Variable rate seeding made simple with FieldSense

Precision farming technologies, including the use of variable rate seeding, can help to reduce wastage and ensure the value of every input is maximised. However, in addition to the necessary hardware (GPS guidance equipment, automatic steering kit and implement control console) the creation of variable rate maps usually requires a significant amount of time and managerial resource.

However, with FieldSense, growers not only get data driven results, they also get the help and support of their dedicated agronomist who will take the complexity, stress and time requirement away from growers by managing and operating the FieldSense platform on their behalf. All this brings greater accuracy to the farm’s agronomic decisions, resulting in optimal plant density, uniform crop growth, higher yields and a better return on input costs.

How variable rate seeding helps

Contrary to one frequent misconception, variable rate seeding is not intended to reduce the amount of seed needed to sow a field. Rather, it’s primary aim is optimise crop output, quality and consistency by placing more seed in areas where it is needed, and less where it is not. As a result, the total amount of seed required may remain unchanged. Varying the seed rate according to the field’s changing conditions creates a uniform, evenly established and consistently populated crop across the entire field area.

This is achieved by increasing the seeding rate in parts of the field where soil compaction, waterlogging, nutrient losses caused by leaching, or bird and pest damage usually cause crops to be a little thinner. Conversely, in areas where crops typically establish more densely, the seeding rate might be reduced to promote tillering, optimise canopy cover and prevent lodging, and to minimise competition for sunlight and nutrients between plants. Variable rate seeding can also be used as a weed control strategy, with a higher seeding rate helping to reduce competition in parts of the field with a heavy weed burden.

How FieldSense helps

FieldSense creates variable rate seeding maps by dividing each field into a grid pattern based on historic and current satellite imagery. The field’s previous performance is also taken into consideration, as is boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the field’s peculiarities or variations in conditions, which may need to be considered when creating the bespoke variable rate seeding plan. The involvement of the ProCam agronomist in this process makes using FieldSense easy, straightforward and less time consuming from the grower’s perspective, and ensures seed is drilled in the right place and at wthe right rate to produce a better performing crop.

The benefits of variable rate seeding

Creating an evenly established, consistently uniform crop provides a range of benefits:

• Higher yield potential
• Improved weed control
• Reduced seed wastage
• Better disease & pest control
• Enhanced grain quality
• Easier field management & a faster harvest

Speak to your ProCam agronomist for further info, or click here to find out more about FieldSense and VRA Seeding