Precision Planting

Description

Yield differences are apparent by landscape positions in the field due to a variety of factors causing plant stress. Genetics may be one way to manage crop stress by strategically placing different hybrids/varieties, corresponding resistant traits to stresses caused by different growing environments. New technology using global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop field maps of recommended hybrid/variety placement and seeding rate. These maps are translated by on-board planter technology to physically carry out the recommendations.

Primary Crop: Soybeans
Treatments in strips spanning the length of field:
One Soybean variety suited to upland, selected for drought tolerance, planted across the field
One Soybean variety suited to lowlands, selected for phytophthora resistance, planted across the field
Multi-variety seeding with suitable varieties placed at their corresponding landscape position

In this study, population was constant. Yield will be measured using a typical yield monitor on the producers combine, and also by direct measurement using a weigh wagon to obtain whole plot yield. This study investigates the potential to increase whole field productivity by strategically placing hybrids/varieties in the field. Variable rate seeding and strategic variety/hybrid placement is new technology that deserves careful research for developing proven recommendations for optimizing profitability. This project is designed to demonstrate these technologies, placing South Dakotas’ agricultural industry as a leader.

This project is a collaborative effort of SDSU Research, SDSU Extension, South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station - Southeast Research Farm Board of Directors, Raven Industries, Pioneer Hi-bred, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Peter Sexton
Manager-SE Research Farm/Associate Professor, Beresford Field Station-AES
Peter.Sexton@sdstate.edu