Process for sensing-based crop nutrient management using limiting-rate estimation and yield response prediction

Abstract

A sensing-based process for managing nutrient fertilization in crops. This invention uses reference plots in a field, fertilized at different pre-plant rates, including at least one plot fertilized at a lower rate than the majority of the field. Measurements from the plots are used to estimate the Current Limiting Rate (CLR), which is the lowest non-limiting nutrient rate at the time of sensing. Preferred embodiments are presented specifically for managing nitrogen in rain-fed and irrigated corn. These embodiments use the CLR, along with a model for CLR movement with time to determine nutrient rates for mid-season treatments that achieve specified yield-based or profit-based objectives. This invention's novel use of low-rate reference plots to estimate the CLR enable the detection of stress before the main area of a field is impacted, allowing for advance planning and intervention without sacrificing yield potential.