Growers use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate areas in a field that are showing an indication of stress. The La Union SWCD has purchased three Garmin GPS III receivers for loan to growers that are participating in the project. Usually they purchase their own shortly thereafter when the usefulness of GPS becomes obvious. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Las Cruces, New Mexico Field Office has another GPS receiver and provides training to the growers on the use of GPS in the project.

Key Benefits

• Locating stress areas accurately
• Applying amendments to only the areas affected
• Cost reduction and net profit margin increases

Capabilities

1. The Garmin GPIII recievers are acurate to +- 50 feet to 150 feet. The differential correction can be applied through the NMSU base station.
   
   
2. The NRCS receiver is a military unit with +- 25 feet accuracy without differential correction.
   
   
3. A real-time GPS receiver is available in the Las Cruces Office.