PRECISION FORAGE Operational Group: Improving the sustainability of forage maize cultivation with Precision Agriculture

The first outcome of the project is the development of a protocol for creating prescription maps for variable-rate seeding of forage maize. To achieve this, field trials will be conducted over two periods. Each period will begin with trial preparation, which includes selecting plots and maize varieties and creating the corresponding prescription maps. Subsequently, the field trials will be carried out, consisting of planting the experimental plots, sampling plant density, and harvesting the plots with yield data recorded. Finally, the results obtained in each period will be analyzed to further develop the protocol. These activities will be repeated in both periods, following the same structure of preparation, field trial execution, and results analysis, to continuously improve the prescription map development protocol.

The second outcome of the project aims to develop a protocol for generating prescription maps for variable-rate fertilization of forage maize. To achieve this, field trials will be conducted over two periods. Each period will begin with trial preparation, including plot and fertilizer selection, soil sampling, and the creation of the corresponding prescription maps. This will be followed by field trials, which will involve fertilizing and harvesting the experimental plots, as well as recording yield data. Finally, the results obtained in each period will be analyzed to further develop the protocol. These activities will be repeated in both periods, following the same structure of preparation, field trial execution, and results analysis, to continuously improve the prescription map development protocol.

The third outcome of the project aims to develop a protocol for delineating management zones (MZs) in forage maize plots using yield maps and/or vegetation indices. This will involve several activities distributed across two work periods. In both periods, the first step is the acquisition and processing of satellite imagery to obtain information on the crop's condition and generate vegetation indices. Simultaneously, harvest files containing yield data and forage component information are acquired and processed to eliminate errors and ensure data quality and consistency. Finally, using the resulting vegetation indices and the refined yield maps, management zone delineation protocols will be developed for each study period.

The fourth outcome of the project aims to provide advisory services for the use and calibration of sensors that measure yield and forage components in self-propelled harvesters. To achieve this, activities will be carried out over two periods. In period 1, the sensors on the self-propelled harvesters will be calibrated, followed by the collection of forage samples for subsequent analysis, and finally, the evaluation of the results obtained, in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. During period 2, the same procedure will be repeated: sensor calibration, sample collection, and results analysis, allowing for the validation and adjustment of the previously established measurements and procedures. This approach ensures that the self-propelled harvesters operate with properly calibrated sensors, providing reliable information.

The fifth outcome of the project aims to provide variable-rate seeding services for forage maize by developing a best practices guide. This will allow producers to optimize seed distribution according to the specific characteristics of each plot, increasing crop efficiency and improving forage yields and quality. Furthermore, it facilitates data-driven decision-making, reducing waste and costs associated with uniform planting. Livestock farmers and crop farmers will be able to apply the results directly to their plots by following the guide, adjusting the seeding rate to specific management zones, and obtaining reliable information to support their cultivation strategies in a practical and systematic way.

The sixth outcome of the project aims to provide variable-rate fertilization services for forage maize by developing a best practices guide. This will allow producers to optimize fertilizer application based on the specific characteristics of each plot, increasing crop efficiency and improving forage yields and quality. Furthermore, it facilitates data-driven decision-making, reducing waste and costs associated with uniform fertilization. Livestock farmers and crop farmers will be able to apply the results directly to their plots by following the guide, adjusting the fertilization rate to specific management zones and obtaining reliable information to support their fertilization strategies in a practical and systematic way.

The seventh outcome of the project aims to train service companies to offer variable-rate seeding and fertilization for forage maize cultivation. This will be achieved through training sessions at participating service companies. Best practice guidelines for variable-rate seeding and fertilization services will be presented to the machinery service technicians at the three service companies participating in the project (Marcos Otero, Comercial Agropres, and Comercial Aleca). They will receive training in the interpretation and practical application of these guidelines so they can then train the operators responsible for field operations.

The first outcome of the results transfer and dissemination plan involves the maximum and most effective dissemination and communication of project information to keep the target audience and society at large informed, thereby generating interest in these initiatives and their potential application in other autonomous communities. The primary target audience would be companies, business associations, and professionals linked to the agricultural and livestock sector, as well as public administrations related to agriculture, livestock, the environment, and rural development. However, the dissemination will be aimed at the general public and consumers interested in the topic. The goal is to achieve both national and international reach through websites, press releases, informative articles, social media, blogs, and email, among other channels.

The second outcome of the results transfer and dissemination plan aims to maximize the implementation and transfer of the developed solutions within the relevant sector(s) and achieve the greatest possible dissemination and impact of the project's results on end users. This will improve the economic and environmental sustainability of forage maize cultivation through precision agriculture techniques as an efficient and innovative management strategy. The primary target audience will be companies, business associations, and professionals linked to the agricultural and livestock sector, as well as public administrations related to agriculture, livestock, the environment, and rural development. However, the dissemination will be aimed at the general public and end consumers interested in the topic. The project intends to have both national and international reach, utilizing websites, press releases, informative articles, social media, blogs, and email, among other channels.