|
|
|
Part 3: Precision farming mythsBy D. Bruce Bosley CSU Extension Agent, cropping systems The purpose of this article is to identify and address some common myths associated with precision farming. It is the third part of a series of articles. Transcripts of the complete series are available on request. MYTH 2: Precision farming is too difficult to implement The physical implementation of precision farming is not difficult, opening one's mind to change, however, is. Reluctance to change is human nature. There is a steep learning curve with precision farming. But, once in place, precision farming can actually make your farming operation "easier" than it was before adopting it. Before deciding that precision farming is too difficult, consider the following benefits associated with precision farming. Less time in the tractor: There are commercially-available tractor guidance systems. In fact some of these systems have been used for some time here in Eastern Colorado. One producer in Weld County that uses tractor guidance systems on his equipment says that "he has significantly reduced the amount of time spent in the cab of his tractor because over-lapping is entirely eliminated." He also reports less physical fatigue at the end of the day. Lower fuel costs: Guidance systems, as pointed out above, lessen the amount of time spent in the tractor thereby lowering fuel costs. However, one does not need a tractor guidance system to lower annual fuel costs. Many of the precision fertilizer application strategies involve delaying fertilization until well after planting. For example, agronomists in Nebraska have shown that waiting until after the six-leaf crop growth stage to apply all N fertilizer does not negatively affect crop yield. Their study was on medium textured soils. Knowing this, just eliminate the pre-plant followed by side-dressing N application strategy unless you farm very sandy soils. Instead, apply N fertilizer just at side dressing and receive the same grain yields with half the fuel. Increased fertilizer-use efficiency: Fertilizer, especially nitrogen, is relatively inexpensive. I'm talking about prices on the average as compared to other agricultural inputs. Although N used to be considered relatively cheap, it's no longer so with current N prices. Therefore it does not make sense to waste it on inefficient practices. As stated above, many precision fertilizer application strategies delay fertilization. Postponing N application does two things. First, postponing prevents the N fertilizer from leaching below the crops rooting depth. Secondly, postponing allows the N application at the development stages when crops can most rapidly take up and use it. Even more than delayed application, precision fertilization allows one to apply the right amount of fertilizer in the right place at the right time. Every producer knows that the entire field doesn't yield the same all the way across. There is always that area of the field that just doesn't yield, no matter how much N and/or water are put on. Agronomists have addressed this by turning traditional wisdom upside down. They use a unique approach to fertilizer management by viewing each part of the field as a potential investment. Only those areas of the field that are sound investments (i.e., have high productivity potential) receive a high amount of input. In contrast, the poor investments (i.e., areas of the field that have a low productivity potential) receive very little, if any input. Why invest in something that does not return a profit? This strategy is known as "site-specific" and has been used widely in conjunction with management zones. The bottom line of this approach is that we can redistribute the total amount of input applied to a field. Areas of greatest potential receive the most and those with low potential receive little to nothing. Postponing N application does two things. First, postponing prevents the N fertilizer from leaching below the crops rooting depth. Secondly, postponing allows the N application at the development stages when crops can most rapidly take up and use it. Even more than delayed application, precision fertilization allows one to apply the right amount of fertilizer in the right place at the right time. Every producer knows that the entire field doesn't yield the same all the way across. There is always that area of the field that just doesn't yield, no matter how much N and/or water are put on. Agronomists have addressed this by turning traditional wisdom upside down. They use a unique approach to fertilizer management by viewing each part of the field as a potential investment. Only those areas of the field that are sound investments (i.e., have high productivity potential) receive a high amount of input. In contrast, the poor investments (i.e., areas of the field that have a low productivity potential) receive very little, if any input. Why invest in something that does not return a profit? This strategy is known as "site-specific" and has been used widely in conjunction with management zones. The bottom line of this approach is that we can redistribute the total amount of input applied to a field. Areas of greatest potential receive the most and those with low potential receive little to nothing. 11/3/08 Date: 10/29/08 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
