ABSTRACT
Arable farmers are beginning to use yield mapping systems to study the spatial variation in crop performance within their fields. Such systems are based on field data collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers integrated with grain flow meters on combine harvesters. This chapter presents a data-processing sequence based on the kriging method of spatial interpolation as a possible GIS ‘work flow’ for deriving yield maps. It briefly discusses possibilities for extending this work flow to incorporate the integration of yield maps as well as other field data. Achieving accurate yield measurements is dependent on correct calibration of the yield meter, both prior to and during cutting. Repeatability of position measurements is a fundamental criterion for consistent yield mapping from one season to the next. Equally, the possibilities for using differential GPS (DGPS)-controlled field treatment maps to target inputs relies on the capability for accurately re-locating different parts of a field.
