Not every field is a candidate for variable rate application of inputs. An investment in variable rate technology has to generate a return either through decreased costs or increased yield. In an ideal scenario, the use of VR technology does both.
Anticipating what might be possible is key to adopting variable rate, says Herman Simons, manager of Smart Agriculture Applied research with Olds College, and that starts with a better understanding of field potential.
The more variability within a field the more likely VR makes sense, but how much is enough? Simons explains that the yield monitor at harvest can be an excellent assessment tool on whether or not VR tech is worth the investment. Fields that have swings of 20 or more bushels per acre make for much better candidates, he says.
Simons recommends that farmers keep good records at harvest and use field history to help determine if the adoption of variable rate fertilizer or other inputs is really going to generate a return on investment.
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