Benefits of Variable-Rate Seeding

http://www.precisionag.com/guidance/variable-rate/a-doubeshot-of-precision-ag-services/

A practice many farmers are starting to consider on their farm is variable-rate application (VRA) seeding.

This new technology is used to increase bushels in low areas, eroded hillsides, or even wet areas by increasing or decreasing the amount of seeds planted in an acre. Farmers utilize satellite images, and soil and yield maps to take a closer look at the productivity of their land.

http://www.sstsoftware.com/products/imagery-services/field-examples/

The image above is a field that shows areas where variable planting is needed. The red areas are where yields were lower and could be increased with VRA seeding.

In an article by Lon Tonnenson of Prairie Farmer, he shares the benefits of VRA seeding. On a farm in South Dakota, the most noticeable differences in yield and profits has come from the eroded hilltops. The seeding there was cut from 30,000 seeds per acre to 24,000 seeds per acre. Data collected after harvest showed yields increased by 20 to 30 bushels per acre.

Increasing bushels is the key to increasing profits in this low price market.

Reducing the seed population reduces the cost of seed per acre on the low productive areas. This increases the yields, therefore, increasing profits. Corn is a crop that on lower productive and drought prone areas will benefit from lowering the seed population to increase yields.

South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University have also been conducting research on seeding rates.

"The interaction between corn, soil, fertilizer and the weather is extremely complex, making it difficult to scientifically predict yield increases from variable-rate planting," says Kurt Reitsma, South Dakota State University Extension precision farming specialist, Sioux Falls.

Dave Franzen, North Dakota State University soil specialist has worked with variable-rate technologies, says "growers should investigate all parts of the planting process; make sure that seed spacing is as uniform as possible, as well as be able to vary seeding rates."

He also encourages farmers to work with their seed supplier when varying seeding rates with soil characteristics. This will ensure the right hybrid is placed where it is needed at the right seeding rate.

For more research information from NDSU Extension: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/cpr/plant-science/soybean-row-spacing-and-seeding-rate-05-08-14

Or, to read the full article from Lon Tonnenson from Prairie Farmer: http://farmprogress.com/library.aspx/does-variablerate-seeding-pay-2/12/1783