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NITROGEN needs to be measured and managed correctly to maximise yields and return on investment.
Replacing nitrogen to optimal levels in conjunction with existing subsoil moisture will put you on the front foot for the season ahead.
Key drivers of productivity and soil N are clearly linked to soil type, including inherent differences in soil nutrition (e.g. cation exchange capacity and organic carbon), soil constraints and/or nutrition, and differences in N loss processes (e.g. leaching).
It’s important to consider different soil types, stage of crop rotation, and intra-paddock variability to ensure the sampling method and locations will best reflect nitrogen levels within a paddock.
Whether you are considering variable rate nitrogen management or just want to set up robust sampling strategies, Precision Agriculture is well positioned to assist you for the 2024 season
“As well as soil types, N variability is also affected by other drivers including merging of paddocks with different historic at management, historical VR fertiliser applied, or where non-soil factors have caused differences in productivity (e.g. elevation/frost effects, pests, disease and weeds),” a Precision Agriculture spokesperson said.
“Analysis of 3000 deep N soil tests from our Soli soil database — including 1900 individual samples taken ahead of winter cropping in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales in 2023, and an additional 1100 analyses from 2022 — reveals high variability is observed in every region, with deep N ranging from 15 to over 150 kg/ha.
“An example from one paddock was soil sampled on a two hectare or 2ha grid highlights the kind of intra-paddock variability typically observed, with mineral N varying from 34-117 kg/ha in 2022 and 62-136 kg/ha in 2023.
“For actionable insight into the variability of N within paddocks, robust management zones and GPS referenced sampling locations is our preferred strategy.
“Measuring soil nitrogen each year is the only way to know your starting position and optimise your nitrogen budget.”
For more information, contact your nearest Precision Agriculture specialist for further information on 1800 773 247.
