Soil heterogeneity and crop growth

Abstract

Producers around the world are considering the use of precision agriculture technologies. One of the key factors encouraging this development is the spatially varying performance of agricultural crops. In many instances, yield variabilityyield variability can be associated with differences in soil attributes across agricultural fields. Understanding and managing spatial variability Soil spatial variability in soils has become one of the main strategies to optimize crop production, based on local needs for fertilizerfertilizer, lime, water and/or other crop production inputs. This chapter presents some basic concepts related to the formation of soil heterogeneitysoil heterogeneity and discusses several ways agriculturists can account for spatial variability Soil spatial variability in soils through differentiated cultural practices and management.