Comparative analysis of soil-sampling methods used in precision agriculture

• Published in: Journal of agricultural engineering (Pisa, Italy) Vol. 52; no. 1
• Main Authors: Moreira Ribeiro Gonçalves, José Roberto, Araújo e Silva Ferraz, Gabriel, Francisco Reynaldo, Étore, Bedin Marin, Diego, Ferreira Ponciano Ferraz, Patrícia, Pérez-Ruiz, Manuel, Rossi, Giuseppe, Vieri, Marco, Sarri, Daniele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bologna PAGEPress Publications 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Agricultural production; Agriculture; Comparative analysis; Electrical conductivity; Electrical resistivity; Environmental impact; grid sampling; Management zones; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Potassium; Precision farming; Production methods; Sampling; Sampling methods; Soil analysis; Soil improvement; soil proximity sensor; Soils; Technology
• ISSN: 1974-7071; 2239-6268
• DOI: 10.4081/jae.2021.1117

The aim of this study was to compare three different soil-sampling methods used in Precision Agriculture and their environmental impact in the agricultural production environment. The sampling methods used were: management zones by elevation (MZA), grid sampling (GS), and sampling oriented by apparent soil electrical conductivity (OS). It was tested in three different fields. When the recommendations were compared, a significant difference among the suggested dosages was observed, indicating the need to improve the soil-sampling techniques, since there were doubts about input deficits or overdoses, regardless of the technology studied. The GS method was the most environmentally viable alternative for P compared to other methods and the OS presented as the better option for K and N. However, the use of soil sensors has been shown to be a viable technology that needs further improvement in order to improve productivity and, hence, economic and environmental gains.