Variable Rate Fertilizer Application

As do most things on the farm fertilizer applications start in the office.  We use historic yield data and soil maps to produce management zone fertility recommendations for each area of our fields based on the productivity of the soils.  This lets us maximize productivity without over applying in areas that are less productive.  This saves us money and reduces the amount of fertilizer that could end up in the water supply if left in the field not used.  We variable rate apply: Potash, Phosphate, Lime and Anhydrous Ammonia (nitrogen) on all our corn fields.   

By using no-till equipment we leave crop residue from the previous crop on top of the ground. This residue acts like a mulch to hold in water and keep the ground cooler during the summer heat. Most importantly it helps the ground absorb more water when it rains and slows runoff to prevent soil erosion. We are building organic matter in the soil and that encourages microbial activity and critters like earth worms to live in the soil. These micro organisms help keep the soil healthy and make soils more productive.

The pictures below show the rate control equipment in the tractor that accepts the prescriptions we generate for each zone in the fields.  The GPS receiver mounted on the tractor lets the controller know where it is in the field to tell the applicator how much to apply in each zone.  The colors represent the different management zones on the right.