Risk Management Benefits of Optical Sensing and Variable Rate Technology in Cotton Production

The objective of the study was to determine the risk management benefits of optical sensing and Variable Rate Technology (VRT) to management N in cotton production.  Data collected from 29 field trials in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri from 2011 to 2014 included lint yields harvested and N rates calculated from three N rate management strategies. The first N treatment was the existing farmer practice (FP), the second was a VRT treatment using optical sensing technology information, and the third was a VRT treatment using optical sensing and yield monitor information. The two PA strategies were compared to the existing FP. The effects of soils, landscape, and weather on VRT versus FP N management with respect to lint yields, net returns, N rates, and N production use efficiency were evaluated in the study. Two statistical models were used to evaluate the lint yields, N rates, net returns, and N production use efficiency from the strip-plots on the 29 fields. The first model was an ANOVA model that measured soil and climate effects on mean differences between the optical sensing and VRT technologies and the FP. The second model was a logistic model to determine the risk (probability) of lint yield and net return losses using optical sensing and VRT relative to the current farmer practice. The statistical and economic analysis with the models was used to identify field conditions where optical sensing and VRT was profitable, provided risk management benefits, and improved N production use efficiency.