When it comes to discussing precision ag and variable rate technology, the U.S. Director of the Agri-Trend Knowledge Team starts by challenging one of the most common myths in precision ag — i.e. that PA is the same as VRT. Precision management strategies may include Variable Rate Technology, but it’s only one aspect of the overall plan, says Markus Braaten.

    Often in the agriculture industry, PA and VR are used interchangeably. Also, many growers assume that adopting a precision strategy means immediately switching to VR nitrogen, for example.
This may be the way to go, but first the grower must determine yield variability across the field, by answering the following questions:

• DOES THIS FIELD HAVE SIGNIFICANT YIELD VARIABILITY?

• WHAT’S DRIVING THAT VARIABILITY?

• WHAT’S THE MOST APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACTION TO ADDRESS THIS VARIABILITY?

Until these questions are answered, it’s impossible to determine whether VR application will pay off. For example, maybe this analysis will reveal that a section of the field shouldn’t be farmed at all (as in Aberhart’s experience noted in our previous blog). In that case, VR would be a waste of money — but growers need some precision ag tools in order to come to this money-saving decision.

    Ultimately, Braaten says understanding yield variability is key. If it ranges from 20 to 120 bu/ac across one field, precision ag strategies will pay off more than in a field where the yield variability is next to nil.

    With limited time and resources, growers must make choices about when, where and how to use them. But in all cases, the effort extended on each zone will depend on its yield potential. Zones that could produce 160 bu/ac deserve more attention than those with a capacity to grow a 20 bu/ac crop regardless of interventions.

According to the materials – http://www.agritrend.com/