Today, the adoption of modern precision and efficient farming technologies creates opportunities to improve agricultural profitability. Innovative approaches based on a thorough understanding of soil requirements enable farmers not only to achieve consistently high yields but also to use resources more efficiently. As climate change and input costs continue to rise, precision farming is becoming key to high yields and sustainable profitability, with an individual approach to every field.

Agronomists in a field at Dibrova i K Farm, Vinnytsia Region.

Dmytro Dibrov, Chief Agronomist at Dibrova i K Farm, which is part of the Carefield Group of Companies, shared the farm’s journey from conventional to precision farming. Carefield is among the agricultural businesses successfully adopting innovative solutions to optimize resource use and improve soil fertility. The farm has been cooperating with AgriLab since 2015, implementing numerous effective solutions based on AgriLab specialists’ recommendations.

Soil Characteristics at Dibrova i K Farm

Dibrova i K Farm is located in Vinnytsia Region and cultivates 1,400 hectares, of which 900 hectares are irrigated: 800 hectares using centre-pivot irrigation systems and 100 hectares using drip irrigation. The farm is situated near a river, which influences soil structure and composition. The soils in the area are predominantly sandy loams, loams and sands with low organic matter content. Humus levels are only 1.5–1.9%, requiring a tailored approach. In contrast, humus content in areas near the river reaches 7%. Despite these soil conditions, Dibrova i K Farm grows seed corn, commercial sunflower, soybeans, winter wheat and winter barley, as well as peas, sugar beet and spring barley.

Fields at Dibrova i K Farm.

Dibrova i K Farm conducted its first comprehensive soil analysis in 2015. A follow-up analysis was carried out in 2019, followed by a third in 2024. These assessments make it possible to track changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of the farming technologies implemented.

What Motivated the Farm to Work with AgriLab?

Dmytro Dibrov, Chief Agronomist at Dibrova i K Farm, explains that the farm’s goal was to implement precision farming to make the most rational use of its resources.

“We plan to transition fully to precision farming, which is why we approached AgriLab. This year, we collected soil samples and received the results. We also developed maps based on productivity zone management so that fertilizers could be applied exactly where they are needed and in the required quantities. The same approach applies to chemical soil amendments used for liming. Thanks to AgriLab’s recommendations and productivity zone maps, we can now apply fertilizers and soil amendments at variable rates and adjust seeding rates according to specific soil conditions,” he explained.

Dmytro Dibrov, Chief Agronomist at Dibrova i K Farm.

Optimizing Crop Nutrition and Variable-Rate Liming to Improve Soil Performance

One of the first steps in optimizing crop nutrition was the introduction of variable-rate liming. Soil analyses revealed significant pH variations across different areas, and a soil amendment application map was developed based on these results. This approach made it possible to use lime more efficiently by targeting the zones where it was needed.

Changes in soil pH levels in 2015, 2019 and 2024.

Another important result of implementing AgriLab specialists’ recommendations was achieving optimal potassium and phosphorus levels in the farm’s fields. In 2019, the farm began applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers based on AgriLab’s recommendations. This gradually increased the levels of these nutrients. By 2024, their content had nearly doubled, demonstrating the effectiveness of a systematic approach to crop nutrition.

Changes in soil phosphorus levels in 2019 and 2024.

Next Steps: Expanding Variable-Rate Fertilizer Application

With new soil analysis results available, Dibrova i K Farm plans to expand its variable-rate mineral fertilizer application system. This approach is expected to save money and resources by ensuring that fertilizers are applied only where the soil needs them, improving application efficiency and supporting more profitable crop production.

Seeding and fertilizer application in the fields at Dibrova i K Farm.