A: Polygon (zone) are areas drawn on a field based on soil type, topography, yield variability, drainage, fertilizer applications or grower knowledge of the field. The information about the variability across the fields is used to create field management maps. The best zones come from multiple layers of data that when layered on top of each other reveal to us the true variability across the field.

A: Variable Rate Prescriptions are field specific maps created to allow for different rates of product to be applied to different management zones of the field. The prescriptions are computer generated maps that are uploaded to the tractor monitor. These prescriptions will work as long as there is a rate controller on your tractor. There are variable rate prescriptions that allow for planting of a specific rate per management zone and then there are variable rate prescriptions that add in a validation layer that allows you to test different rates in those management zones. The validation component of the prescription is no extra work to the grower and allows for a return on investment analysis as well as varietal or treatment comparisons for each of your management zones.

Variable rate prescriptions can be used for seeding, applying nitrogen, fungicide or any in-season treatment, just to name a few.

A: When creating variable rate prescriptions there are many different data layers that can be used to understand the production areas of the field and what are the fields’ different management zones. There are many different data layers that need to be considered, such as: yield data, elevation, geospatial drone imagery, historical satellite imagery, bareground imagery, soil test data, fertility program or seed company research history. When creating a prescription the knowledge and understanding of how the field performs is most important. Depending on the prescription that is being created the best data layers are collected from your tractor monitor, data management software, ag retail or soil lab. These layers are uploaded into a computer program that allows for management zones to be created, such as Climate Fieldview, Granular Ag, Proagrica Summit and AgLeader SMS. There are many different software programs out there that can create management zones. There are fewer programs that allow for the zones to be edited and customizable check blocks added to the zones. A Deveron precision ag specialist will be able to create these prescriptions in the computer software using the applied rates that they will discuss with you ahead of time. It is important to ensure that the prescription that is created is able to be exported in the file format that will work with your equipment. Most programs are able to export in multiple formats. Be sure to brush up on your equipment needs and what file format is compatible with it when deciding to utilize variable rate prescriptions on your farm.

A: Variable rate prescriptions allow you to manage your farm according to the variability across that farm. At this point we’ve all probably heard the saying ‘manage each acre’. Variable rate application is a direct way to do this. The value of managing your field in a variable way comes from allowing you to address the needs of your field at each location instead of managing to the average. This results in optimizing inputs (4R philosophy), as well as optimizing associated input costs, which in turn means making each dollar go farther in your operation.