Explain how in-situ monitoring and data collection technologies are used in production agriculture.

Explanation should include

• precision soil sampling
  • how grid soil sampling and proximal sensors are used in PA to measure or estimate various soil parameters and characteristics at precise locations
  • how the results are used to create maps for activities such as variable-rate applications of fertilizer, variable-planting rates, and other technology that is dependent on soil types
• use of proximal sensors to determine soil and plant status
• electromagnetic induction (EMI) mapping of apparent electrical conductivity (EC)
• soil-moisture sensors
• visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VNIRS).

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is needed to develop sensors that are responsive to the variety of conditions but resilient to the challenges of the natural and managed environment of an agricultural or natural resource setting?
• How is EMI used?