A Management Tool for Farmers

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A Management Tool for Farmers Tim Nielsen
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Information Service

• Commercial service
• Combines satellite imagery with farm data
• Analyse spatial temporal variation
• Soil plant analysis services
• Nutrient and fertiliser advice

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Paddock Information
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Paddock Biomass Image - 2000
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Biomass Images (1994 to 2000)
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Mean Biomass Image - 1994 - 1995, 1997 - 2000
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Biomass Stability Image - 1994 - 1995, 1997 - 2000
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Biomass Pattern Image - 1994 - 1995, 1997 - 2000
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Biomass Pattern Production Zones
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Biomass Pattern Production Zones
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Biomass Pattern Production Zones
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Biomass Pattern Production Zones
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Biomass Pattern Soil Sampling Sites
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Estimated Wheat Yield Map - 1999
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Estimated Wheat Yield Map - 1999
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Wheat Yield (t/ha) - 1999
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Derived Gross Margin Map - 1999
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Wheat Gross Margin (/ha) - 1999
274
137
153
338
69
488
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Changing Fertiliser Nitrogen Strategy

• Halve Nitrogen on Low Potential Area
• Reduce to 30 kg/ha
• Save 24/ha
• Apply Additional Nitrogen to High Potential Area
• Increase to 70 kg/ha
• Increase yield by 100 kg/ha
• Increase Gross Margin by 8/ha
• Increase Gross Margin by 14/ha in 2001/2002

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Increased Profits

• Halve Nitrogen on Low Potential Area (23 ha)
• Save 532
• Additional Nitrogen to High Potential Area (66
  ha)
• Make 528
• Make 924 in 2001/2002
• Increase Profit from Paddock
• 1,060 - 1,456

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Summary

• Information service supporting precision
  agriculture
• Commercialised by CSBP futurefarm
• Public information farm data soil fertility
  service
• Analyses spatial temporal variation using GIS
• Improved fertiliser use efficiency
• Positive yield and financial outcomes

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A Management Tool for Farmers Tim Nielsen