Iulian Stefan, a precision agriculture professional working at Syngenta in Romania, recently demonstrated the positive results of applying nitrogen-based fertilizers at variable rates using NDVI images as a reference. Collaborating with a farm cultivating 20,000 hectares of wheat in Romania, Iulian selected a 1,000-hectare area for testing, utilizing satellite images and in-field observations to determine the best fertilization strategy.
After studying the fields and setting points of interest based on NDVI values, Iulian and a farm engineer visited the fields to make fertilization decisions. The approach was to apply more fertilizer in areas with lower vegetation values, using lime ammonium nitrate with doses ranging from 200 to 280 kg per hectare. A Rauch Aero GT machine, controlled using ISOBUS technology, was used for distribution.
One month after application, the variations in the field were less pronounced, and the final test came at harvest time. The yield maps showed a much more uniform field in terms of production, demonstrating the effectiveness of the variable rate fertilization approach. While confidentiality prevents disclosing specific yields, the goal of the experiment was to achieve crop and harvest uniformity.
The success of this experiment has led to the potential implementation of variable rate fertilization based on satellite images across the entire farm. For those interested in trying this approach or seeking assistance, Iulian can be contacted at iulian@stefan.com.ro. This innovative method of applying fertilizers is changing the game in precision agriculture, promising more efficient and effective practices for farmers.
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Photo credit www.futurefarming.com