Progress 04/01/07 to 03/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period of this report, a special issue of the journal Geoderma has been edited and prepared for publication. It includes the most recent work related to proximal soil sensing. A new study has been conducted to investigate the influence of the number and locations of soil water content monitoring sites on the quality of water stress prediction to aid in optimized soil water management. A new, automated galvanic contact resistivity scanner has been developed and tested. A new soil water content sensor based on the measurement of dielectric soil characteristics has been developed and tested in laboratory conditions. A series of experiments have been conducted to evaluate the applicability of optical proximal soils sensing techniques to differentiate among different soil samples, including different chemical properties. These experiments involved the use of visible-NIR (in-situ and ex-situ), FTIR, and ATR hyperspectrometers. A new green vegetable biomass sensing system has been developed using an ultrasonic proximity sensor. This system was tested in spinach and lettuce production fields. A new system has been developed and tested to integrate optical, ultrasonic and thermal sensing to detect the physiological characteristics of the crop canopy status. An economics-based method to develop algorithms for sensor-based, in-season nitrogen management has been developed and presented at the 2012 International Conference on Precision Agriculture. The first year of the new project on agriculture-based greenhouse gas emissions has yielded a strong dataset from six sites in Eastern Canada. A new methodology has been established to automatically process these data to estimate the annual emissions in relation to different soil water management practices. Finally, a new research area of spatially variable soil microbiological activity has been addressed through a series of tests conducted at the beginning of 2012 growing season. PARTICIPANTS: Partner Organizations: McGill University Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Partner UNL Departments: Agronomy and Horticulture TARGET AUDIENCES: Precision agriculture service providers Crop producers Equipment manufacturers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Integrated sensing technology that relies on measurements of soil properties as well as the in-season status of agricultural crops has the potential to optimize agricultural production according to local needs in agricultural inputs that vary across landscapes and over time. During this reporting period, influential parameters affecting soil water, nitrogen and carbon cycles have been addressed from an analytical point of view and relevant instrumentation techniques have been developed.

Publications

• Shiratsuchi, L.S., M.F. Vilela, R.B., Ferguson, J. F. Shanahan, V.I. Adamchuk, A.V. Resende, S.C. Hurtado, and E.J. Corazza. 2012. Developing an algorithm for on-the-go nitrogen management in the Brazilian Cerrado (in Portuguese: Desenvolvimento de um algoritmo baseado em sensores ativos de dossel para recomendacao da adubacao nitrogenada em taxas variaveis). In: Agricultura de Precisao: Um Novo Olhar, 184-188, R.Y. Inamasu, J.M. Naime, A.V. Resende, L.H. Bassoi, and A.C.C. Bernardi, eds. Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brasil: Embrapa Instrumentacao.
• Roberts, D.F., R.B. Ferguson, N.R. Kitchen, V.I. Adamchuk, and J.F. Shanahan. 2012. Relationships between soil-based management zones and canopy sensing for corn nitrogen management. Agronomy Journal 104(1):119-129.
• Adamchuk, V.I., Y.I. Boiko. 2012. Analysis of spatial variability of key soil attributes in North-Central Ukraine. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 15-18 July 2012, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 6 pages).
• Adamchuk, V.I., L.S. Shiratsuchi, C.C. Lutz, R.B. Ferguson. 2012. Integrated crop canopy sensing system for spatial analysis of in-season crop performance. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 15-18 July 2012, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 3 pages).
• Pan, L., V.I. Adamchuk, R. Ferguson. 2012. An approach to selection of soil water content monitoring locations within fields. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 15-18 July 2012, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 8 pages).
• Ferguson, R., T. Shaver, N. Ward, S. Irmak, S. Van Donk, D. Rudnick, B. Wienhold, M. Schmer, V. Jin, D. Francis, V. Adamchuk, and L. Hendrickson. 2012. Landscape influences on soil nitrogen supply and water holding capacity for irrigated corn. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 15-18 July 2012, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 12 pages).
• Adamchuk, V.I., B.A. Allred, and R.A. Viscarra Rossel. 2012. Proximal soil sensing: global perspective. Fast Times - EEGS, 17(1): 13-17.
• Yatsenko, V.A. and V.I. Adamchuk. 2012. Active remote sensing of chemical and biological agents: optical devices, sensor networks, and risk assessment. In: Proceedings of the Third All-Ukrainian Conference GEO-UA, Yevpatoriya, AR Krym, Ukraine, 3-7 September 2012, 11-13. Kyiv, Ukraine: Kafedra.
• Adamchuk, V.I. 2012. Opportunities and challenges with proximal soil sensing. 2012. In: Scientific Program of AQSSS-CSSS Join Meeting, Lac Beauport, Quebec, 3-8 June 2012, 50. Quebec, Quebec, AQSSS.
• Pan, L., V.I. Adamchuk, and R.B. Ferguson. 2012. Analysis of information quality associated with an integrated use of spatial and temporal soil data. In: Scientific Program of AQSSS-CSSS Join Meeting, Lac Beauport, Quebec, 3-8 June 2012, 118. Quebec, Quebec, AQSSS.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this reporting period, the Second Global Workshop on Proximal Soil Sensing was organized and held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 15-18, 2011. This forum allowed sixty researchers from 18 countries share their ideas and establish consensus on the potential for sensor fusion concept to enhance benefits of integrated proximal soil sensing. General principles involved in this technology and its potential have been described in several listed book chapters. The idea for continuous galvanic contact resistivity scanner has been established and preliminary testing was conducted. A new algorithm has been developed to assess the effect of locations of temporal soil monitoring sites on the quality of spatially variable predictions of agronomic attributes. Another algorithm was developed to cluster proximal soil sensing data with spatial continuity constraints. A streamline approach has been established to use maps of apparent soil electrical conductivity and topography to characterize spatial variability of agricultural fields. Research on the integrated use of proximal soil and crop sensing has been continued with an array of results allowing better understanding of nitrogen and water stress effects during vegetation stages of corn growth. PARTICIPANTS: Partner Organizations: McGill University USDA-ARS UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Partner UNL Departments: Agronomy and Horticulture Statistics Computer Science and Engineering TARGET AUDIENCES: Precision agriculture service providers Crop producers Equipment manufacturers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant

Impacts
Integrated sensing technology that relies on measurements of soil properties as well as in-season status of agricultural crops has the potential to optimize agricultural production according to local needs in agricultural inputs that vary across landscapes and with time. Site-specific management of nitrogen fertilizer, lime, and water has been the primary focus of research during this reporting period.

Publications

• Adamchuk, V.I., R.A. Viscarra Rossel, K.A. Sudduth, and P. Schulze Lammers. 2011. Sensor fusion for precision agriculture. In: Sensor Fusion - Foundation and Applications, Chapter 2, 27-40, C. Thomas, ed. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech.
• Adamchuk, V.I., R.A. Viscarra Rossel. 2011. Precision agriculture: proximal soil sensing. In: Encyclopedia of Agrophysics, 650-656, J. Gliński, J. Horabik, and J. Lipiec, eds. New York, New York: Springer.
• Adamchuk, V.I., R.D. Grisso, and M.F. Kocher. 2011. Spatial variability of field machinery use and efficiency. In: GIS Applications in Agriculture. Volume Two. Nutrient Management for Energy Efficiency, Chapter 8, 135-146, D.E. Clay and J.F. Shanahan, eds. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.
• Roberts, D.F., R.B. Ferguson, N.R. Kitchen, V.I. Adamchuk, and J.F. Shanahan. 2011. Relationships between soil-based management zones and canopy sensing for corn nitrogen management. Agronomy Journal (in press).
• Shiratsuchi, L., R. Ferguson, J. Shanahan, V. Adamchuk, D. Rundquist, D. Marx, and G. Slater. 2011. Water and nitrogen effects on active canopy sensor vegetation indices. Agronomy Journal 103(6): 1815-1826.
• Viscarra Rossel, R.A., V.I. Adamchuk, K.A. Sudduth, N.J. McKenzie, and C. Lobsey. 2011. Proximal soil sensing: an effective approach for soil measurements in space and time, Chapter 5. Advances in Agronomy 113: 237-283.
• Adamchuk, V.I., A.S. Mat Su, R.A. Eigenberg, and R.B. Ferguson. 2011. Development of an angular scanning system for sensing vertical profiles of soil electrical conductivity. Transactions of the ASABE 54(3): 1-11.
• Adamchuk, V.I., R.A. Viscarra Rossel, D.B. Marx, and A.K. Samal. 2011. Using targeted sampling to process multivariate soil sensing data. Geoderma 163(1-2): 63-73.
• Roberts, D.F., V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and J.S. Schepers. 2011. Estimation of surface soil organic matter using a ground-based active sensor and aerial imagery. Precision Agriculture 12(1): 82-102.
• Adamchuk, V.I., A.K. Jonjak, C.S. Wortmann, R.B. Ferguson, and C.A. Shapiro. 2011. Case studies on the accuracy of soil pH and lime requirement maps. In: Precision Agriculture: Papers from the 8th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic, 11-14 July 2011, ed. J. Stafford, 289-301. Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Centre for Science and Society.
• Pan L., V.I. Adamchuk, D.L. Martin, M.A. Schroeder, R.B. Ferguson. 2011. Combining on-the-go soil sensing and a wireless sensor network to increase irrigation water use efficiency. In: Precision Agriculture: Papers from the 8th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic, 11-14 July 2011, ed. J. Stafford, 459-468. Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Centre for Science and Society.
• Ferguson, R., J. Shanahan, D. Roberts, J. Schepers, F. Solari, V. Adamchuk, L. Shiratsuchi, B. Krienke, M. Schlemmer, and D. Francis. 2011. In-season nitrogen management of irrigated maize using a crop canopy sensor. In: Precision Agriculture: Papers from the 8th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic, 11-14 July 2011, ed. J. Stafford, 503-513. Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Centre for Science and Society.
• An, W., S. Ci, X. Wang, H. Sharif, J. Lin, V. Adamchuk, and D. Martin. 2011. Monitoring-quality-driven sensor deployment optimization in wireless sensor networks. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Wireless Networks (ICWN-11), Las Vegas, Nevada, 18-21 July 2011. San Diego, California: Universal Conference Management Systems and Support.
• Adamchuk, V.I. 2011. On-the-go proximal soil sensing - Are we there yet In: Proceedings of the Second Global Workshop on Proximal Soil Sensing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 15 18 May 2011, eds. V.I. Adamchuk and R.A. Viscarra Rossel, 160-163. Montreal, Quebec, Canada: McGill University.
• Dhillon, R.S., V.I. Adamchuk, K.H. Holland, and C.R. Hempleman. 2010. Development of an integrated on-the-go sensing system for soil properties. Paper No. 10-9817. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE.
• Boiko, Y. and V. Adamchuk. 2011. Mapping electrical conductivity (in Ukrainian: Kartografuvannia elektroprovidnosti). The Ukrainian Farmer, May 2011: 80-82.
• Boiko, Y. and V. Adamchuk. 2010. In search of strategic solutions (in Ukrainian: U poshuku strategichnyh rishen'). The Ukrainian Farmer, December 2010: 80-82.
• Dhawale, N., V.I. Adamchuk, and S.O. Prasher. 2011. Measuring near-surface soil organic matter content using an active optical crop canopy sensor. In: Poster Abstracts for the Second Global Workshop on Proximal Soil Sensing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 15 18 May 2011, ed. V.I.
• Adamchuk, 7. Montreal, Quebec, Canada: McGill University. Pan, L., V.I. Adamchuk, D.L. Martin, M.A. Schroeder, R.B. Ferguson, S.O. Prasher. 2011. Combining on-the-go soil sensing and a wireless sensor network to analyze irrigation water use efficiency. In: Poster Abstracts for the Second Global Workshop on Proximal Soil Sensing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 15 18 May 2011, ed. V.I. Adamchuk, 11. Montreal, Quebec, Canada: McGill University.
• Adamchuk, V.I., A.S. Mat Su, R.A. Eigenberg, and R.B. Ferguson. 2011. Mapping vertical profiles of apparent electrical conductivity in soils using angular scanning approach. In: Proceedings of the 2011 Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, Charlotte, North Carolina, 10-14 April, 2011. Denver, Colorado: EEGS (CD publication).
• Adamchuk, V.I. 2011. On-the-go proximal soil sensing for agriculture. In: Abstract Book of the International Symposium on Sensing in Agriculture, 21-24 February 2011, 105. Haifa, Israel: Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this reporting period, two new soil mapping platforms were developed and tested. The Integrated Soil Mapping System (ISMS) combines previously evaluated capacitance-based soil moisture sensor with newly designed subsurface optical reflectance and hitch-mounted load sensors. The ISMS was developed to simultaneously define spatial variability in soil organic matter and water contents as well as to delineate field areas with signs of near-surface soil compaction. A Pneumatic Angular Scanning System (PASS) was developed to sense horizontal and vertical changes in apparent soil electrical conductivity on-the-go using a single-pair electromagnetic induction instrument while implementing an angular scanning approach. The system was developed as a low-cost solution for assessing spatial variability in topsoil depth. The integrated use of on-the-go soil sensing technology and wireless sensor networks was piloted to optimize irrigation water use efficiency. In each site, maps of apparent soil electrical conductivity and field elevations were processed to install soil matric potential sensors allowing for real-time monitoring of soil water content. Another study was devoted to variable rate liming maps produced using on-the-go soil pH sensing technology. Quality of soil pH, buffer pH and lime requirement maps was evaluated when using different mapping principles and techniques. Another integrated platform was developed to simultaneously measure crop canopy reflectance, height and temperature. The module integrating six different sensors was used to learn complex relationships among physiological state of corn crops with water and nutrient stresses. Further explorations have been made to integrate soil- and crop-based sensing to optimize use of agricultural inputs. PARTICIPANTS: Partner Organizations: USDA-ARS UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center McGill University Partner UNL Departments: Agronomy and Horticulture Statistics Computer Science and Engineering TARGET AUDIENCES: Precision agriculture service providers Crop producers Equipment manufacturers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Integrated sensing technology that relies on measurements of soil properties as well as in-season status of agricultural crops has the potential to optimize agricultural production according to local needs in agricultural inputs that vary across landscapes and with time. Site-specific management of nitrogen fertilizer, lime, and water has been the primary focus of research during this reporting period.

Publications

• Jonjak, A.K., V.I. Adamchuk, C.S. Wortmann, R.B. Ferguson, and C.A. Shapiro. 2010. A comparison of conventional and sensor-based lime requirement maps. In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 18-21 July 2010, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 15 pages).
• Shiratsuchi, L.S., R.B. Ferguson, J.F. Shanahan, and V.I. Adamchuk. 2010. Comparison of spectral indicies derived from active crop canopy sensors for assessing nitrogen and water status. In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 18-21 July 2010, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 11 pages).
• Roberts, D.F., J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, V.I. Adamchuk, and N.R. Kitchen. 2010. A crop and soil strategy for sensor-based variable-rate nitrogen management. In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 18-21 July 2010, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 15 pages).
• Adamchuk, V.I. 2010. Application of integrated proximal sensing technologies to recognize spatial variability of soils and crop performance. In: Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Workshop on Farming's Future: Minimising Footprints and Maximising Margins, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 10-11 February, 2011, eds. L.D. Currie and C.L. Christensen, 365-369. Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
• Pan., L., V.I. Adamchuk, D.L. Martin, M.A. Schroeder, and R.B. Ferguson. 2010. Analysis of water use efficiency using on-the-go soil sensing and a wireless sensor network. In: Handbook of the International Symposium on Wireless Sensor Network in Agriculture, Beijing, China, 18-21 November 2010, 21-23. Beijing, China: China Agricultural University.
• Roberts, D., J. Shanahan, R. Ferguson, V. Adamchuk, and N. Kitchen. 2010. Integration of an active sensor algorithm with soil-based management zones for nitrogen management in corn. Abstract No. 316-7, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California, 31 October - 4 November 2010. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Krienke, B., R. Ferguson, J. Shanahan, V. Adamchuk, and L. Shiratsuchi. 2010. Evaluation of algorithm thresholds for crop canopy sensor-based in-season nitrogen application. Abstract No. 316-8, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California, 31 October - 4 November 2010. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Roberts, D.F., V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and J.S. Schepers. 2010. Estimation of surface soil organic matter using a ground-based active sensor and aerial imagery. Precision Agriculture (in press).
• Solari, F., J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and V.I. Adamchuk. 2010. An active sensor algorithm for corn nitrogen recommendations based on a chlorophyll meter algorithm. Agronomy Journal 102(4): 1090-1098.
• Gebbers, R. and V.I. Adamchuk. 2010. Precision agriculture and food security. Science 327(5967): 828-831.
• Adamchuk, V.I., R.B. Ferguson, and G.W. Hergert. 2010. Soil heterogeneity and crop growth. In: Precision Crop Protection - the Challenge and Use of Heterogeneity, Chapter 1, 3-16, E.C. Oerke, R. Gerhards, G. Menz, and R.A. Sikora, etd. New York, New York: Springer.
• Adamchuk, V.I. and R.A. Viscarra Rossel. 2010. Development of on-the-go proximal soil sensor systems. In: Proximal Soil Sensing, 15-28, R.A. Viscarra Rossel, A. McBratney, and B. Minasny, eds. New York, New York: Springer.
• Adamchuk, V.I. 2010. Precision agriculture: Does it make sense Better Crops 94(3): 4-6.
• Adamchuk, V.I., L. Pan, D.B. Marx, and D.L. Martin. 2010. Locating soil monitoring sites using spatial analysis of multilayer data. In: Proceedings of 19th World Congress of Soil Science, Brisbane, Australia, 1-6 August 2010. IUSS (DVD publication, 4 pages).
• Adamchuk, V.I. and R.B. Ferguson. 2010. Precision agriculture education program in Nebraska. In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 18-21 July 2010, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 6 pages).
• Pan, L., V.I. Adamchuk, D.L. Martin, M.A. Schroeder, and R.B. Ferguson. 2010. Analysis of water use efficiency using on-the-go soil sensing and a wireless network. In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 18-21 July 2010, ed. R. Kholsa. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 13 pages).

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The integration of multiple spatial data layers to define targeted sampling sites and delineate potential areas for differentiated management has been pursued. An objective function to make comprehensive comparison among different sets of targeted sampling sites has been developed. A set of equations to conduct spatial clustering using the likelihood function have been derived. New projects have been initiated to optimize use of irrigation water and variable rate liming. For the optimized water use project, thematic soil maps have been used to develop a wireless network providing real-time capability to monitor spatially variable water needs in an experimental site. For a variable rate liming project, several Nebraska sites have been mapped and treatments comparing various liming strategies have been developed. The next generation of integrated sensing platforms that could measure mechanical, dielectric and light reflective soil parameters during a conventional field operation has been initiated. Key components of the future system have been developed. Sensing of crop canopy status using integrated light reflectance and ultrasonic proximity measurement methods produced interesting results on our capability to define N-stress relatively early in vegetation life of corn. In addition, an angular electromagnetic induction scanner has been developed to map vertical changes in apparent soil electrical conductivity on-the-go. PARTICIPANTS: Partner Organizations: - USDA-ARS - International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) - University of Isfahan Partner UNL Departments: - Agronomy and Horticulture - Statistics - Computer Science and Engineering TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Integrated sensing technology that relies on measurements of soil properties as well as in-season status of agricultural crops has the potential to optimize agricultural production according to local needs in agricultural inputs that vary across landscapes and with time. Site-specific management of nitrogen fertilizer, lime, and water has been the primary focus of research during this reporting period.

Publications

• Roberts, D.F., V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and J.S. Schepers. 2009. Optimization of crop canopy sensor placement for measuring nitrogen status in corn. Agronomy Journal 101(1): 140-149.
• Adamchuk, V.I., T.I. Ingram, K.A. Sudduth, and S.O. Chung. 2008. On-the-go mapping of soil mechanical resistance using a linear depth effect model. Transactions of the ASABE 51(6): 1885-1894.
• Kerby, A., D. Marx, A. Samal, and V. Adamchuck. 2008. Spatial clustering using the likelihood function. In: Proceedings of the Kansas State University Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture, Manhattan, Kansas, 27-29 April 2008. Manhattan, Kansas: Kansas State University.
• Shiratsuchi, L.S., R.B. Ferguson, V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, and G.P. Slater. 2009. Integration of ultrasonic and active canopy sensors to estimate the in-season nitrogen content for corn. In: Proceedings of the 39th North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, 18-19 November 2009. Norcross, Georgia: International Plant Nutrition Institute.
• Adamchuk V.I., L. Pan, D.B. Marx, and D.L. Martin. 2009. Site-specific calibration of multiple soil sensor data layers. Paper No. 09-5782. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE.
• Kitchen N.R., J.F. Shanahan, D.F. Roberts, K.A. Sudduth, P.C. Scharf, R.B. Ferguson, and V.I. Adamchuk. 2009. Economic and environmental benefits from canopy sensing for variable-rate nitrogen corn fertilization. Paper No. 09-6655. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE.
• Shanahan, J., R. Ferguson, V.I. Adamchuk, L. Shiratsuchi, and L. Hendrickson. 2009. Crop management zone delineation based on landscape position. Abstract No. 51-1, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1-5 November 2009. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Shiratsuchi L.S., V.I. Adamchuk, R.B. Ferguson, J.F. Shanahan, and G.P. Slater. 2009. Integrated corn plant height and chlorophyll content measurements to estimate the in-season nitrogen requirement. Abstract No. 100-2, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1-5 November 2009. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Roberts, D.F., V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and J.S. Schepers. 2009. Comparison of soil organic matter estimation using a ground-based active sensor and aerial imagery. Abstract No. 217-4, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1-5 November 2009. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Kitchen, N.R., V.I. Adamchuk, and K.A. Sudduth. 2009. Narrowing the soil-sample to fertilizer-application gap using soil sensors. Abstract No. 238-6, ASA-SSSA-CSSA International Annual Meeting, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1-5 November 2009. Madison, Wisconsin: ASA-SSSA-CSSA.
• Mat Su, A., V. Adamchuk, and R. Eigenberg. 2009. On-the-go vertical sounding of agricultural fields using EMI sensors. In: Proceedings of the 22nd Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, Fort Worth, Texas, 29 March - 2 April 2009. Denver, Colorado: EEGS (CD publication).
• Adamchuk, V.I., J. Villa., and R. Serraj. 2009. Application of electromagnetic sensing to delineate spatially variable soil characteristics and drought susceptibility in field-managedscreening of rice under rainfed lowland conditions. In: Proceedings of Pedometrics 2009 Conference, Beijing, China, 26-28 August 2009, 73. Beijing, China: China Agricultural University (E proceedings).
• Hemmat A., A. Khorsandy, A. Masoumi and V.I. Adamchuk. 2009. Influence of failure mode induced by a horizontally-operated single-tip penetrometer on measured soil resistance. Soil Tillage and Research 105(1): 49-54.

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The process of targeted (also called guided or smart) sampling proposed to enhance the use of on-the-go soil sensing data has been analyzed. An objective function that accounts for representing the entire range of sensor data, spreading across the field and local homogeneity was developed. Constrained categorical separation and Latin hypercube sampling were used to simultaneously address all established criteria for multiple data layers while prescribing a random set of targeted sampling locations. A MatLab program was written to implement the method developed. In the spatial clustering research, we were able to combine univariate observations into groups based on values of the multivariate normal likelihood. The spatial location of these observations is taken into account in the variance-covariance matrix in the likelihood itself. With involvement of partner external scientists and industry representatives, the concept for integrated sensor platform has been established. Substantial resources have been pulled together to invest in a new Veris Mobile Sensor Platform and Trimble RTK-level GPS/GLONASS equipment. Both pieces integrated with the instrumented tractor and other sensors developed at UNL will serve as a platform for continued research in this area. Substantial funding has been secured to implement sensor fusion approach to manage soil acidity in Eastern Nebraska. Several large datasets were obtained using optical crop canopy sensors and recently added ultrasonic distance sensor during summer months. The analysis of sensor density effect has been accepted for publication in a refereed journal. The analysis of potential for in-season N management that is based on soil maps obtained using on-the-go soil sensor and aerial imaging platforms (in addition to the optical crop canopy sensing) is in progress. Also, the relationship between measured corn height and detected chlorophyll level status is studied with respect to the potential improvement of in-season N-management algorithm developed. PARTICIPANTS: Main collaborators at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, Nebraska): Richard Ferguson, John Shanahan, David Marx, Ashok Samal, Charles Wortmann, Charles Shapiro. TARGET AUDIENCES: Equipment manufacturers, soil researchers, crop consultants, agribusiness representatives, crop growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.

Impacts
Once implemented, the method presented will allow users unbiased prescription of optimized targeted soil sampling schemes necessary to build data calibration models. Further, successful implementation of the new clustering approach will allow users delineation of field areas that require differentiated treatments and are based on several calibrated self-generated data sources.

Publications

• 1. Hemmat, A. and V.I. Adamchuk. 2008. Sensor systems for measuring spatial variation in soil compaction. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 63(2): 89-103.
• 2. Kyaw, T., R.B. Ferguson, V.I. Adamchuk, D.B. Marx, D.D. Tarkalson, and D.L. McCallister. 2008. Delineating site-specific management zones for pH-induced chlorosis. Precision Agriculture 9(1-2):71-84.
• 3. Hemmat, A., V.I. Adamchuk, and P. Jasa. 2008. Use of an instrumented disc coulter for mapping soil mechanical resistance. Soil Tillage and Research 98(2): 150-163.
• 4. Sethuramasamyraja, B., V.I. Adamchuk, A. Dobermann, D.B. Marx, D.D. Jones, and G.E. Meyer. 2008. Agitated soil measurement method for integrated on-the-go mapping of soil pH, potassium and nitrate contents. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 60(2): 212-225.
• 5. Sethuramasamyraja, B., V.I. Adamchuk, D.B. Marx, A. Dobermann, G.E. Meyer, and D.D. Jones. 2007. Analysis of an ion-selective electrode based methodology for integrated on-the-go mapping of soil pH, potassium and nitrate contents. Transactions of the ASABE 50(6): 1927-1935.
• 6. Kerby, A., D. Marx, A. Samal, and V. Adamchuk. 2007. Spatial clustering using the likelihood function. In: Proceedings of Seventh IEEE International Conference on Data Mining Workshops (ICDMW 2007), Omaha, Nebraska, 28-31 October 2007, 637-642, K. Anthony, H. Tung, and Q. Zhu, eds. Washington, DC: IEEE Computer Society.
• 7. Adamchuk, V.I., R.A. Viscarra Rossel, D.B Marx, and A.K. Samal. 2008. Enhancement of on-the-go soil sensor data using guided sampling. In: Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 20-23 July, 2008, R. Kholsa, ed. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 13 pages).
• 8. Roberts, D.F., V.I. Adamchuk, J.F. Shanahan, R.B. Ferguson, and J.S. Schepers. 2008. Optimization of active canopy sensor spacing for directing mid-season N application in corn. In: Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Precision Agriculture, Denver, Colorado, 20-23 July, 2008, R. Kholsa, ed. Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University (CD publication, 13 pages) .
• 9. Adamchuk, V.I. 2008. Development of on-the-go soil sensor systems. In: Proceedings of the First Global Workshop on High Resolution Digital Soil Sensing and Mapping, Volume I, Sydney, Australia, 5-8 February, 2008. Sydney, Australia: University of Sydney (12 pages).
• 10. Hemmat, A., V.I. Adamchuk, and P. Jasa. 2007. On-the-go soil strength sensing using an instrumented disc coulter. In: Proceedings of the International Agricultural Engineering Conference (IAEC-2007), Bangkok, Thailand, 3-6 December, 2007. Pathumthani, Thailand: Asian Association for Agricultural Engineering (CD publication, 8 pages).
• 11. Adamchuk, V.I., A. Hemmat, and A.M. Mouazen. 2008. Soil compaction sensor systems - current developments. Paper No. 08-3994. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE.
• 12. Adamchuk, V.I. and E.D. Lund. 2008. On-the-go mapping of soil pH using antimony electrodes. Paper No. 08-3995. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE.

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Three production fields in the Platte River Valley (Ashland, Fremont and North Bend) were mapped using two sensor systems. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, mechanical resistance and moisture data layers were of excellent quality in one of the three sites (the one with no weather-related limitations). An integrated data analysis was pursued to address the Platte valley yellows syndrome observed in these fields. Although our optical sensor indicated the general trend in soil organic matter content, the quality of the measurements was not sufficient for the analysis due to poor outsourced fabrication of one of the parts. An instrumented disc coulter system was developed to map mechanical characteristics of the field surface and a relevant journal manuscript was submitted for publication. This sensor provides a low-cost option to delineate field areas with suspected compaction using a conventional implement stabilizer. In addition, a journal manuscript including the most recent review of soil compaction sensing systems under development worldwide has been submitted for publication. In terms of sensor data processing, two core research hypotheses have been outlined: 1) guided soil sampling and 2) spatial clustering. Two conference papers were prepared to report our respective initial findings. To delineate the differentiated management areas, we relied on georeferenced sensor-based data layers available to producers. The proposed spatial clustering technique will be used to group sensor data according to the likely function constructed and based on sensor output values as well as horizontal distances between measurements. The proposed guided soil sampling technique will be used to calibrate and validate sensor-based maps following the demand for homogeneity of the areas surrounding the guided samples and their even distribution throughout the field and throughout the range of measurements observed. PARTICIPANTS: Academia: David Marx, Ashok Samal, Richard Ferguson, Charles Wortmann, and Leen-Kiat Soh - University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, Nebraska); Abbas Hemmat - Isfahan University of Technology (Isfahan, Iran); Industry: Eric Lund (Veris Technologies, Inc., Salina, Kansas). TARGET AUDIENCES: Equipment manufacturers, soil researchers, crop consultants, agribusiness representatives, crop growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.

Impacts
Once developed, the proposed methodology will enhance the potential for sensor-induced site-specific crop management. We expect producers and their advisors to reduce the cost of soil sampling and analysis while improving the quality of thematic soil maps. An economically viable approach to manage field heterogeneity is the ultimate goal of this interdisciplinary research.

Publications

• Adamchuk, V.I., D.B. Marx, A.T. Kerby, A.K. Samal, L.K. Soh, R.B. Ferguson, and C.S. Wortmann. 2007. Guided soil sampling for enhanced analysis of georefernced sensor-based data. In: Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Geocomputation 2007 Conference, Maynooth, Ireland, 3-5 September 2007, U. Demsar, ed. Maynooth, Ireland: NCG - National University of Ireland (E-proceedings, 4 pages).
• Adamchuk, V.I. and C. Wang. 2007. Collocating multiple self-generated data layers. In: GIS Applications in Agriculture, F.J. Pierce and D. Clay, eds. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, pp. 185-196.
• Adamchuk, V.I. and P.T. Christenson. 2007. An instrumented blade system for mapping soil mechanical resistance represented as a second-order polynomial. Soil Tillage and Research 95(1): 76-83.
• Adamchuk, V.I., E.D. Lund, T.M. Reed, and R.B. Ferguson. 2007. Evaluation of an on-the-go technology for soil pH mapping. Precision Agriculture 8(2): 139-149.