There is substantial within-field variability in soil fertility and precision farming is essential to optimise inputs and returns.
- The first step in determining the contribution that precision farming can make is to soil sample and obtain an accurate measure of the underlying variation in a field.
- Using the results colour coded maps are produced showing the variation in nutrient levels across the field.
- The maps are then used to create recommendations for:
- Variable rate fertiliser application using GPS systems to apply a precise quantity of fertiliser in every hectare.
- Areas of low fertility are easily identified and one-off applications of organic or inorganic fertiliser can be applied using precision farming.
- If the variation is minimal, the flat rate applications can be adjusted or eliminated accordingly.