Senwes Scenario Augustus / September 2017 | Page 14

••••
T RADE N E W S
Precision farming
> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
 PRECISION SOIL PREPARATION
The impact of surface water management on crop
yield is often overlooked. The key to management of
waterlogging and erosion is detailed pictures of ele-
vation across your field and/or farm. This is linked to
soil type.
Soil preparation can successfully be implemented
after analyses of:
• detailed soil survey maps, e.g. soil type and topo­
graphy,
• soil physical property maps, e.g. texture and plant
available water capacity
• yield maps of the previous crop,
This will provide yield potential and management
zones in your field/farm.
From these maps the correct agricultural practices and
implements can be identified to achieve optimum
results with soil preparation.
Depending on the texture and topography, soil
preparation is traditionally the most energy-consum-
ing aspect of farming, requiring significant inputs of
fuel and time. The wrong implement can increase the
risk of erosion and crop failure.
 PRECISION SEEDING
Critical factors to achieve higher yields with less seed
is correct planting depth and proper row spacing.
Combined with geo-mapping, this can ensure:
• More seeds are planted in soil with high yield po-
tential
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AUG/SEP 2017 • SENWES Scenario
• Less seeds are planted in low yield potential areas
• Effective variable rate application (VRT) of fertili­
ser.
Fast and uniform germination ensures a crop of high
yield and optimum use of resources. It is thus im-
portant to consider soil and climate properties as well
as tillage practices in relation to planter properties to
ensure that the planter is equipped with technology to
ensure effective and accurate planting during the opti-
mum planting window.
 PRECISION CROP MANAGEMENT
During this phase plants need:
• the right amount of top-dressing at the right time,
and
• proper management of weeds, pests and diseases.