New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Developing variable rate application technology: modelling annual
pasture production on hill country
R. I. Murray
I. J. Yule
New Zealand Centre for Precision Agriculture
Massey University
Private Bag 11222
Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
A. G. Gillingham
Agricultural Research Consultant
92 Waicola Drive
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Abstract A great deal of modelling work has been
completed in New Zealand and overseas on factors contributing to
variations in pasture production. Although there are many factors that
affect this, some have far greater influence than others. This paper
discusses some of the important governing factors that previous
researchers have identified, and also comments on the modelling
techniques used by others in attempting to model annual pasture
production. One of the more adaptable techniques, commonly called
decision tree modelling, has been selected and applied to a large sheep
and beef, hill-country farm. The resulting annual pasture production
was compared with an animal intake model. Both approaches were in very
close agreement. This indicates that the decision tree method could be
a very useful tool in the management of hill country properties when
linked with a geographical information system. Embedding a pasture
production model within a geographical information system is useful as
it helps to identify strategic opportunities for either increased
production or greater efficiency of inputs, particularly if
within-field variation is scrutinised.
Keywords decision tree; fertiliser; GIS
modelling; hill country; pasture production; topdressing
A06015; Online publication date 2 March 2007; Received 16 March 2006;
accepted 17 January 2007
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007, Vol. 50:
41 - 52
0028 - 8233/07/5001 - 0041 © The Royal Society of New Zealand
2007
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