Automated Slope Mapping System

Introduction

The development of site-specific agriculture has increased the need for knowledge regarding within-field variability in factors such as soil/plant characteristics and topography that influence the crop production. Surface soil properties are the first type of information most frequently used by producers in developing management plans. Topographic features are not yet routinely used to guide within-field management of agricultural inputs in Atlantic Canada. The majority of blueberry fields in eastern Canada have gentle to severe topography. An automated slope measurement and mapping system (SMMS) consisting of low-cost accelerometers used as tilt sensors, differential global positioning system (DGPS), laptop and custom software was developed in the Precision Agriculture Laboratory, Engineering Department, NSAC.

Objectives

SMMS mounted on an all terrain vehicle (ATV) has been used to map slope variations within the fields in real-time.  Recent work has produced kriged GIS maps showing variability in topographic features within wild blueberry fields. These slope maps can be used to delineate management zones based on variation in slope/elevation using SMMS. A prescription map originated from management zones can be used for site-specific fertilization to increase farm profitability and reduce environmental risks. The maps can also be used for safety reasons by adjusting the vehicle speed at particular slopes during field operations.

Researchers

Dr. Qamar Zaman, Associate Professor, Engineering Department, NSAC

Dr. Arnold Schumann, Associate Professor, Citrus Research and Education Centre, University of Florida, USA

Travis Esau (2007 NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Assistant)

Partners

This research was funded by Oxford Frozen Foods, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Wild blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia, Agri-Futures (ACAAF) Nova Scotia.