Temporal and Spatial Stability of Soil Test Parameters Used in Precision Agriculture

Abstract

Variable‐rate technology provides crop producers with the opportunity to vary the crop and soil management practices. The objective of this study was to assess the temporal and spatial stability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), pH, and soil organic matter (OM) for precision nutrient management. This study was conducted over three growing seasons on a continuous maize (Zea Mays L.) production field in northeastern Colorado, USA. Soil samples were collected using a soil sample grid size of 76.2 m×76.2 m. The field was classified into areas of low, medium, and high productivity potential management zones. Spatial statistical analysis was performed. Measured soil parameters varied significantly over space and time (p<0.01). Management zones were effective in identifying homogenous subregions within the field across time (p<0.01). The data suggest that management zones account for spatial and temporal variability for the various soil parameters evaluated in this study.

Keywords:

• Management zones
• precision agriculture
• spatial variability
• temporal variability

Notes

¹Mention of trade name does not imply endorsement by either the authors or Colorado State University.