Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary interest of the farmer when selling grain to a buyer?
What is the primary interest of the farmer when selling grain to a buyer?
What is the standard moisture content for corn on a wet basis?
What is the standard moisture content for corn on a wet basis?
What benefits does a capacitance-type moisture sensor provide?
What benefits does a capacitance-type moisture sensor provide?
How does a capacitance-type moisture sensor determine moisture content?
How does a capacitance-type moisture sensor determine moisture content?
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What happens if the grain moisture content is too low for the buyer?
What happens if the grain moisture content is too low for the buyer?
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What is the role of the dielectric in a capacitance-type moisture sensor?
What is the role of the dielectric in a capacitance-type moisture sensor?
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Why is it important to record moisture content at the time of harvest?
Why is it important to record moisture content at the time of harvest?
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Where is the moisture sensor typically located on the combine?
Where is the moisture sensor typically located on the combine?
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What measurement is NOT used for yield calculations by grain yield monitors?
What measurement is NOT used for yield calculations by grain yield monitors?
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Which of the following is a function of a grain combine?
Which of the following is a function of a grain combine?
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How does the position of grain in the combine header affect its processing?
How does the position of grain in the combine header affect its processing?
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What can negatively affect the accuracy of calculated yields?
What can negatively affect the accuracy of calculated yields?
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Which statement correctly describes the flow of grain in a combine?
Which statement correctly describes the flow of grain in a combine?
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Which factor contributes to the redistribution of grain during the harvesting process?
Which factor contributes to the redistribution of grain during the harvesting process?
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What is a major limitation of modern grain yield monitors?
What is a major limitation of modern grain yield monitors?
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What is the purpose of using an impact plate in grain yield monitoring?
What is the purpose of using an impact plate in grain yield monitoring?
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What is the main purpose of soil testing in crop production?
What is the main purpose of soil testing in crop production?
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Which nutrient is often considered the most important for crop production?
Which nutrient is often considered the most important for crop production?
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What classification indicates a high probability of yield increase from fertilizer application?
What classification indicates a high probability of yield increase from fertilizer application?
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When is the ideal time to apply nitrogen for corn production?
When is the ideal time to apply nitrogen for corn production?
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How are primary nutrient levels in soil commonly categorized?
How are primary nutrient levels in soil commonly categorized?
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What outcome is expected if nitrogen is applied correctly to the soil?
What outcome is expected if nitrogen is applied correctly to the soil?
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What describes the nutrient levels classified as high and very high?
What describes the nutrient levels classified as high and very high?
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Secondary nutrients are typically added to soil in what manner compared to primary nutrients?
Secondary nutrients are typically added to soil in what manner compared to primary nutrients?
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What is the primary purpose of soil survey maps created by the NRCS?
What is the primary purpose of soil survey maps created by the NRCS?
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What limitation is noted about soil survey maps?
What limitation is noted about soil survey maps?
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Why might farmers need to conduct soil testing even when using soil survey maps?
Why might farmers need to conduct soil testing even when using soil survey maps?
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What factor must be considered alongside soil fertility to achieve high crop yields?
What factor must be considered alongside soil fertility to achieve high crop yields?
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What was the traditional approach to soil analysis in farming?
What was the traditional approach to soil analysis in farming?
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What is a key benefit of precision farming technologies over traditional methods?
What is a key benefit of precision farming technologies over traditional methods?
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What is NOT guaranteed to result from controlling fertility and soil physical properties?
What is NOT guaranteed to result from controlling fertility and soil physical properties?
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Which soil property is typically assessed through soil survey maps?
Which soil property is typically assessed through soil survey maps?
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What is one primary benefit of using instantaneous yield monitors for farmers?
What is one primary benefit of using instantaneous yield monitors for farmers?
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Which factor can be analyzed using yield data collected from yield monitors?
Which factor can be analyzed using yield data collected from yield monitors?
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Farmers claim that yield monitoring systems can increase the value of land at the time of sale. What contributes to this increase?
Farmers claim that yield monitoring systems can increase the value of land at the time of sale. What contributes to this increase?
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In what way can yield monitors assist in on-farm research?
In what way can yield monitors assist in on-farm research?
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What is a possible outcome of analyzing yield monitoring data over several years?
What is a possible outcome of analyzing yield monitoring data over several years?
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What do farmers often feel about yield variability prior to using yield monitors?
What do farmers often feel about yield variability prior to using yield monitors?
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What challenge might farmers face when using yield monitors for the first time?
What challenge might farmers face when using yield monitors for the first time?
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Which of the following could be considered a yield-limiting factor based on yield monitor data?
Which of the following could be considered a yield-limiting factor based on yield monitor data?
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What is the primary purpose of yield monitor calibration?
What is the primary purpose of yield monitor calibration?
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Which type of sensor is most often used to measure grain moisture content?
Which type of sensor is most often used to measure grain moisture content?
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What are the advantages of using site-specific crop yield maps?
What are the advantages of using site-specific crop yield maps?
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Which data types typically appear in a site-specific yield data file?
Which data types typically appear in a site-specific yield data file?
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What role does a header position sensor play in yield monitoring?
What role does a header position sensor play in yield monitoring?
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Why is measuring grain flow through combines important?
Why is measuring grain flow through combines important?
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What is a key benefit of yield monitoring systems for non-grain crops?
What is a key benefit of yield monitoring systems for non-grain crops?
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Which of the following statements about yield monitoring is true?
Which of the following statements about yield monitoring is true?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Yield Monitoring and Mapping
- Farmers in the US produce vast quantities of corn, wheat, and soybeans annually.
- Crop yield (bu/ac or lb/ac) is a crucial measure for economic success in farming
- Maximizing yield while minimizing costs is a major concern for farmers.
- Crop yield variability across fields frequently occurs due to variations in soil conditions and climate
- Modern technologies allow for precise yield measurement on smaller areas, unlike traditional whole-field assessments.
Methods for Measuring Crop Yield
- Collect-and-Weigh: Farmers weigh harvested crops at collection points. Crop moisture content significantly affects the measurements.
- Batch-Type Yield Monitors: Weigh grain contained in combine tanks, providing estimates quickly.
- Instantaneous Yield Monitors: These systems continuously collect yield data as crops are harvested. Key factors include grain flow rate, moisture content, travel speed, and cutting width. This data is crucial for mapping specific yield patterns.
Basic Yield Monitor Components
- Grain Moisture Sensor: Measures the moisture content of harvested grain.
- Display/Processor Console: Displays and processes yield data, often with user input capability.
- Grain Flow Sensor: Measures grain flow rate; combined with other data, this component enables yield calculation.
- Ground Speed Sensor: Monitors the combine’s speed.
- Header Position Switch: Determines combine header operation position, to control the area calculations, vital for measuring precisely.
Grain Flow Sensors
- Impact-Type Mass Flow Sensors: Measure the force or displacement of an impact plate hit by the grain.
- Optical-Type Volume Flow Sensors: Employ light sources and photosensors to measure grain volume flow. Conversion to mass is crucial based on bulk grain density.
Grain Moisture Sensors
- Moisture content of grain directly impacts its weight and volume, critical in determining actual yield.
- Sensors are important to farmers for accurate evaluations of stored grains, and for managing grain storage and handling.
- Moisture affects yield and can lead to losses during harvest or storage.
Ground Speed Sensors
- Accurate ground speed measurement is essential for accurate yield calculation.
- Sensors can use magnetic sensors to measure the speed of a drive shaft.
- Other potential errors include slippage and changing soil conditions.
- Alternative sensors like radar and ultrasonic are being employed.
- GPS-based systems provide another approach with accurate, real-time speed data.
Header Position Sensor
- Some yield monitoring systems use header position sensors to control area calculation.
- Area counting is suspended when the combine header isn't at a defined height, resuming when it's lowered.
- This allows for consistent yield assessment even when the machine is turning or changing position.
Display Console
- Located in the combine cab.
- Displays operator input (e.g., field name, load number, cutting width), and collected data (moisture content, instantaneous yield, average yield, area harvested, travel speed, GPS signal reception).
Calibration
- Correcting the sensor data is required for accurate yield data calculations.
- Comparison of yield monitor estimates (e.g. weight, volume, etc.) to actual measurements (e.g. using known scales) is used to create calibration curves.
- Variations in harvesting conditions (e.g., grain flow rates and moisture content) may require additional or more frequent calibration.
Yield Data Collection
- Yields are collected continuously, in 1-5 seconds intervals.
- Stored data on PC cards or other devices allows for post-harvest analysis.
- Data can be transferred to computers for analysis in summary tables or maps.
Yield Mapping
- Georeferencing associates yield data points to specific locations on a map.
- GPS receivers are typically used to accurately determine a combine's position at each data point.
- Differential GPS correction (DGPS) is often used for improved accuracy.
Yield Monitoring and Mapping for Non-Grain Crops
- Similar methods (often weighing) are used for crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and sugar cane.
Issues to Consider
- Modern yield monitor systems are accurate but errors in measuring force, cutting width, and ground speed influence accuracy.
- Combine mechanisms and processes might introduce delays during harvest or processing.
Soil Sampling and Analysis
- Regular soil sampling is crucial for effective fertility management and potential yield improvements.
- Soil properties are important for crop growth.
- Micronutrients are nutrients required in small amounts, but can have a significant impact on yield.
- Soil pH is a key indicator of soil acidity.
Sensors for Measuring Soil Properties
- Sensors like those measuring soil electrical conductivity, moisture content, and organic matter content are utilized in modern farming practices.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of yield monitoring and mapping in agriculture, focusing on important crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. It discusses the significance of crop yield, the impact of soil conditions and climate on yield variability, and modern methodologies for precise yield measurement. Test your understanding of the key concepts and techniques involved in maximizing agricultural productivity.
