedingrateandnutrientstosoiltypes.

Farming to land capabilityPrecision management practices have helped Peter implement these water saving practices.

Peter first used a light bar for guidance in 2000 and started yield mapping in 2003. On-farm trials using

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Figure 1. Mudabie wheat yields and moving trend Figure 2. Mudabie water use efficiency, including 1955 to 2012. proportion of summer rainfall 1955 to 2012.

Grain grower and farmer of the year 2012, Peter Kuhlmann, uses PA as a tool to remain viable in a very low rainfall environment.

Volume 9 Issue 2 13PA IN PRACTICE

PA technology have been important in the development of management zones and variable fertiliser strategies.

Table 2: Differences between poor and good zones established using soil, plant available water and yield data.

Poor yield/GM Best yield/GM

Stony, shallow,”magnesia” flats Deep, sandier hills/slopes

Lower PAW Higher PAW

Lower harvest index Higher harvest index

Less nutrients removed More nutrients removed

Ice plant, annual saltbush Onion weed, melons

Peter has taken a whole farm approach to zoning his farm, with zones based on a paddock’s water holding capacity.

“Water use efficiency is a true indication of a zone’s production capability. While I now crop 75 per cent of the farm, I have also zoned some paddocks as poor and only use these for sheep pasture.”

Three zones have been established based on yield maps from four years with dry springs. The zones roughly align with soil type and plant available water capacity which closely relates to yield.

Many factors distinguish the poor and good zones (Table 2). Peter uses these factors, plus many years of on-farm trial data to establish his variable rate seed and fertiliser rates (Table 3).

“My variable rate objectives are based on saving costs and reducing risk, not on yield maximisation.

“You can never guess the spring rainfall so I always manage for an average year at seeding.”

Liquid phosphorus and zinc are an important part of Peter’s fertiliser strategy. Supplying phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid results in more phosphorus being made available to the plant and less being lock-up in the calcareous soil.

Zinc, applied as zinc sulphate mixed with the liquid solution, supports rapid and robust root growth and helps protect the seedling against the root disease, Rhizoctonia.

Both nutrients help achieve rapid crop emergence and establishment.

The futureImproved mobile phone coverage is probably number one on Peter’s technology wish list. This would give him the capacity to monitor water meters remotely and to use other applications such as telemetry or remote access.

For Peter remotely can mean from the sheds at Mudamuckla or from his farm office 750kms away in Adelaide.

Perhaps this distance is part of Peter’s success, allowing him to focus on managing the business and the factors that constrain his production, rather than being side tracked by the every day events on the farm.

Details: Peter Kuhlmann, 0428 258 032, mudabie@bigpond.com

Table 3: Seeding rates, costs and yield increases required to cover the input costs for different zones in 2012. No nitrogen (N) is used on pasture paddocks.

Phosphorus Zinc Seed Nitrogen Cost Cost kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha No N

$4.15/unit $3.60/unit $350/t $1.37/unit $/ha $/ha

Poor 0 0 45 0 $15.75 $15.75

Medium 4 0.16 58 7 $47.07 $37.48

Good 6 0.24 58 10 $59.76 $46.06

On average an 11 per cent yield reduction has been calculated for every week that seeding is delayed in this dry environment. Photo: Mudabie Pty Ltd

Precision Ag Equipment

Yield monitor: Ag Leader

Mapping Program: Ag Leader SMS Basic

Seeder and fluid Controller: Ag Leader Insight

Autosteer: Auto Farm RTK (2cm) with base station

Rate controller: Ag Leader Insight

Other: Croplands Outback lightbar; Farmscan Farmlap controller and autosteer, Ezisteer; Ag Leader Edge and On Trac; Topcon X20

14 Issue 2 Volume 9 INNOVATION

Inter-row sowing has been shown to reduce the impact of the cereal disease crown rot and increase yield, by up to 9 per cent, in a wheat wheat sequence.

However, crop rotation reduces the incidence and severity of crown rot resulting in yield gains of 17 to 23 per cent over continuous wheat.

There was a need to examine whether row placement strategies coupled with a break crop – wheat rotation, would result in differences in grain yield over a five year crop sequence.

Inter-row by rotation experimentsA five year crop sequence experiment consisting of three winter sequences was established in 2008 at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute (TAI). These sequences were:

1. wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat;

2. wheat-chickpea-wheat-chickpea-wheat; and

3. wheat-mustard-wheat-mustard-wheat.

The TAI site has a brown vertosol and receives an average summer and winter rainfall of 400mm and 280mm, respectively. The soil plant available water holding capacity is 120mm to a depth of 1m.

Precision disease management

Andrew Verrell

Andrew Verrell has established - For inter-row sowing to help reduce crown rot, wheat stubble needs to be kept intact and row placement needs to be modified with crop type. Photo: Andrew Verrell

Volume 9 Issue 2 15INNOVATION

Durum wheat (cv. EGA Bellaroi) was sown in 2008 at 60kg/ha on 40cm row spacing. This seed was inoculated with a low level of the crown rot (CR) fungus, Fusarium pseudograminearum (Fp) at a rate of 2g/m row.

In 2009, wheat, mustard or chickpea was sown either on or between the 2008 wheat rows using RTK guidance providing +/-2cm accuracy and autosteer.

In subsequent seasons crops were sown either on or between the previous year rows. This resulted in sixteen different row placement combinations by the time the 2012 wheat crop was sown.

All crops were sown with Janke coulter-tyne-press wheel parallelograms along with 100kg nitrogen/ha (mustard and wheat) and 10kg phosphorus/ha (all crops).

ResultsThe results presented focus on the mustard-wheat and chickpea-wheat systems and the last three years of the sequence trial (2010-2011-2012).

Four row placement options are presented relative to the position of the 2010 wheat rows (Table 1).

Table 1. Row placement options relative to the 2010 wheat rows.

Row Placement Row Year Year Abbreviation Sequence 2011 2012

Between Between 1 BB 2010 rows 2010 rows

On rows Between 2 OB 2010 rows 2010 rows

On rows On rows 3 OO 2010 rows 2010 rows

Between On rows 4 BO 2010 rows 2010 rows

The 2012 wheat yield, in the mustard-wheat sequence, was significantly higher for the BB row option (4.46 t/ha) compared to other placements (see Table 2).

Both the OB and OO options had similar yields but were lower compared to BB, while the worst row placement option was BO (3.84 t/ha).

The BO row placement sequence had significantly lower grain nitrogen removal and the highest number of whiteheads, an indicator of crown rot infection, compared to the other three row placement options in the mustard-wheat sequence (see Table 2).

Whiteheads and crown rotThe number of whiteheads/m2 does not reflect the total level of incidence of crown rot in a crop. Whitehead production is heavily influenced by the amount of water (rainfall + soil stored) available to the crop. Under high water levels, whitehead numbers can be very low or even non-existent even if the crop has a high incidence of crown rot. The whitehead counts provide a trend and should not be considered as absolute values.

In this experiment, whitehead numbers are low due to high levels of crop available water, from zero-till fallowing and in-crop rainfall.

Similar results were recorded for the chickpea-wheat sequence in relation to row placement. In this sequence there was no difference between the BB, OB and OO row placements for the 2012 wheat yield. However, the BO sequence had significantly lower yield (4.03 t/ha) for the 2012 wheat crop compared to other options. The BO sequence also had the lowest grain nitrogen removal rate and the highest number of whiteheads.

Whiteheads for the wheat-wheat sequence were 2.2 (BB), 0.8 (OB), 3.5 (OO) and 1.2 (BO) heads/m2 for the four row placement options.

Inter-row sowing can help reduce stubble borne cereal disease but with break crops a sequence of row placement is required.

Table 2. Row placement by year with grain yield, grain nitrogen (N) removal and whiteheads for the 2012 wheat crop in a wheat-mustard-wheat sequence.

Row Row Placement x Crop 2012 Wheat Crop

Placement 2010 2011 2012 Yield Grain-N Whiteheads Sequence Wheat Mustard Wheat (t/ha) (kgN/ha) (heads/m2)

BB 4.46a 87a 0.70a

OB 4.27b 88a 0.64a

OO 4.24b 86a 0.89ab

BO 3.84c 75b 1.53b N.B. Values within a column with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05).

16 Issue 2 Volume 9 INNOVATION

In the paddockAfter five years, irrespective of row placement both break crop systems showed grain yield advantages in 2012, over continuous wheat, of 40 per cent and 44 per cent, for the mustard-wheat and chickpea-wheat systems, respectively. The chickpea-wheat system tended to have slightly higher wheat grain yields in 2012 for each of the four row placement strategies compared to the mustard-wheat sequence.

What this experiment has shown is that simply alternating row placement in consecutive years will not result in yield gains. Indeed for break crop systems, the BO system resulted in a yield loss and increased crown rot.

In the BO sequence the break crop in 2011 was sown between standing cereal stubble which was kept intact. The following wheat crop (2012) was then sown between the previous year’s (break crop) rows but this put it directly over the old 2010 wheat row.

The consequence of this sequence was that the wheat crop was sown into old infected wheat stubble hence the higher level of crown rot infection resulting in high whitehead counts. The benefit of the break crop in breaking any disease cycle was not realised.

This result is supported by the wheat-wheat whitehead data which showed higher incidence of crown rot for row placements where wheat was sown directly over the previous row (BB=2.5, OO=3.5) compared to between row sequences (OB=0.8, BO=1.2).

Even the traditional on row system (OO) had a better yield and less crown rot than the BO system. This was because the break crop was sown directly over the old wheat stubble row excavating the residue out of the row (tyne with spear points) and providing a direct break to the crown rot fungus (Table 2). This may not be the case, however, if a low disturbance disc system is used.

Based on these results the best option for row placement sequences in a break crop system are (Table3):

Year 2 following a wheat crop, the break crop (pulse or oilseed) should be sown between the standing stubble rows.

Year 3 the wheat crop should be sown directly over the previous season’s break crop row.

Year 4 the break crop should shift back and be sown between the standing wheat rows.

Year 5 the wheat crop again should be sown directly over the previous year’s break crop row.

Table 3. Proposed row placement strategy to optimise crop yield in a wheat-break crop-wheat sequence.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Wheat Chickpea Wheat Canola Wheat

Following this combination of rotation of crop type and rotation of crop placement will ensure that:

• fouryearsoccurbetweenwheatcropsbeingsowninthe same row space (see Table 3)

• theincidenceofcrownrotinwheatcropsissubstantially reduced

• germinationofbreakcrops,especiallycanola,isnothindered by stubble

• chickpeaswillbenefitfromstandingstubbleasitreduces the impact of virus

• standingwheatstubblewillprovideprotectiontoemerging break crop seedlings.

Biog. Dr Andrew Verrell is a Senior Research Agronomist with the NSW Department Primary Industries based at Tamworth. He worked with Michael Nowland and Paul Nash on these trials.

Details: Dr Andrew Verrell, 0429 422 150, andrew.verrell@dpi.nsw.gov.au

“Ensure four years occur between wheat crops being sown in the same row space”

Sow break crops, such as canola between standing wheat rows, which need to be kept intact. Photo: Andrew Verrell

Volume 9 Issue 2 17SPAA

Since the first tractors were developed in the late 19th century, they have continued

to evolve. Much of that evolution has resulted in larger more powerful machines able to pull or push large implements.

A team led by Associate Professor Jay Katupitiya at the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is

reversing that trend. Over the last five years, they have developed an autonomous pilot tractor able to direct a tyned seeding implement.

The pilot tractor can be small and autonomous, meaning it is driverless, another major difference from the tractors to which we are accustomed.

While there are already autonomous and master-slave systems at or near commercialisation, this development from the team in Sydney is a world first in implement control and seeding systems.

The objective of this research project, which is supported by the GRDC, was to reduce the size of the tractor unit so soil compaction is minimised and the constraints of controlled traffic systems are eliminated by driving on the inter-row.

It is seven years since Precision Ag News reported on the autonomous tractor project, so Emma Leonard

caught up with A/Prof Jay Katupitiya to learn about the team’s progress.

So how big is the tractor that this project is proposing?The prototype pilot is based on an 18 horse power John Deere 4210 and a four row seeder setup on 31cm row spacing with knife points and press wheels. We used the smallest tractor that was considered feasible and that was commercially available at the start of the project. Eventually, we anticipate the pilot will be even smaller and will not look like our current tractors. For example, why have a seat on the pilot when it is autonomous? There will be numerous other not so obvious technological innovations that will be built into the future pilot vehicles. We suggest that the implements will be 3m wide and self-propelled.

Autonomous seeder breaks new ground

Emma Leonard

Could this be your next machinery purchase? This autonomous seeder developed by the University of New South Wales is expected to be commercially available in about three years. Photo: Dr. Mark Whitty

World leading research on autonomous agricultural machinerySmall pilot tractors direct self-propelled seederAccurate row placement underpins autonomous agriculture

Today’s large tractors could be tomorrow’s dinosaurs as small autonomous systems are developed.

18 Issue 2 Volume 9 INNOVATION

How can tractor size be reduced without diminishing productivity?Currently, tractors have to provide the power to pull or push the implement. Our seeding implement has hydraulically propelled wheels powered from the semi-mounted power pack located between the pilot and the implement. This arrangement enables weight to be more evenly distributed so that soil compaction is minimised.

The work rate of the current pilot is similar to those currently recorded on-farm. However, autonomous systems will not be limited by fatigue, daylight or labour rules, so will be able to work for extended periods. Our machine can even be programmed to depart the shed, carry out seeding and return to the shed without human intervention. We can already demonstrate this independent activity.

We envisage a farm will run multiple pilots and small implements. For example, three pilots may replace one tractor. If one pilot broke down productivity would only be reduced by 30 per cent, compared to 100 per cent if the tractor failed.

In the alternating seasons this seeding system can plant the crop very accurately in the inter-row and the wheels will be travelling on the stubble from the last season thereby reducing rolling resistance and saving fuel. Further, as no controlled traffic tracks are to be maintained all that land now becomes arable. Not only that, the crop rows can be laid out in arbitrary directions as this is no longer restricted by controlled traffic tracks.

Grain growers are already using GPS controlled systems to improve seeder guidance, how does your system differ from systems already on the market?Our pilot tractor has a suite of advanced control systems to direct and drive a pre-determined path. It is equipped with two on-board

“We envisage a farm will

run multiple pilots

and small implements”

GPS systems that can determine the position of the tractor to within +/-1cm when 11 satellites are visible and to within +/-2cm the majority of the time. These GPS systems and other sensors monitor forward, back and sideways movement as well as tilt. A laser capable of scanning the front of the tractor in 3D is already in place and can detect any obstacles in its path. If obstacles are detected the system halts. The laser can also be used to detect the terrain roughness to adjust the speed of the tractor-seeder.

The seeder is not fitted with a GPS but with controls that are directed by the pilot. Hitch point tension is measured by the pilot and is used to command the wheels on the seeding implement to drive and steer. The pilot also directs the alignment and the depth of seed placement for individual tynes.

We have experimented with several systems to achieve this high level of guidance and our hitch point control system and the automated seeder have now been patented.

Why is it necessary to control the seeder and the tynes?Ensuring precise seed placement is going to underpin the application of all autonomous broadacre activities. By knowing exactly where each row was sown eliminates the need to sense the row during subsequent in-paddock operation. This will enable autonomous equipment to follow exactly the same path used for sowing, without having to sense the growing crop locations, yet without damaging the growing crop while carrying out other tasks.

The implement will be carrying a different tool, for example, a set

of weeding tools or leaf disease sensors, instead of seeding tynes.

This is far less complex than having to sense and follow an erratic crop layout.

When will this autonomous seeding system be commercially available?The mechanical rigidity of the seeder needs to be improved but these are merely engineering issues and are not scientific issues requiring research.

Commercial partners are currently being sought and this part of the work is being managed by the GRDC.

As soon as the seeding and fertiliser dispensing systems are integrated this system is ready to roll. In a commercial sense, it could be on the market easily within about three years.

Take a look - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byt-NTXCfnQ&list=UUTQvacSKfTT_AuNs1UqerAw&index=1

Biog. A/Prof. Jay Katupitiya is Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the School and Head of Mechatronic Engineering at the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales

Details: A/Prof Jay Katupitiya 02 9385 4096, J.Katupitiya@unsw.edu.au

Autonomous versus automatic systemsAutonomous or robotic systems have artificial

intelligence allowing them to make decisions and

execute actions without human intervention.

Automatic systems have no such intelligence,

but have controls and sensors that enable

them to carry out tasks without making decisions. Automatic systems alone are unable to react to the

unpredictable.

Volume 9 Issue 2 19DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

With new precision management tools and technologies regularly entering the market, the first step towards adopting PA can

seem daunting.

As part of my Graduate Certificate in Precision Agriculture at the University of New England, I completed a precision agriculture property implementation plan for my family’s farm. On this we produce potatoes and prime lamb.

An implementation plan is designed to:

identify where opportunities exist to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability in a property’s farming system;

recommend appropriate PA processes, tools and technologies that could assist in realising these opportunities; and

provide a timeline identifying when these processes, tools and technologies should be implemented.

Identifying all the potential uses of PA on a property will help when purchasing equipment. For example, you might want to start with autosteer but in future may wish to inter-row seed, vary input rates and have autoboom shut-off. In this situation, selecting equipment capable of running an RTK guidance signal and a rate controller able to vary multiple products and work with your seeder and spray-rig would avoid compatibility issues and the need for upgrading after a few years.

Steps in creating a PA implementation plan.

1. Property review

This is an overview of the farm/farming system with details on the property’s size, enterprises

and landscape. Within this section the potential opportunities for precision technologies and management will begin to be identified.

A digital farm map including elevation, paddock boundaries and production areas can be a useful tool to support this step.

2. Potential precision management processes, tools and technologies

List the precision management processes, tools and technologies that could assist in realising the opportunities identified in step 1. The list could include capital items as well as services provided by third parties. Where possible, cost benefits should be assessed at this step.

3. The timeline

The final step is to create a timeline for the introduction of the selected precision management processes, tools and technologies (Figure 1). This section is important as it provides a structure for investment decisions.

Implementation in actionThe implementation plan I produced for my family’s farm identified that +/- 2cm RTK autosteer was required immediately to provide sufficient guidance accuracy for potato production.

In September 2011, my brother Kieran and I purchased a +/- 2cm RTK autosteer system for our tractor. This consisted of a Trimble FM 750 screen and Ez-Pilot steering system. It was set up to receive RTK correction signals from a local dealer base station.

A planned approach to PA

Creating a property implementation plan can help farmers to start using precision technologies

Brendan Torpy

Brendan Torpy (right) produced a PA implementation plan for brother Kieran Torpy who farms at Newlyn, Victoria. The plan highlighted the value of investing in autosteer, which has resulted in more potatoes being planted in a paddock at the right time. Photo: precisionagriculture.com

20 Issue 2 Volume 9 DEVELOPMENTS & DEMONSTRATIONS

Since installation the autosteer system has been used for spraying applications across the farm’s pasture, pyrethrum and potato crops, and cultivation and potato planting.

We have noted that since installing autosteer with RTK guidance, overlap and skip during spraying and cultivation have been eliminated. This has resulted in more efficient chemical and fuel use. Chemical

budgeting and timeliness of operations have also improved.

It was during the potato planting operation that significant benefits were observed. Without a guidance system and autosteer the long working days during potato planting led to fatigue and crooked rows. Consequently, the final rows in the paddock were shorter. This was due to the rows not being planted square to the paddock boundary and

uneven row distribution. The overall result was fewer rows in the paddock.

The 2012/13 crop was sown with autosteer. Kieran noted that fatigue was no longer an issue. For the first time sowing could occur at night, allowing more hectares to be sown closer to the optimal time.

The improved accuracy provided by guidance and autosteer resulted in more full rows fitting into the paddocks and short rows were reduced. Basically, we could grow more potatoes in the same size paddock, so productivity increased.

Brendan Torpy is employed by PrecisionAgriculture.com.au and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Precision Agriculture at the University of New England.

PrecisionAgriculture.com.au has recently offered a new precision agriculture property implementation plan package to farmers.

Details: Brendan Torpy, 0432 203 715, brendan@precisionagriculture.com.au

Conduct on-farm strip trials through different production

zones based off soil and plant testing results

GPS referenced strategic soil and plant tissue testing

within defined management zones

+/-2cm integrated RTK autosteer implementation

Investigate variable rate inputs across production zones based off on-farm

trial results

Identify paddock production zones utilising collected

spatial data, agronomists and PA consultant

Purchase GIS software or utilise internet based GIS

platforms for data storage, viewing and analysis

EvaluateCreate digital farm map

Data collection- archived satellite imagery,

yield data, elevation, EM38 etc.

Year 3-10Year 2-5Year 1

Figure 1. An example of PA implementation planning process.

PRECISION TECHNOLOGY IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHTCase IH’s commitment to delivering fully integrated precision farming means technology that’s built-in, not added on, along with open architecture to ensure compatibility across your fleet. But, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems is more than technology – it’s a comprehensive approach to making every aspect of your operation work together better.

To learn more, see your Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com

Case IH Australia

half-page SPAA.indd 1 19/02/2013 11:53:08 AM

Volume 9 Issue 2 21DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

At the SPAA Expo in February, Tim Neale, Queensland based PA consultant and

SPAA committee member, shared his experience and thoughts on apps.

Two new apps on which Tim reported were Soilmapp from CSIRO and CliMate from the Managing Climate variability program.

Soilmapp was launched in December 2012 and is currently only for Apple users. However, it makes CSIRO’s huge, Australia-wide soil databases available to all subscribers. Hopefully an Android version will follow.

CliMate is also only for Apple users and provides real-time weather info, long-term averages and tracks the season’s data against historical weather information. This app is interesting, useful and free.

He noted that all the machinery companies now offer telemetry apps. These offer remote assistance of some kind.

An example is New Holland’s ‘Precision Land Management Training Academy’, which is now available as an app. Another is Dipstick from Case which holds your machinery service records and parts catalogues.

PA Source and Trimble’s Connected Farm are two apps of particular interest to PA farmers. PA Source is currently only available from the company’s website and not through app stores. It is cloud based, which means you can access it from any web browser and there is a mobile version.

Connected Farm now includes a calibration for GreenSeeker®. While

Apps reviewed at EXPO

this is currently the US calibration, it shows how it could be used with a handheld sensor.

Tim predicts that the short term trends in PA and mapping apps will be:

• Moreconnectivitybetween non-proprietary suppliers

• Developmentsofstandardsforagricultural data transfer

• Theuseoftabletsasin-cabscreens rather than dedicated proprietary screens

• Useofaugmentedreality

• Moreremotemonitoringsystemsand services

Editor’s comment: If like me you wondered “What is augmented reality?”, here is part of the definition from Wikipedia -

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

In contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one.

If you have an iPad go to www.poweredbystring.com and see the potential of augmented reality.

Details: Tim Neale, 0428 157 208, PrecisionAgriculture.com.au

Tim NealePhoto: Emma Leonard

PRECISION TECHNOLOGY IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHTCase IH’s commitment to delivering fully integrated precision farming means technology that’s built-in, not added on, along with open architecture to ensure compatibility across your fleet. But, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems is more than technology – it’s a comprehensive approach to making every aspect of your operation work together better.

To learn more, see your Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com

Case IH Australia

half-page SPAA.indd 1 19/02/2013 11:53:08 AM

22 Issue 2 Volume 9 DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

The ability to log management data on mobile devices continues to evolve with the release of new ‘apps’.

A review of 62 farming apps has recently been completed by the South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) as part of the ‘Mobile devices – the next step in PA’ project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

The research found that although the app market lacked a middle of the range farm recording app in terms of price, the market was rapidly changing with new released updates coming onto the market continually.

In issue 9.1 of Precision Ag News, I reported on some of the findings from the project.

The full report has now been completed and includes details and rankings for the 62 apps reviewed. The report is available from the SEPWA website (www.sepwa.org.au).

I acknowledge that this will not be a comprehensive list as new apps are regularly released and individuals will look for different attributes.

This project looked for apps with the following attributes:

• abilitytoexportdataifchangingappsorprograms

• capacitytoimportdata,ifconvertingtoanotherappor program or bulk info needs to be loaded e.g. soil test data

Appy farming

Tywen Dawe and Sam Foulds (Hopetoun, WA) discuss the findings from her evaluation of farming apps at SEPWA’s ‘Quick and Dirty VRT’ day. Photo: SEPWA

Tywen Dawe

Soil test before you sow!Contact your nearest Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Distributor or Freecall Nutrient Advantage on 1800 803 453

Understanding your soil nutrient status is key to developing your fertiliser strategy for next season

www.incitecpivotfertilisers.com.au

®Nutrient Advantage is a registered trademark of Incitec Pivot Limited. Fertcare is a registered trademark of Australian Fertiliser Services Association, Inc. Incitec Pivot Fertiliser is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited ABN 42 004 080 264

Volume 9 Issue 2 23DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

Since 2002, SPAA has been leading the way in promoting the development and adoption of precision agriculture (PA) technologies in Australia.

SPAA is a non-profit and independent membership based group. Membership provides access to a network of like minded farmers, advisers, equipment manufacturers, contractors and researchers who are developing and adopting PA in a range of production sectors.

Current SPAA members include those involved in the production of:

grains wine grapes (precision viticulture PV)horticultural cropslivestocksugar canePA management offers many Australian farmers the potential for a quantum increase in production efficiency and opportunities for improvements in the sustainability of their farming business.

Our mission is to facilitate research, extension and the adoption of precision agriculture.

SPAA has an Australia-wide focus and this is achieved by partnering with other organisations and becoming part of national and industry alliances.

Join us today

• goodsupport

• facilitytocopyscenarios/planstoallpaddockssoduplicate data does not have to be entered individually for all paddocks

• userfriendly/readablereportsthataddvalueandassistin planning

• abilitytosyncdatawithamaincomputerandotherse.g. agronomist.

While supported by the GRDC, the review covers apps that will be of relevance to all production sectors, including livestock producers.

Tywen’s top appThe only app that I have found to come close to providing all these attributes and that is relatively easy to use is GIS Kit (upgrade – GIS Pro).

This app allows points, lines and polygons to be created, attributes to be applied and data to be exported as shape files.

GIS Kit also allows you to import files with a range of suffixes including shape, .kml, .kmz and .GPX files. These can be edited in the field. The app does not replace the desktop software e.g. AFS, Apex but it will provide valuable layers that will assist you when ground truthing prescription maps.

Biog: Tywen Dawe is a consultant with Farmanco in Esperance and project officer for SEPWA.

Details: Tywen Dawe, 0437 200 111, tywen@farmanco.com.au

Soil test before you sow!Contact your nearest Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Distributor or Freecall Nutrient Advantage on 1800 803 453

Understanding your soil nutrient status is key to developing your fertiliser strategy for next season

www.incitecpivotfertilisers.com.au

®Nutrient Advantage is a registered trademark of Incitec Pivot Limited. Fertcare is a registered trademark of Australian Fertiliser Services Association, Inc. Incitec Pivot Fertiliser is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited ABN 42 004 080 264

24 Issue 2 Volume 9

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Variable rate nitrogen trials

Sam Trengove

Volume 9 Issue 2 25

Does variable rate nitrogen make dollars and sense? This was a question addressed by trials funded by the Caring For Our Country program.

Crop sensors provide a snapshot of how the crop is performing in the current season. However, using only information from crop sensors to produce variable rate application maps for nitrogen (N) makes two assumptions. Firstly, that all variability observed is due to variation in N availability; and secondly, that the whole paddock has the same yield target.

In 2012, the third year of the trials, a combination of yield, EM38 and crop sensing information was used to establish the rates for variable rate nitrogen in wheat. These combined data layers were chosen based on the results from the previous two years of trial work.

These paddock scale trials were located at Hart, Bute and Marrabel, in South Australia. The paddocks had exhibited considerable yield variation in the past and at least parts of each paddock were considered to be nitrogen responsive.

Consider what you want from VR - cost

savings or yield increases

Nitrogen rich stripsIn all paddocks, N rich strips were put out across the paddock zones that had been created using a combination of historical yield and EM38 data. The strips were applied, after the crop had established, as liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) at 180L/ha using a 2m boom.

The N rich strip is important for indicating whether the crop is responsive to N and provides a reference for the rest of the crop. This is termed the response index (RI).

DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

Achieving yield increases and input saving in the same paddock are unlikely when using variable

rate in-crop nitrogen.

Sam Trengove reminds farmers that careful interpretation and ground truthing of the crop sensor data are important (see Table 1). Photo: Emma Lenoard

In dry springs variable rate nitrogen produced marginal $ benefits over a blanket rate.

Nitrogen response data was used to generate variable rate nitrogen application maps.

An N rich strip is important for establishing crop response to nitrogen.

Work from the first two years of the project indicated that using multiple data layers including nitrogen rate response produced better nitrogen predictions.

26 Issue 2 Volume 9

The RI is calculated from referencing the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), recorded by the crop sensor in the N rich strip, against the NDVI from the adjacent paddock. In these trials both a Yara N-Sensor and GreenSeeker® were used.

Interpretation of N rich strips is explained in Table 1. Careful interpretation and ground truthing of the crop sensor data are important.

For example, in the paddock at Hart, low NDVI readings had different levels of N response due to constraints other than N limiting crop growth.

The yield, EM38 and response index data layers were combined to

produce an N application map. The variable rate nitrogen (VRN) map recognised that there are zones of differing yield potential, but also that there is variation within the zones, as picked up by the crop sensors.

This N application map for Hart prescribed rates of 109 to 0kg urea/ha, with the paddock average being 35kg/ha. This was applied as urea on 22 August, 15 days after the crop had been scanned.

To test this theory, constant rate strips of 70kg urea/ha were applied across the paddock for comparison, as highly replicated strips. These were harvested and yield was monitored to assess the benefit

of variable rate application over constant rate. This is the rate that the grower intended to apply.

Margin returnsYield differences at Hart indicate that on average across the paddock there was not a statistically significant treatment difference. However, the VRN treatment achieved the same yields while using half the urea of the constant treatment. This resulted in an input saving of about $20/ha.

The results for Marrabel and Bute indicate that on average using the combined data, including RI, to establish N rates resulted in a 60 and 80kg/ha yield increase, respectively. This was achieved from similar or slightly increased nitrogen inputs.

Both of these results produced improved gross margins and this was in a year with a very dry spring.

However, possibly of more importance, they illustrate that when it comes to varying nitrogen rates you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Variable rate will either distribute the same or more fertiliser to achieve more yield, than current uniform practice in N responsive sites, or can result in an input saving but no increase in yield at non responsive sites.

To achieve large yield gains from VRN implies that current management practice is under fertilising large areas of a paddock.

From my experience, proactive farmers are currently selecting blanket fertiliser rates that maximise yield potential across the majority of the paddock, possibly 80 per cent or more of the paddock. Consequently, that only leaves about 20 per cent of the paddock to achieve increased yield when supplied with increased fertiliser rates.

So when considering using variable rate in-crop nitrogen it is worth recognising where the economic benefits are likely to be realised. If the majority of the paddock is currently under fertilised then substantial yield gains may be achieved, but if management already maximises yield across most of the paddock then VRN could provide an opportunity to save costs where the crop is over fertilised.

DEVELOPMENTS & DEMOS

Table 1: Interpretation of N response observed in the N rich strip compared with normal crop growth (non N rich).

Low N response High N response

Indicates the lack of vigour is Indicates the lack of vigour is due to a constraint other than due to N and higher rates of N Low nitrogen. A tissue test could should be applied to these crop help determine if any other crops or areas of crop. vigour nutrients are limiting. Soil tests could ascertain if other soil constraints exist.

Indicates that crop is not Indicates crop is responsive to responsive to N at the time of N. Given the good growth of assessment but the crop is in the paddock managed crop High good health. Continue to assess soil moisture availability crop monitor these sites, as it may before applying more N, as the vigour become responsive later in the crop may have produced season as it depletes soil enough green leaf area to N reserves. maximise yield without additional N.

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Don’t achieve variable rate by mistake was one of the messages at last year’s fertiliser spreader workshops.Check equipment set-up to ensure spread across the full width.

Grade each load of fertiliser as the proportion of granule

sizes can change. A simple sieve box can help calibrate

the machine to the fertiliser product

Photos: Emma Lenoard

The only instance where fertiliser savings and yield gains can be achieved at the same location is when over fertilisation leads to haying off and reduced yields. Therefore, establishing the proportion of crop that will be nitrogen responsive and the degree of responsiveness is useful. This

information will support decisions on whether nitrogen should or should not be applied and at what rate. It can then support decisions about varying rates and the likely economic benefit in different zones, be they input saving or yield maximisation depending on current uniform applications.

Biog. Sam Trengove has specialised in providing research, extension and consulting services using precision technology. He now runs Trengove Consulting.

Details: Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, samtrenny34@hotmail.com

From Seeding to Harvest• Vary seeding rates and reduce overseeding

with AutoSwath™ automatic shut-offs from SeedCommand™ air cart seeder controller.

• Apply multiple products at varying rates simultaneously with DirectCommand™ sprayer/applicator contoller.

• Control automated and assisted steering like ParaDyme™ and OnTrac2+™ from the cab.

• Record harvest yield and moisture data and view yield maps over as-planted maps in real time.

• Generate maps and reports based on all fi eld activities to help make more profi table decisions using

SMS Software.

For more information, contact Derren Halprin at 0.447.773.343 Email: dhalprin@agleader.com or visit www.AgLeader.com

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