Variable Rate Application. by Jason Wilson. Product Specialist. ATI Solutions LLC.

Transcription

1 Variable Rate Application by Jason Wilson Product Specialist ATI Solutions LLC

2 Technology in General - No one Answer / Plan No right way to do it Make it work for you, don t worry about what someone down the road is doing. ONE SIZE DOESN T FIT ALL

3 Regular Shape vs. Odd Shaped Fields 200 Acres VS. 56 Acres

4 IN FIELD ELVEVATION CHANGE Flat Fields with mild elevation change Vs. Steep Fields with severe elevation changes

5 What is VRA? Method of applying varying rates of inputs in appropriate zones throughout a field Many terms and words used Most everybody has used it indirectly

6 Why would I use it? Each operation has unique needs and goals ROI is different for each grower Stewards on the land

7 Different types of VRA Sensor Based Real Time sensors measuring properties on the go and applying products based on that reading. Map Based Creating a user defined map and applying products based upon that map

8 Sensor Based Sensors located across a boom Detected red and near infrared light Base NDVI set by operator Several options commercial available Mostly used for in crop practice

9 Map Based Creating a prescription map and using that map Identification of management zones Yield maps Soil samples Soil type Topography Remotely sensed images Etc. Data

10 Yield Monitor

11 On the Go Monitoring Benefits Real-time yield and moisture rates ground speed acres harvested bushels harvested average bushels per acre harvested for a load, field or overall total.

12 Yield Mapping Benefits All the features of on the go monitoring GPS Locations of yields Ability to download data to desktop computer Printable Yield Distribution maps

13 Collection of harvest data Requires hardware in harvester Recorded yearly Crop/Weather damages Yield Maps

14 Site specific Grid Sampling GPS refrenced Done yearly Soil Samples

15 EC mapping Electrical Conductivity Defines soil texture variability Clay will conduct more than silt or sand Not needed yearly Soil Type

16 Not thought about in detail South Vs. North slopes Draws Damns Etc. Topography

17 Primarily for in crop practice Current picture of crop health Remotely Sensed

18 First Hand Knowledge Your first hand knowledge of a field You know what works and does not work

19 Value of Data Data has Value for management decisions. This value is virtually endless. This is beyond the savings that is acquired from in field operations. Data is the key. Getting beyond savings and focusing on yield increases from management decisions.

20 Technology Needed for Map Based Most growers already have the technology Field computer with GPS Applicator that controls rate

21 Field Computers Found in most tractors and sprayer today Includes a GPS source Used for guidance, steering and product control Records and maps

22 Application Hardware

23 Technology for Sensor Based GreenSeeker, OPTrx and WeedSeeker Reads, Analysis, Applies

24 Why VRA Potential to cut input cost Applies product precisely where it is needed at the correct amount needed Stop burning up shallow ground Become better stewards of your land

25 WeedSeeker Vs. Broadcast Spraying Example field 100 acres using a 10 gal/acre mix of roundup at 32 ounces (40 weed coverage) 100 acres * 10gal/ac = 1000 gal (IF we are perfect) gal of roundup used With WeedSeeker using same model 100 acres * 40% (weedcoverage) = 40 acres 40 * 10gal/ac = 400 gal 12.5 gal of roundup used

26 Cost of Weedseeker Vs. Broadcast This spring 4lb roundup cost per gal around $ Broadcast spraying cost $13.70 * = $ or $4.28 per acre Weedseeker $13.70 * 12.5 = $ or $1.72 per acre

27 Example of VRA for N

28 VRA vs. Single Rate N Comparison applied acres x 35 lbs/ac N (1 rate) = lbs N applied acres x lbs/ac N (VRA) = lbs N difference = lbs N saved lbs N x $.50/lb = $ savings in N cost

29 What are we Accomplishing N used more efficiently: Sustained or increased yield, improved plant health Improved soil health (ph, microbiology, etc) Improved ground and surface water quality Reduced potential of N leaching or running off Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and effects on climate change N volatilization, CO2 and NOx Reduced labor and equipment maintenance

30 Reduced energy inputs N fertilizer manufacture lbs N saved x 20,000 BTUs/lb N* = 68,882,200 BTUs saved or = kwh saved Fuel consumption transportation and application lbs N saved x 2,000 BTUs/lb N = 6,888,220 BTUs saved or = kwh saved Total energy saved on this field: = 75,770,420 BTUs or = 22, kwh saved enough to power 2.04 ave. U.S. homes for 1 yr** *Energy Conservation in Corn Nitrogen Fertilization Iowa S.U. PM2089i Sept 2010 ** U.S. Energy Information Admin. FAQ.

31 Thank You