Areas with different yield potential within a field need to be managed separately as for nitrogen application in small grain cereals. Terrestrial remote sensing-based equipment such as the GreenSeeker sensor is one of the tools available to handle different management zones. To do this, the sensor allows the definition of classes to estimate yield potential. A model which correlated the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to shoot dry biomass at the 6-leaf-stage was developed for estimating yield potential classes for wheat and barley. The model eliminated differences between species and cultivars as no correction for these factors is necessary. The effects of surface background (corn or soybean crop residues) were considered in this model. When readings are carried out before or after the recommended period, the model can be adjusted for under or overestimation. Spatial variability analysis may evaluate if yield potential zones estimated by the NDVI classes proposed in the model are related to spatial variability of shoot biomass, N rates applied and grain yield.
precision agriculture; variable nitrogen fertilization; NDVI
