Evaluating field shape descriptors for estimating off-target application area in agricultural fields

R. S. Zandonadi, J. D. Luck, T. S. Stombaugh, S. A. Shearer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The decision to adopt different precision agriculture (PA) technologies can be difficult for producers due to the high cost and complexity encountered with different systems. Thus, a method of estimating potential savings resulting from specific technologies based on operating conditions would considerably contribute the decision making process. For instance, the benefits of automatic section control can be dependent on the field size, shape, and field operation patterns. Thus, knowing the potential reduction in overlapped areas of a specific field would be desirable in order to justify the acquisition of such a technology package. Researchers have reported computational methods for estimating off-target application areas based on actual field boundaries. While the reported methods are valid, it requires a considerable amount of computational power to execute lengthy routines written on dedicated software. The goal of this study was to develop a simplified approach for estimating off-target application areas in agricultural fields considering the combined effects of field shape, field size, and implement width. The results revealed that the descriptor headland area (H) over the field area (A), presented the best relationship with off-target application. A linear model for predicting average off-target application was adjusted based on H/A and presented estimating errors within ±6.7% at 2 standard deviations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217-226
Number of pages10
JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture
Volume96
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This material is based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, US Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2008-34628-19532. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the US Department of Agriculture. The information reported in this paper is part of a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with the approval of the Director. Mention of trade names is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

Keywords

  • Automatic section control
  • Off-target application
  • Precision agriculture
  • Shape descriptors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Forestry
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Horticulture

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