Effective Survey Approaches for Field Assessment in Agriculture
Successful field assessments demand accurate preparation and strategic surveying. This guide emphasizes the importance of understanding field history, including previous crops, chemical applications, and environmental factors. Effective scouting requires a well-thought-out approach; utilizing tools such as hand lenses, trowels, and digital cameras enhances observation. Be prepared to adapt your scouting routes based on field conditions. By employing a systematic technique—like W or Z patterns—you can secure representative samples and accurately identify issues, paving the way for informed agricultural decisions.
Effective Survey Approaches for Field Assessment in Agriculture
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Presentation Transcript
Module 1 Field History Preparing for field assessment Determine your survey approach Extension agent Wayne Cooley, ARS agronomist Randy Anderson, and farmer Gilbert Lindstrom Photo by Scott Bauer
Field History • Ask questions! • Get records, if possible • Make general observations • Learn to detect what might be causing the problem
Field History • Previous crop • Chemical history • Planting date • Variety and seed lot • Tillage methods • Soil amendments • Weather • Movement of soil into field
Preparation for Field Assessment • Successful diagnosis starts with good preparation • Keep some useful tools around, and think about the history (as you know it) and nature of the concern
Preparation for Field Assessment • Notepad, record-keeping form or hand-held computers • Proper clothing, for safety • Always observe appropriate re-entry intervals (REI)
Preparation for Field Assessment • Hand lenses magnify tiny features that may be useful • Common magnifications • 4X • 10X • 16X • 20X
Aphid Magnification English grain aphid
Rust magnification example Barley rust photo: Vernyl Pederson
Preparation for Field Assessment Other useful tools • Trowel • Knife • Plastic baggies • Vial – with alcohol for insects • Camera – digital/35 mm • Bucket • Sweep net
Determine Survey Approach • Surveying (or scouting) requires consideration of approach or pattern of travel • Specific concerns may dictate a certain type of scouting method • Regardless of method – the goal is to get a representative sample
Determine Survey Approach • Scouting routes may be modified by: • topography • soil types • irrigation channeling • field entrances • Regardless of the approach, the goal is to get a representative idea of the problems
Determine Survey Approach • Scouting in a W or Z pattern for pests or problems distributed uniformly over the field Examples: Foliar diseases later in season; European corn borer; Pesticide damage
Determine Survey Approach • Scouting or sampling in areas where pests or damage may be concentrated Examples: root rots associated with low areas or in patches; cutworms in low, cool areas; white grubs
Determine Survey Approach Pests or damage associated with field borders or waterways Examples: grasshoppers, chinch bug
Determine Survey Approach Number of sites to visit in the field Sampling or surveying usually is done at 5 sites per 40 to 50 acres