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For Immediate Release
California cotton pioneers to explore precision agriculture at July 24 field day June 24, Fresno — Extensive University of California research the last two decades in cotton plant growth and development has taken much of the guesswork out of cotton production and opened the door to precision agriculture, a new frontier that promises to further reduce inputs and increase yield. The latest advances in precision agriculture will be presented at a field day from 8 to 11:30 a.m. July 24 at grower Ted Sheely's AZCAL Farms, 27875 Gale (Lincoln) Ave. near Stratford in Kings County. "Precision agriculture" is a broad term for a collection of sophisticated tools, including refined amendment and chemical application equipment and sensors to monitor plants and soils. Precision agriculture allows farmers to make decisions about cotton production not as single plantings that stretch to the horizon, but as smaller fields affected by variable soil conditions and insect and disease problems. Ultimately, precision agriculture will allow farmers to make applications of irrigation water, soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and defoliants to match localized and varying conditions within each field. Precise field mapping can help tractor drivers avoid accidentally cultivating cotton plants and keep them from damaging buried equipment during tillage operations. Tractor-mounted sensors can collect information on soil salinity, creating an accurate soil salinity map. Infrared or other spectral equipment can determine what areas in the field are warmer due to dry conditions or certain pest infestations. "You can gather a huge amount of information," said Bob Hutmacher, UC cotton extension specialist based at the UC Shafter Research and Extension Center. "Eventually, the approach would be to use the information to make site-specific management changes and then check out the impacts with a GPS (global positioning system)-linked yield monitor." Hutmacher said most farmers begin incorporating precision agriculture practices by acquiring GPS equipment and computer software to accurately map their acreage. "Farmers are getting used to the new equipment and gaining confidence in the information it provides. We are still learning how to put it all together to allow farmers to refine their practices, increase yields and reduce inputs," he said. Speakers at the June 24 field day are:
Precision agriculture equipment displays will include in-field guidance systems, variable rate applicators, and control systems for ground and air GPS systems. UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors will staff an information booth. For more information, contact Bruce Roberts, UCCE Kings County farm advisor, (559) 582-3211 Ext. 2735, baroberts@ucdavis.edu or Steve Wright, UCCE Tulare County farm advisor, (559) 685-3309 Ext. 215, dswright@ucdavis.edu # # # |
