Zone mapping application for precision-farming: a decision support tool for variable rate application

A web-based decision support tool, zone mapping application for precision farming (ZoneMAP, http://zonemap.umac.org), has been developed to automatically determine the optimal number of management zones and delineate them using satellite imagery and field data provided by users. Application rates, such as of fertilizer, can be prescribed for each zone and downloaded in a variety of formats to ensure compatibility with GPS-enabled farming equipment. ZoneMAP is linked to Digital Northern Great Plains, a web-based application which hosts an archive of satellite imagery, as well as high resolution imagery from airborne sensors. Management zones created by ZoneMAP mapped natural variation of the soil organic matter and other nutrients relatively well and were consistent with zone maps created by traditional means. The results demonstrated that ZoneMAP can serve as an effective and easy-to-use tool for those who practice precision agriculture.