Subscribe Now Subscribe Today
Science Alert
 
Blue
   
Curve Top
International Journal of Agricultural Research
  Year: 2011 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 10-28
DOI: 10.3923/ijar.2011.10.28
 
Facebook Twitter Digg Reddit Linkedin StumbleUpon E-mail

Paddy Field Zone Characterization using Apparent Electrical Conductivity for Rice Precision Farming
W. Aimrun, M.S.M. Amin and H. Nouri

Abstract: Careful consideration of the likely management operation or agrichemical input(s) to be employed is needed for site-specific management or precision farming in order to determine the procedure of how to divide a field into different management zones. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of the physical and chemical properties of the humid tropic paddy soils after zoning using apparent electrical conductivity. With some management operations, grid-soil sampling and mapping of nutrients may be the most appropriate option. Soil apparent Electrical Conductivity (ECa) delineated management zones could be a reliable indicator of yield potential and a useful basis to evaluate the probable for site specific management. This study was conducted in the Tanjung Karang Rice Irrigation Scheme located on a flat coastal plain in the district of Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam, Malaysia for 3 seasons namely, seasons 1/2003, 2/2003 and 1/2004. One block called Block C was selected where it contains 118 lots with 1.2 ha size for each lot and a total area is about 142 ha. Soil ECa was collected using VerisEC 3100 and soil samples were collected for their chemicals and physicals analysis. Mean comparisons were conducted using Statistical Analysis System 8e (SAS) to determine soil properties within ECa zones. The results showed that zone 1 of shallow ECa had significantly lower soil Electrical Conductivity (EC), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K) and Iron (Fe), but significantly higher fine sand and sand contents. Zone 1 of deep ECa had significantly lower Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na) and total cation. This low Na may be due to deep soil profile reaching the parent material of marine clay (marine alluvial), where, it used to be a former water route. Higher fine sand and sand in zone 1 were found for all the seasons. The results suggested that field-scale ECa survey could delimit distinct zones of soil condition among which soil nutrient levels differ, providing an effective basis for soil sampling on a zone basis. It will help farmers to identify their farm for variable rate application.
PDF Fulltext XML References Citation Report Citation
 RELATED ARTICLES:
  •    Evapotranspiration, Soil and Water Quality Implications on Upland Rice Production
  •    Present Status of Precision Farming: A Review
  •    Spatial Data Calibration for Site-Specific Phosphorus Management
How to cite this article:

W. Aimrun, M.S.M. Amin and H. Nouri, 2011. Paddy Field Zone Characterization using Apparent Electrical Conductivity for Rice Precision Farming. International Journal of Agricultural Research, 6: 10-28.

DOI: 10.3923/ijar.2011.10.28

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijar.2011.10.28
COMMENT ON THIS PAPER
 
 
 

 
  Bullet Navigation
 
  Page Icon Online First
  Page Icon Current Issue
  Page Icon Previous Issues
  Page Icon Editorial Board
  Page Icon Submit a Manuscript
  Page Icon Guide to Authors
  Page Icon Subscribe to E-alerts

  Bullet Indexed In
 
  Page Icon ASCI-Database
  Page Icon Asian Digital Library
  Page Icon Cambridge Scientific Abstract
  Page Icon Chemical Abstract Services
  Page Icon FSTA
  Page Icon Google Scholar

Science Alert
Curve Bottom