Comparative analysis of soil-sampling methods used in precision agriculture

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare three different soil-sampling methods used in Precision Agriculture and their environmental impact in the agricultural production environment. The sampling methods used were: management zones by elevation (MZA), grid sampling (GS), and sampling oriented by apparent soil electrical conductivity (OS). It was tested in three different fields. When the recommendations were compared, a significant difference among the suggested dosages was observed, indicating the need to improve the soil-sampling techniques, since there were doubts about input deficits or overdoses, regardless of the technology studied. The GS method was the most environmentally viable alternative for P compared to other methods and the OS presented as the better option for K and N. However, the use of soil sensors has been shown to be a viable technology that needs further improvement in order to improve productivity and, hence, economic and environmental gains.