Crop Consultant

Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.

Apply precision agriculture information to specifically reduce the negative environmental impacts of farming practices.

Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.

Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history.

Use geospatial technology to develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites for testing characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content, pH, or micronutrients.

Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.

Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.

Participate in efforts to advance precision agriculture technology, such as developing advanced weed identification or automated spot spraying systems.

Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).

Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.

Demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, or computer mapping software.

Provide advice on the development or application of better boom-spray technology to limit the overapplication of chemicals and to reduce the migration of chemicals beyond the fields being treated.

Analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, or weather conditions.

Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns.

Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps.

Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps.

Prepare reports in graphical or tabular form, summarizing field productivity or profitability.

Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability.

Advise farmers on upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to take advantage of newly installed advanced satellite technology.