Success StoryPrecision Agriculture Farmer Peer Group



Precision Agriculture Farmer Peer Group

Author: Joshua McGrath

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Soils

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Over the course of the last year several farmers contacted me, either directly, or through their county extension agents about precision seeding and nutrient management. Specifically, they were looking for guidance on how to create management zones. We created an informal peer group where the farmers could share ideas and questions with me and each other. Gene Hahn and I developed tutorial videos for the farmers using their data on how to develop management zones using free statistical and geographic information system (GIS) software packages. We have used USDA-ARS software MZA that is supported by peer-reviewed literature as a valid statistical approach to create zones across data layers. Nonetheless, we are currently limited because there is not a scientifically valid method to develop variable rate phosphorus or potassium prescriptions, despite the fact 40 – 60% of P and K are applied using variable rate management in the U.S. Therefore, we have submitted proposals to local commodity boards to support on-farm research, working with this peer group, to develop better guidance on precision nutrient management. This peer workgroup format was extremely successful. One farmer commented that all the articles and industry press told them they should make zones, but none had ever told them how. These farmers used the tutorial videos, and all commented they were now using this approach to delineate management zones within their fields. We are now revising these videos to develop an online training series that county agents and farmers can access to learn how to develop zones.  In addition, we plan to develop a program that can be presented at the regional level across Kentucky.






Stories by Joshua McGrath


Rapid pivot to provide soils information under Covid paradigm

about 3 years ago by Joshua McGrath

When the implications of pandemic related precautions began to be fully realized I worked with other... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

about 3 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Grazing AlfalfaRay Smith, Krista Lea, and Jimmy HenningThe UK Forage Group has recently completed a ... Read More


UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience Center

UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience Center

about 3 years ago by Jimmy Henning

UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience CenterSpecialists and Staf... Read More