Introduction

This study explores the integration of precision agriculture technologies (PATs) in rainfed cereal production within semi-arid regions.

Methods

utilizing the Veris 3100 sensor for apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) mapping, differentiated management zones (MZs) were established in experimental plots in Valsalada, NE Spain. Site-specific variable dose technology was applied for seed and fertilizer applications, tailoring inputs to distinct fertility levels within each MZ. Emphasizing nitrogen (N) management, the study evaluated the impact of variable-rate applications on crop growth, yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and economic returns. For the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons, seeding rates ranged from 350 to 450 grains/m², and basal fertilizer dosages varied between high and low levels. Additionally, the total nitrogen units were distributed differently between the two seasons, while maintaining a uniform topdressing fertilizer dose across all treatments.

Results

Results revealed a significant increase in yield in MZ 2 (higher fertility) compared to MZ 1 (lower fertility). NUE demonstrated notable improvement in MZ 2, emphasizing the effectiveness of variable-rate N applications. Economic returns, calculated as partial net income, showed a considerable advantage in MZ 2 over MZ 1, resulting in negative outcomes for low-fertility areas in several of the analyzed scenarios, and highlighting the financial benefits of tailored input management.

Conclusion

This research provides quantitative evidence supporting the viability and advantages of adopting PATs in rainfed cereal production. The study contributes valuable insights into optimizing input strategies, enhancing N management, and improving economic returns in semi-arid regions.

中文翻译：

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在半干旱雨养区进行精准农业的农场试验，用于差异化种子和肥料管理

 介绍

本研究探讨了精准农业技术 （PAT） 在半干旱地区雨养谷物生产中的整合。

 方法

利用 Veris 3100 传感器进行表观土壤电导率 （ECa） 绘图，在西班牙东北部瓦尔萨拉达的实验地块中建立了差异化管理区 （MZ）。将特定地点的可变剂量技术应用于种子和肥料施用，根据每个 MZ 内的不同肥力水平定制输入。该研究强调氮 （N） 管理，评估了可变速率施用对作物生长、产量、氮利用效率 （NUE） 和经济回报的影响。对于 2021/2022 和 2022/2023 季节，播种率从 350 到 450 粒/m² 不等，基础肥料剂量在高水平和低水平之间变化。此外，总氮单位在两个季节之间的分布不同，同时在所有处理中保持均匀的追肥剂量。

 结果

结果显示，与 MZ 1（较低的生育率）相比，MZ 2（较高的生育率）的产量显着增加。NUE 在 MZ 2 中表现出显著改善，强调了可变速率 N 应用的有效性。以部分净收入计算的经济回报显示，MZ 2 比 MZ 1 具有相当大的优势，在分析的几个情景中导致低生育率地区的负面结果，并突出了定制投入管理的经济效益。

 结论

这项研究提供了定量证据，支持在雨养谷物生产中采用 PAT 的可行性和优势。该研究为优化半干旱地区的投入策略、加强氮管理和提高经济回报提供了有价值的见解。