Fertilização a taxa variável de nitrogênio em trigo integrando sensoriamento de cultura e zonas de manejo na região Sul do Brasil

Abstract

There are basically two approaches for variable rate of nitrogen prescription, the first one based on management zones (predictive) and the second one based on remote sensing (reactive). These approaches have complementary characteristics and when they are integrated can result in a more efficient N prescription. The main of this study was to delimitate management zones with different nitrogen responses in relation to the nitrogen fertilization and then to compare the different strategies for N prescription, including approaches based on management zones, remote sensing and the integration of both. Management zones were delineated using yield maps, topographic features and soil apparent electric conductivity and were classified as low, medium and high yield potential zone. There was significant interaction between nitrogen rates and management zones for N uptake (p<0.05) and for grain yield (p<0.05). The low yield potential zone showed the highest limitation in relation to nitrogen response. The strategy integrating management zones and remote crop sensing was the one that showed the highest grain yield and economic return for both investigated areas. Fine-tuning of variable rate of nitrogen in wheat by combining crop remote sensing and management zones approaches is a promising tool for precision agriculture in southern Brazil.