Precision Agriculture Series: Volume 2: Variable Rate Nutrition for Optimal Crop Growth
Welcome to the second instalment of our Precision Agriculture (PA) series. In our first edition, we explored how to use EM38 surveying and soil coring to implement a variable rate gypsum program. This time, we delve into the nuanced world of variable rate seeding and in-crop nutrition. By leveraging soil survey data, past yield and elevation data, and advanced imaging techniques, you can optimize your seeding strategies and nutrient applications to achieve maximum productivity and profitability.
Optimizing Nutrient Application: From Soil to Harvest
Nitrogen and Phosphorus at Seeding
Using Soil Survey Data: Analyze EM38 data and ground truthing soil samples to determine nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) responsiveness across different zones of your farm.
Incorporating Past Yield, Biomass and Elevation Data: Identify areas with historically low yields regardless of the season due to frost or underlying soil constraints, the limiting factor in these areas is likely not to be nutrition.
Implementing Variable Rate Application: Based on the data, applied N and P rates can be tailored to the potential of the crop in that zone.
Variable Rate Potassium Airborne Radiometrics
What It Is: Airborne radiometrics is a technique that uses aerial sensors to measure soil potassium levels. Much of the port zone has been flown for mining exploration and the data is freely available. It is quite large resolution but usually makes for quite a good entry level variable rate potassium map.
How It Works: Radiometric potassium maps accurately predict clay content of the soil. Generally, with greater clay content responsiveness to applied potassium reduces.
Outcome: By applying potassium at variable rates, you can address deficiencies precisely where they occur, avoiding application where it is not necessary and promoting balanced soil fertility.
In-Crop Nitrogen Management
Utilizing Past Yield Data: Review historical yield data to understand areas of varying productivity. Use stacked yield data from multiple years with different seasonal conditions to determine the areas of the paddock which yield well regardless of rainfall etc. These areas present the lowest risk to pushing N. Conversely identifying areas which have underlying soil constraints or other factors which are yield limiting means nitrogen can be targeted where the greatest ROI per unit can be achived.
Soil Survey and Biomass Imaging: Combine soil survey results with NDVI/SVI imagery, which provides real-time biomass information, to assess the current crop health and yield potential. For example, utilizing soil survey and SVI can allow you to identify those areas which have better plant establishment which are on lighter, more N responsive soil types, as opposed to those on heavier soil types which will be less N responsive and have higher chance of haying off in a poor finish.
Variable Rate Nitrogen Application: Based on this comprehensive data set, adjust in-crop nitrogen application to match the specific needs of your crops at different growth stages, ensuring optimal nutrition and promoting uniform growth.
Technology Integration: Making Data Work for You
The integration of advanced technologies such as the PCT Agcloud platform can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your precision agriculture practices. By bringing together soil survey data, yield records, elevation maps, and real-time imaging, you gain a holistic view of your farm's needs. This comprehensive approach enables more accurate and effective implementation of variable rate seeding and nutrition strategies.
Conclusion: Precision for Productivity
This series is more than a guide; it's your roadmap to smarter, more sustainable farming practices. By adopting precision agriculture techniques and leveraging data-driven insights, you're not just improving your operations; you're investing in the future of your farm.
