Optimal Information Acquisition under a Geostatistical Model

Gregory R. Pautsch, Bruce A. Babcock, F. Jay Breidt
April 1999  [99-WP 217]

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Suggested citation:

Pautsch, G.R., B.A. Babcock, and F. Breidt. 1999. "Optimal Information Acquisition under a Geostatistical Model." Working paper 99-WP 217. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.


Abstract

Develops a framework for incorporating estimation risk into a decision model to determine the optimal amount of soil test information when applying nitrogen fertilizer using a variable rate technology (VRT). Producers should acknowledge that the soil nitrate mapping is a collection of estimates and does not provide information at non-sampled sites. Switching from single rate technology to VTR is more plausible for fields with greatest soil nitrate variability.