Precision Farming System Tim Sharp Jackson State College Jackson, TN

Precision Cotton Production is a Farming System System Integrates –Fertility –Seeding Rate –Nitrogen Rate –Plant Growth Regulator Management –Crop Termination –Insect Control

Zone Based Management Zones are the key to a Precision Cotton System –Each field has clearly defined zones –Each zone can be identified and mapped –Each zone should be managed correct for that zone

Images are used to identify zones 2001 Image Zone Classed Map Low Zone Medium Zone High Zone

As Applied Map For Cotton Seed 2 Seeds Per Foot 3 Seeds Per Foot 4 Seeds Per foot Plan from This

Variable Rate Nitrogen PlanVariable Rate Pix Plan No Spray Spray Low Spray High L = 50 M = 90 MH = 70 H = 60

2001 CV 2002 VR2003 VR 2002 CV2003 CV NDVI Data for Three Years

How do we do it? What we use now is Aircraft Imagery. (Map based Variable Rate) from sample data or imagery. Use grower’s own planter, just bolt on a Rawson Controller and data logger. Use grower’s own sprayer, just add a GPS and data logger. We have a new “Air Flow” Fertilizer (pull type) applicator with a 60 foot boom. A grower can do his/her own VR fertilizer.

New Technology

Precision Ag (VR) Cotton Production System Pre-Plant Fertilizer Application (what is needed only) Seeding (reduce total cost about 30%) In-Furrow Fungicide and Insecticide (reduce total cost about 30%) In-Season Pix (50 to 70% reduction) In-Season Insecticides (50 to 70% reduction) Top-Dress Nitrogen (15 to 50% reduction) Defoliation (20 to 30% reduction)

Yield by Zone by Year for Conventional Management 16 Reps Per Zone 340 Square Meter Plots

2002/2003 VR to CV Yields Minimum Cost Strategy Maximize Yield Strategy ns +40

Reduced Crop Inputs have Resulted in “Better Cotton” No negative impact on stand –in low zones for reduced Fungicides or Temik Higher boll production on low and medium zones – with less Pix and Insecticides Higher yields observed in all zones Better high zone performance –with increased Pix and Insecticides with reduced nitrogen rates

Simply, How Can You Not Do This You spend lots less money –($80/A less in 2002 and 2003) You make some more cotton –(160# more Lint 2003 and 60# 2002) Add these two lines together and you will really make lots more profit. –Extra $200 per acre profit in 2003 –Extra $111 per acre profit in 2002