Variable Rate Fertilizer Map

 

This implement is a Veris Cart.  The coulters send out an electrical current in the soil and read the resistance of the current.  It essential gives us a reading and records the various soil types/structures throughout the field.  We send the data off to have it analyzed and interpulated.  Our agronomist creates a map like the one above, dividing the field into "zones."  We then base agronomic decisions (fertility rate, seeding rate, and chemical application) based on the production capacity of each zone.  This technology allows us to place more product in high production zones and reduce product in lower production zones, which ultimately results in higher yields and lower costs.

Agricultural technology has advanced at a very rapid pace.  SWFF is a leader in agricultural innovations.  To limit our fertilizer usage we have mapped all of our irrigated fields.  We mapped our fields to find the different soil types and their capacity to hold nutrients.  We layer these maps with yield maps from our combines to make informed agronomic decisions.  There are certain areas within a given field that have a limited potential and other areas that aren't producing to its fullest ability.  We use this information to variable rate apply fertilizer, seed, and other inputs.  When we layer historical data we can determine where inputs can be increased to see an increase in yield and in places we can reduce inputs while maintaining the same yield goal.

The map to the left is one example of variable rate technology.  The Red zones are prescribed a rate, the Orange zones another rate, and the White zones call for no additional product.  The land has been land leveled for flood irrigation and it is evident that there are zones with cleachy soil and other zones with plentiful top soil.  This technology has helped us reduce our fertilizer usage, thus conserving a valuable natural resource.