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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #417346
Research Project: Linkages Between Crop Production Management and Sustainability in the Central Mississippi River Basin

Location: Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research

Title: USDA LTAR Common Experiment measurement: Collection of grain yield data using a yield monitor

Author
item OWEN, OLIVIA - University Of Missouri
item Sudduth, Kenneth - Ken
item Abendroth, Lori

Submitted to: Protocols.io
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2024
Publication Date: 8/22/2024
Citation: Owen, O.A., Sudduth, K.A., Abendroth, L.J. 2024. USDA LTAR Common Experiment measurement: Collection of grain yield data using a yield monitor. Protocols.io. https://doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.rm7vzjm1rlx1/v1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.rm7vzjm1rlx1/v1

Interpretive Summary: This protocol is part of a set of protocols for the LTAR Cropland Common Experiment, and provides guidance for collecting combine yield monitor data. Grain yield data collected with a combine yield monitor facilitates research on cropping system productivity with respect to soil and landscape variability. However, obtaining quality data from the yield monitor requires proper preparation, calibration, and operation. Following the steps outlined in this protocol will insure combine yield monitor data is of sufficient accuracy to be used in research investigations.

Technical Abstract: This protocol provides detailed methods for in-field collection of grain yield data using a combine harvester equipped with a yield monitor. Proper in-field procedures are key to the collection of high-quality continuous grain yield data that can be used to develop an accurate yield map. Yield maps are highly valuable for farmers and scientists interested increased production and yield stability. Well-functioning harvest equipment including the combine, yield monitor, and sensors are necessary. To reduce error and provide high-quality continuous grain yield data we recommend the following steps: harvester setup and calibration, field overview, machine operation (yield monitor setup, calibration, set export parameters), and applying calibration. In this protocol, we focus primarily on Ag Leader Integra procedures and recommendations due to its prevalence among the LTAR Cropland Common Experiment sites but also provide information regarding the John Deere Greenstar system.