Application of precision agriculture to sugar cane

This paper focuses on the application of precision agriculture to sugar cane in an attempt to reduce spatial variability and improve production of a case study field. The first task was to undertake yield mapping and for this a unique yield mapping system was developed. The resultant yield map displayed yield variations from 70 tha(-1) to 220 tha(-1). Next, a directed soil-sampling regime was implemented based on the yield map and other soil related maps. The results of the soil tests indicated a strong negative correlation of crop yield with the Na and Mg content of the soil. To overcome this yield-limiting factor, gypsum will be applied at variable rates over the field. A simple economic analysis is conducted based on the cost saving resulting from optimized gypsum input. The results show the viability of precision agriculture when applied to sugar cane in this situation.