Assessment of the impact of spatial heterogeneity of agricultural irrigated fields on crop yields

Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russian Federation

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Abstract

Differentiation of the application of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and irrigation water makes it possible to optimize crop yields, save resources, and reduce the negative impact on the environment. To correctly apply differentiated technologies, it is important to study the patterns of spatial and temporal changes in field characteristics. The purpose of this work is to assess the patterns of spatio-temporal changes in field characteristics and to apply differentiated technologies that involve the application of fertilizers, growth substances, chemical ameliorants, and other chemicals along with water. The article discusses the effects of anthropogenic impacts on the spatial variation of various soil characteristics. This study presents variograms illustrating the spatial variability of soil characteristics such as pH and other characteristics. It also provides results of yield assessment obtained by applying differentiated agricultural technologies. The analysis of distribution maps allows identifying zones with abnormally high and low values of agrochemical indicators. Based on the obtained data on the location and area of the identified zones, informed decisions regarding the differentiated application of fertilizers can be made. Applying fertilizers using traditional technology resulted in a 30% increase in yield. In the precision irrigation option, the yield was the highest at 4.0 t/ha. Compared to the non-fertilized option, the differentiated precision irrigation technology resulted in a nearly twofold increase in yield.