Use of precision agriculture technology to investigate spatial variabilityin nitrogen yields in cut grassland

Spatial variability in N uptake and utilisation by swards within uniformly managed held units could be responsible for a significant proportion of the NH3, N2O, NO3- and NOx (NO and NO2) 'pollutants' generated by agriculture and released to the environment. An investigation was commenced, therefore, to quantify, map and explain the spatial variability in sward N yield in a 'large' silage field and to assess the potential for managing this variabi lity using some of the latest precision agriculture technology. Sward dry m atter (DM) and N yields were predicted from the results of plant tissue ana lyses using mathematical models. Sward N yields were found to vary greatly across the field seemingly because of differences in net soil N mineralisat ion, but the pattern of variability appeared to remain constant with time. Conventional soil analysis of a range of soil chemical and physical propert ies, however, failed to explain this variability. It was concluded that the N-yield distribution map might be used in place of soil analysis as the ba sis for varying the rates of N application to different parts of the held w ith the twin objectives of maximising fertiliser use efficiency and minimis ing N emissions to air and water. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.