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 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. It was set up with base in remote sensing and microprocessor techniques, microelectronic devices, sensors, controls, sampling systems, data loggers, portable microcomputers, automatic data acquisition, RF communications link, and the global positioning system (GPS), allowing for the acquisition of spatially related data during tilling, planting, and harvesting. Physical chemistries and biological characteristics of the continuous soil-water-plant-atmosphere were monitored along of the crop growth period, at field conditions, seeking the rationalization of the agricultural inputs use and the performance improvement of agricultural systems. Some results are presented.