Follow up on VR

[craig]

Wanted to add the following. I got into variable rate because we had a serious problem with over fertilizing our most productive soils. We did not get into it because some salesman pushed a bunch of hype on us. VR has helped us fix the issue we had. Do we get it right every year? No but that can be said for most systems because we have no control over certain variables.Many of those who say VR is of no value were also those that promoted composite soil tests which is showing to be about the most in exact science you can find. If we did not do zone soil tests we would likely not have realized that we were building nutrients on our lower ground. If that is value to others in a similar situation then at least they can adjust accordingly. VR is not a silver bullet. It is a work in progress that is unique to the farm where it is used. If you think it is snake oil you are entitled to that position.

[hobbyfrmr]

Thank you for the better description.

[ado089]

Hobby, I make my own maps using
elevation so my only extra cost is a
couple extra samples. My problem is
opposite of Craigs where as my land has
alot of high ground the has very little
potential even in wet years so I aim for
20bu/ac on them and put the extra money
towards the well drained solid
performing land. The low spots vary from
year to year spending on the previous
crop but I generally come off my top
rates due to both flooding and in better
years there is just more provided by the
soil.

[blackpowder]

Any thoughts on the system that uses satelite imagery - biomass?
Having some fields with very poor areas. Solonetzic eg. Would consider only 2 or 3 rates and vary the bander blend only? Pay for itself? maybe just?
Just hate putting $85 on an acre that can use half or less.

[ado089]

I'm not a fan of them. I find they tell
you that there is a problem but give
little insight to what or why and don't
distinguish between areas that can be
fixed or just need to be ignored. Most
guys I know that have had a bad
experience with VR comes from satellite.
My first cheaper or self starter, choice
would be topo with a water model. Veris
or em-38 is well worth the money if
you're serious.

[craig]

On my land we have found satellite and EM 38 give us almost the same zone map.Satellite imagery is dependant on getting the right image on what you would consider normal. ( not to wet and not to dry). We ground truth with our experience over time.