Yield variability related to landscape properties of a loamy soil in central Belgium

A field was investigated with precision farming techniques to delineate zones with different yield potential due to previous soil erosion. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, straw yield, biomass and harvest index were measured with a combine harvester. Fuzzy clustering of grain and straw yield provided good delineation of zones in the field with different yield potential. Entropy and fuzziness calculations for different number of classes resulted in a division of the field into five clearly differentiated yield potential zones. Straw yield, biomass and harvest index were significantly different among zones. Grain yield was significantly different for all zones, except for two. Elevation and slope of the field were measured from a global positioning system (GPS) unit on the combine. Both were related to yield variability in the field. Average elevation, slope and soil type were calculated per cluster class. High grain yield, straw yield and biomass could be related to flat, high places in the field with little erosion. Good grain yield, low straw yield and high harvest index were found on relatively steep slopes subjected to erosion. High straw yield and low grain yield were found at low places in the field on relatively steep slopes. Lowest grain yield, straw yield and biomass were located on steepest slopes with high erosion and in depressions where accumulation of eroded soil took place and slumping and crusting of the soil were present. This information suggests that variable management on a site-specific basis would optimize yield and inputs.