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Spatial analysis of forage parameters using geographic information system and image‐analysis techniques
Author(s) -
SMITH S. M.,
SCHREIER H. E.,
BROWN S.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
grass and forage science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1365-2494
pISSN - 0142-5242
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2494.1991.tb02221.x
Subject(s) - production (economics) , forage , context (archaeology) , geographic information system , spatial variability , quality (philosophy) , yield (engineering) , agricultural engineering , agriculture , spatial analysis , environmental science , field (mathematics) , computer science , statistics , mathematics , geography , cartography , ecology , engineering , philosophy , materials science , macroeconomics , archaeology , epistemology , pure mathematics , metallurgy , economics , biology
In efficient agricultural systems high production and high quality is expected throughout the year, but spatial and seasonal variation of biophysical variables can have a significant impact on the yield and quality of production. The yield and quality component of a forage field was monitored using statistical and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. The display of yield and forage quality in a spatial context proved to be very useful to the farmer since it allowed him to determine where in the field he obtained the best and worst production and whether such performance was consistent over the entire growing season. GIS is considered a new management tool that allows the spatial evaluation and presentation of production information in a new and innovative manner. Examples are provided to assist farmers in production accounting, to determine cause and effect relationships between management and production, to forecast production and to modify management to account for differences within the field.