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Variable Seed Rates
Farm Image use Soil Electrical Conductivity (SEC) data to map changes in soil characteristics within a field. Soil type and texture are a major contributor to variable crop establishment. SEC data can be used not only for decisions on nutrient recommendations, but also to assist the farmer and agronomist in producing variable rate seed maps or determining a single optimum seed rate.
Establishing the correct number of plants or tillers is critical to canopy formation and grain yield. Changes in seed bed quality demand changes in seed rates to achieve even establishment.
Seed rates should be adjusted to take into account expected establishment in the autumn given seasonal conditions, over winter losses and expected tillering in the spring.
Many other factors that are consistent variables such as grain weight, drilling date and variety will also be taken into account.
Farm Image will produce a variable seed rate plan determined from a combination of this data either by variation around a default average value for a field or by defining absolute seed rates within a field. The drilling plan can then be further modified according to drilling date.
This information is constructed into the necessary files to be uploaded to a drill equipped with a precision GPS controller.
Benefits of Variable Seed Rates
- More even establishment
- Decreased lodging risks
- Reduced disease pressure
- Increased productivity
- Integrate your and your agronomist's expertise
- Opportunity to combine with other GIS layers
The conductivity map is used as the starting point to develop a variable seed strategy, in this example targeting areas where a good seedbed is more difficult to achieve with higher seed rates.