Precision farming is gaining more and more traction in Ukraine. However, to be frank, not every company that has embarked on the path toward “precision” achieves the expected results. After all, precision farming is not simply a collection of sensors, computers, and sensing technologies — it is, first and foremost, a systematic approach. Hryhorii Plichko, head of Altair, a company based in Cherkasy Region, is one of the farmers who took a carefully considered approach to implementing precision farming.
The path to precision farming at Altair began in 2016. The first step was comprehensive field agro-diagnostics using the AgriLab methodology.
“At that time, variable-rate fertilizer application was a key issue for me,” recalls Hryhorii Plichko. “I understood that this step would help us save resources and achieve consistently high yields. Previously, we based fertilizer requirements on the crop’s needs according to the planned yield, rather than applying fertilizers based on an understanding of the soil’s actual nutrient requirements.”
Comprehensive field agro-diagnostics is a method for assessing the characteristics and potential of a field. It begins with automated GPS-based soil sampling and comprehensive agrochemical analysis across a broad range of parameters. The next step is to create field maps showing the measurement results from each sample collected at a specific location. These maps reveal how heterogeneous a field is and how nutrient availability varies from one end of the field to the other. But that is only part of the process.
The methodology also includes analysis of weather and climatic data, critical field factors, terrain, soil types, field history, and more. Only by considering all these factors together is it possible to determine the field’s natural potential and develop a nutrient management strategy that is well-grounded from both agronomic and economic perspectives.
1. Optimizing Fertilizer Use
Even the very first step toward precision farming — comprehensive field agro-diagnostics — produced tangible results: the farm began not only applying fertilizers that better matched field requirements, but also saving €50 per tonne.
“Previously, we applied phosphorus and potassium fertilizers according to the N16P16K16 formula, assuming that nitroammophoska was needed by the crop in exactly that ratio. However, soil analysis showed that our phosphorus requirement was twice as high as our potassium requirement. In other words, the fertilizer we apply must correspond to the actual needs of both the soil and the crop.
The price also depends on the percentage ratio of nutrients in the fertilizer. I was surprised to learn that the fertilizer we had previously used did not provide enough phosphorus for our soil — and at the same time cost us €50/t more than the fertilizer that was actually suitable for us. That’s a saving on every tonne! And all we did was adjust the nutrient ratio in the formula…” says Hryhorii Plichko.
2. Managing Heterogeneous Zones with Variable-Rate Fertilizer Application
Comprehensive agro-diagnostics revealed that the fields farmed by the company were highly heterogeneous, with different areas having different fertilizer requirements. This made variable-rate fertilizer application a logical next step.
The final stage of the agro-diagnostics process was the development of prescription maps and an upgrade of the farm’s machinery fleet with a new fertilizer spreader.
“After receiving the results of the comprehensive agro-diagnostics, we purchased a ‘smart spreader’ that allows us to use the prescription maps developed for our fields. These maps determine the application rates for nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus fertilizers.
By automatically shutting off individual sections, the spreader prevents overlapping application passes. As a result, we were able to even out nutrient levels across the field.
Variable-rate fertilizer application allows us to use resources more efficiently. Compared with a conventional spreader, we saved more than 2.5 tonnes of fertilizer per field,” the farm manager explains.
“When we conducted the soil analysis again later, we realized that we were moving in the right direction. We not only managed to save money, but also increased yields.”
The perception that precision farming is expensive prevents many farmers from embracing innovation. But Hryhorii Plichko’s experience shows that investments in “precision” can pay off much faster than many people expect.
However, before investing in machinery, it is essential to have a clear strategy: what needs to be done, how it should be done, and what results are expected. It is also important to remember that innovation is not just about modernizing machinery — it also means updating knowledge and approaches to farm management.
“Every farmer needs to understand that soil analysis and recommendations for a nutrient management system are not a cure-all for every problem. They are simply the first step toward change and more rational use of the farm’s resources.
From there, everything depends on the ability to organize operations properly and on the willingness to invest in machinery, quality fertilizers, crop protection products, and planting material, as well as in people — their knowledge and skills.
Based on my calculations, investments in machinery will pay for themselves within 2–3 years, while the cost of soil analysis will pay back within one year,” says Hryhorii Plichko, sharing his experience.
The farm manager acknowledges that precision farming is not cheap, but considers it necessary. Farmers who delay innovation today, he argues, face even greater risks tomorrow:
“We learn throughout our lives, making substantial investments along the way. Spending $500,000 every year on new machinery is not cheap, but we keep moving forward because if we are left with nothing but ploughs, we simply won’t be able to compete with agricultural holdings backed by foreign investment.
We need to constantly improve efficiency — that is the only way to ensure the survival of a farm in the agricultural world. Those who take a conservative approach and continue using ploughs and cultivators will fall behind in terms of effective innovation.
Farmers need to move toward precision farming and new technologies rather than remain locked into the technologies of past decades. Only then can we achieve stable profitability and, with it, the ability to implement even more effective technologies.”
3. From Precision Farming to Higher Profitability
Implementing variable-rate fertilizer application and using the results of comprehensive agro-diagnostics helped the farm reduce fertilizer costs while increasing the efficiency of fertilizer use. Most importantly, these measures contributed to a stronger economic result.
“I had planned to achieve a higher yield, but the algorithm developed by AgriLab specialists showed that the field’s potential could not guarantee that my target would be achieved, because yield depends on more than one factor.
On fertile chernozem soils, we can apply the appropriate fertilizer rate and use high-quality planting material, but unfortunately, we cannot control the amount of rainfall.
Today, I am achieving corn yields of 11, and sometimes even 14 t/ha. I am quite satisfied with this result, although there is still room for growth.
Moreover, weather conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable, and moisture accumulation is practically not occurring. Therefore, failing to work on moisture conservation is a guarantee of problems in the future.
We have implemented vertical tillage. A new KUHN machine processes up to 200 hectares per day without creating a plough pan. We minimize the number of machinery passes across the field and try to carry out every operation precisely and to a high standard.
It is not enough to apply the recommended fertilizer rates — the fertilizer also needs to be placed at the appropriate depth. This requires machinery modifications and significant investment.
Of course, farmers are accustomed to achieving results with as little effort and as quickly as possible. I myself used to rely on the plough and say that ploughing was the best approach, and I considered those who experimented to be eccentrics.
However, the formation of a plough pan, moisture loss caused by soil compaction, and water being trapped in the upper soil horizon all forced me to reconsider my position. We abandoned ploughing, and the plough has been sitting behind the fence for more than eight years,” concludes Hryhorii Plichko.
The farm manager is satisfied both with the economic results of the innovations implemented and with the consistently high yields, which remain among the highest in the district.
Many farmers find themselves going around in circles: buy fertilizers, seed, crop protection products, and fuel; apply, sow, harvest… At best, upgrade the machinery. But when it comes to new solutions or even soil analysis, they say there is no money left.
The experience of Altair demonstrates, however, that innovation itself can help reduce costs and increase profitability, opening up new opportunities for development.
“A young farmer will find it difficult to compete in a market with agricultural companies that have been moving toward efficient technologies for years. That is why the right course is to embrace precision farming with the support of a progressive agronomist.
We focus on profitability — profitability that will allow us to choose quality machinery, fertilizers, planting material, and crop protection products, and, of course, conduct soil analysis. Its results give you a complete picture of nutrient levels across the farm’s fields.”
The advantages of precision farming are clear. The experience of Altair demonstrates how data-driven decisions, rational resource use, and investment in technology can create a foundation for sustainable farm profitability.
Innovation is not something to postpone until tomorrow.
Read the testimonial from the owner of Altair about the results of working with AgriLab below.
“‘I first heard about AgriLab at one of the seminars,’ recalls Hryhorii Plichko. ‘I was interested in the fact that the soil analysis was conducted outside Ukraine, because there had been cases at various farms where domestic laboratories provided analysis results that did not correspond to reality. When I learned that high-quality analysis could be performed at a laboratory in the United States, I immediately decided to start working with AgriLab.
At that time, variable-rate fertilizer application was a key issue for me. I understood that this step would help me save resources and achieve consistently high yields. Previously, we calculated fertilizer requirements based on the crop’s needs and the planned yield, rather than applying fertilizers based on an accurate understanding of the soil’s actual requirements.’”
