An Automatic Data Acquisition and Control Mobile Laboratory Network for Crop Production Systems Data Management and Spatial Variability Studies in the Brazilian Center-West Region

This paper describes all tools and procedures used to structure and implement anautomatic data acquisition and control mobile laboratory network for crop production systemsdata management and spatial variability studies in the Brazilian Center-West Region. It was setup with base in remote sensing and microprocessor techniques, microelectronic devices,sensors, controls, sampling systems, data loggers, portable microcomputers, automatic dataacquisition, RF communications link, and the global positioning system (GPS), allowing for theacquisition of spatially related data during tilling, planting, and harvesting. Physical chemistriesand biological characteristics of the continuous soil-water-plant-atmosphere were monitoredalong of the crop growth period, at field conditions, seeking the rationalization of the agriculturalinputs use and the performance improvement of agricultural systems. Some results arepresented.