Precision farming (PA) or satellite farming or site specific crop management (SSCM) is a farming management concept based on observing, measuring and responding to inter and intra-field variability in crops. Crop variability typically has both a spatial and temporal component which makes statistical/computational treatments quite involved. The holy grail of precision agriculture research will be the ability to define a Decision Support System (DSS) for whole farm management with the goal of optimizing returns on inputs while preserving resources. The reality today is that seemingly simple concepts such the ability to define management zones, areas where different management practices will apply, for a single crop type on a single field over time . Leaf Colour Chart is a part of  precision farming.

Precision agriculture aims to optimize field-level management with regard to:

• crop science: by matching farming practices more closely to crop needs (e.g. fertilizer inputs);
• environmental protection: by reducing environmental risks and footprint of farming (e.g. limiting leaching of nitrogen);
• economics: by boosting competitiveness through more efficient practices (e.g. improved management of fertilizer usage and other inputs).
• Precision agriculture also provides farmers with a wealth of information to:
• build up a record of their farm;
• improve decision-making;
• foster greater traceability
• enhance marketing of farm products
• improve lease arrangements and relationship with landlords
• enhance the inherent quality of farm products (e.g. protein level in bread-flour wheat)

Leaf Colour Chart 
LCC was developed by IRRI(International Rice Research Institute) and also by FRRI (Philippines Rice Research Institute). In India  these charts are provided by Nitrogen parameters which provide guidance to the farmers regarding improved Nitrogen (N) management. Nitrogen is applied by the farmers in rice plants at different growth stages, but the amount of N to be applied and the time of applications vary substantially. LCC helps to synchronize N application with the real time and quantity demand of the rice crop. Helps to prevent under or over usage of N in rice plants..

Critical value to apply N fertilizer :

In six panel LCC critical readings are 4 for transplanted/hybrid rice, 3.5 semidwarf indica rice and 3 for basmati rice.

How to use LCC :

1. At 14 days after transplanting (DAT) or 21 days after direct wet seeding (DAS), randomly select 10 healthy plants in your field where plant distribution is uniform.

2. Compare the topmost, fully expanded, and healthy leaf of each of the 10 plants with the LCC. Place the middle part of the leaf on top of the LCC’s color strips for comparison. Do not detach the leaf. Take readings at same time of the day (8-10 AM). Do not expose the LCC to direct sunlight during reading s. The same person should take the first up to the last LCC reading. 

3. If six (6) or more of the 10 leaves have readings below the critical LCC value, apply N as given below.

• For wet season (Kharif) non-basmati rice, use LCC critical value 4, and apply 28 kg N/ha or 1.25 bag urea per hectare.

• For wet season (Kharif) basmati rice, use LCC critical value 3, and apply 23 kg N/ha or 1 bag urea per hectare.

• For direct-seeded rice, apply 23 kg N/ha as basal, then use LCC critical value 3, and apply 23 kg N/ha or 1 bag urea per hectare.

• For Boro rice, apply 23 kg N/ha as basal, then use LCC critical value 4 and apply 35 kg N/ha or 1.5 bags of urea per hectare.

4. Repeat LCC readings every 7 days for 110-130-day rice crops and every 10 days for more than 130-day crops until first heading. Different sets of 10 leaves can be used for each weekly or 10-day reading.

Advantages :

1. Low cost

2. High Production 

3. Saves Urea

4. Less Production of Green house Gases

5. Less infestation by pest

6. Cheap & Easy to use   

7. Low volatilization prevents excessive loss of nitrogen

Disadvantage :

1.  Less popular

2. Less Availability

3. Reading may affected by variety, solar radiation, other nutrient deficiency 

Economic Feasibility :

The comparison from traditional practises is saves 20-30 kg nitrogen or 45-65 kg urea(1-1.25 bags) that is saving Rs. 350-520. It also increases the yield of about 3.4 -10.7 ton/ha also giving profit of Rs. 4760-14980. Total  profit of about Rs.5110-15500(in normal soil condition).

Where to get it from :

Nitrogen Parameters 

Contact no :  09884222269

E-mail : lccenquiry@gmail.com

For more details contact :

Nearest KVK

Kissan Call Centre : 1800-180-1551

Ashutosh Kumar : +91 9956736047