Systems and methods for producing agricultural prescriptions

A method comprising:

• obtaining and recording a series of aerial thermal images and a series of aerial visual spectrum images of a field at different times over a period of time during a growing season of a crop growing in the field, at least first and second aerial thermal images of the series of aerial thermal images and at least first and second aerial visual spectrum images of the series of aerial visual spectrum images being obtained at first and second stages of the growing season, respectively;
• and
• analyzing and comparing the first aerial thermal image and the first aerial visual spectrum image and analyzing and comparing the second aerial thermal image and the second aerial visual spectrum image to perform at least one of:
• determine nitrogen mineralization rates for the field;
• monitor water infiltration rates and soil hydrology of the field by obtaining the series of aerial thermal images and the series of aerial visual spectrum images prior to, during, and after rain events;
• determine location placement of soil probes to determine nitrogen mineralization in the field, uptake of nitrogen by plants in the field, available nitrogen in the field, and nitrogen required by the plants during growth;
• and
• determine locations for soil testing to determine nitrogen mineralization in the field, uptake of nitrogen by plants in the field, available nitrogen in the field, and nitrogen required by the plants during growth.