Missouri Precision Agriculture Research banner

Sensors and Methods for Variable Rate Nitrogen Recommendations on
Claypan Soils (University of Missouri and USDA-ARS)
Contact: Newell Kitchen, 573.882.1135 or Ken Sudduth, 573.882.4090

Electromagnetic induction (EM) sensing of soil electrical conductivity is being investigated as a means for understanding productivity variations. This data in turn can be used directly for variable-rate application of crops inputs, such as nitrogen fertilizer.

  • Correlation of EM to topsoil depth is high (r2 = 0.75 to 0.90).

  • A productivity index based on EM-sensed topsoil depth was used to guide variable-rate N fertilizer application on large plots starting in 1995, and at a field-scale beginning in 1996.

Research Projects

Home | People | Projects | Publications | Upcoming Events | Links | Partners