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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #102029
Title: YIELD MONITOR ACCURACY

Author
item Colvin, Thomas
item ARSLAN, SELCUK - K.MARAS UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Yield monitors are widely discussed as one of the pillars of precision farming. Regardless of whether they are pivotal to the implementation of precision farming, it is important to understand what can affect the numbers that come from yield monitors. Monitors only measure what comes out of a combine, not what goes in. It is even possible that grain that was grown in specific parts of the field gets credited to other locations. That is the first, and from our tests, the most important problem. Two yield monitors of the same type have been tested and appear to give the same numbers when compared to scales weighing the same grain. That suggests that the combine may be more of a problem than the monitor itself when strange results occur. Calibration is extremely important if numbers obtained by yield monitors are to be believed. Each manufacturer has specific suggestions for calibration. It is possible that an uncalibrated monitor may be misleading or even worse than using no monitor. Monitors can be extremely useful but calibrate, average over sections 30-75 ft long, and keep a firm grip on common sense.