Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and analyzing soil chemistry information from a tract of land is described. An information management system receives reference signals from a global positioning system from which soil sample collection coordinate location information may be calculated and utilized to generate a soil sampling plan for the tract of land. The information management system guides the collection of soil samples according to the soil sampling plan and records geo-referenced soil sample collection information which may be merged with the results of laboratory analysis performed on the soil samples to generate accurate geo-referenced soil chemistry information.

Abstract: Provided are a method of, and system for, generating agricultural field maps. Latitude and longitude of a GPS receiver carried by a vehicle are determined at predetermined time intervals or positions within the field and are recorded in first and second data channels. First and second characteristics of the field are sensed using first and second agricultural sensor types. The values of the first and second sensed characteristics at different field locations are recorded in third and fourth data channels. At least one of the third and fourth data channels are selected for use in field map generation and the field map is generated as a function of the information recorded in the first and second data channels and as a function of the information recorded in the selected ones of the third and fourth data channels.

Abstract: Provided are a method of and apparatus for applying a chemical to an agricultural field. A current position of chemical application equipment used to apply the chemical to the field is determined. A desired application rate for a first position a distance d ahead of the current position of the chemical application equipment is determined or retrieved from a data base containing a plurality of chemical application rates for the injector channels. The chemical application equipment is controlled, while the chemical application equipment is approximately at the current position, to change the chemical application rate from a current application rate to the desired application rate if the desired application rate is within a predetermined range, and to maintain the current application rate if the desired application rate is outside of the predetermined range, and for accurately recording chemical application rate and position data.