Field Scouting Best Practices
Systematic approaches for comprehensive field assessment
1
Scout at the Right Time
Timing significantly impacts observation quality and pest detection rates.
Optimal Scouting Times by Activity
| Activity | Best Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Insect Scouting | Early morning (6-10 AM) | Insects most active, dew on plants makes them visible |
| Disease Assessment | Mid-morning (9-11 AM) | Dew evaporated, symptoms clearly visible |
| Weed Identification | Any time, avoid extreme heat | Plants show true characteristics when not heat-stressed |
| Nutrient Deficiency | Mid-day (11 AM - 2 PM) | Full sun reveals chlorosis and discoloration |
| General Assessment | Late afternoon (4-7 PM) | Cooler temperatures, insects active again |
Pro Tip: Avoid scouting during or immediately after rain. Wait 24 hours for plants to dry and insects to resume normal activity. Learn more in our field scouting tutorial.
2
Use Systematic Scouting Patterns
Consistent patterns ensure comprehensive field coverage and prevent bias.
Common Scouting Patterns
W-Pattern
Best for: Medium fields (20-80 acres)
Sample points: 5-7 locations
X-Pattern
Best for: Small fields (<20 acres)
Sample points: 5 locations
Grid Pattern
Best for: Large fields (>80 acres)
Sample points: 9-12 locations
Zigzag Pattern
Best for: Detecting edge effects
Sample points: 4-6 transects
Sampling Density Guidelines
- Small fields (<20 acres): Minimum 5 sampling points
- Medium fields (20-80 acres): 1 point per 10-15 acres
- Large fields (>80 acres): 1 point per 20 acres
- Problem areas: Increase density by 2-3x
3
Take Quality Photos
Photos are your most valuable documentation tool. Follow these guidelines for maximum clarity. See also our mobile app FAQ for photo tips:
✓ Do This
- Include size reference (coin, ruler, finger)
- Use natural lighting when possible
- Take photos at multiple angles
- Capture both close-ups and context shots
- Focus on key symptoms or damage
- Clean lens before important photos
- Hold phone steady (use burst mode)
✗ Avoid This
- Photos in harsh midday sun (shadows)
- Blurry or out-of-focus images
- No context or reference objects
- Only one angle or distance
- Backlit subjects (dark silhouettes)
- Dirty lens or fingerprints
- Photos through windshield
Complete Photo Set Checklist
| ☐ | Wide shot: Shows field location and overall condition |
| ☐ | Medium shot: Shows affected plants in context |
| ☐ | Close-up: Shows specific symptoms or pests |
| ☐ | Reference included: Size reference object visible |
| ☐ | GPS tagged: Location automatically recorded |
4
Write Detailed Observation Notes
Comprehensive notes transform data points into actionable intelligence.
Effective Note-Taking Template
1. Crop Status
- Growth stage (V6, R1, etc.)
- Plant height and vigor
- Overall health rating (1-10)
- Stand count (plants per area)
2. Issue Description
- Specific pest/disease/weed identified
- Severity rating (1-10 scale)
- Distribution (uniform, patchy, edge)
- Affected plant parts
3. Environmental Factors
- Weather conditions (temp, humidity)
- Soil moisture level
- Recent rainfall or irrigation
- Wind conditions
4. Action Items
- Recommended interventions
- Urgency level (monitor, 7-day, immediate)
- Re-scout date
- Follow-up tasks