How would you score your current ability to take advantage of opportunities that maximize your profit? Farmers are ever the optimist. They focus on building their ability to grow crops from the ground up (literally), create opportunities for the highest yield possible, and minimize the effects that they cannot control. The options available for every grower are vast and always increasing with the introduction of new technology-
Genetics
They can choose their genetics to better fit their soil and environment.
Weeds & Pests
They can adjust their weed/pest program as these threats come to the forefront.
Environment
They can change their environment with the help of tiling, irrigation, buffer strips, and terracing to take a long term look at soil stability.
structure
They can make management changes to build soil structure.
All these things and more are key for each field performing and they work together to create the variability that exists within each field. No two fields are the same, and a grower’s choices result in capitalizing on opportunities or restricting future yield. Let’s take a look at a few things that can tip the scale in your favor to build yield in the most effective, economical, and sustainable way.
Simply put – start soil sampling
A soil sample’s reach can have a big impact on multiple decisions a grower is faced with every year. Here are a few—>
The Answer?
- Choose your seed type better. Know the pH levels in your fields to better determine what seed will grow best there. Soil sampling can also identify disease pressures or DNA existing in the soil that can increase the likelihood of certain diseases.
- Choose your level of fertility. Look beyond a general average for a more comprehensive view of soil fertility. Do not accept a single soil sample showing the answer for your whole field – there is almost certainly some variability hiding there, the question is what and where? Intensive grid sampling can help show you areas of opportunity – it casts a net across the field to show you specific areas that are not built up to the level for maximum crop growth. Build confidence in your fertility program by observing where your applications are helping your crops in the most efficient way.
- Build on your profitable areas. Ask yourself if these areas are producing up to expectations and know if they are worth investing more for a bigger return. Are you limiting yourself by not realizing all the potential in yield as you review your monitor data without knowing the underlying nutrient levels?
- Use technology to its full potential. Flat Rate or Variable Rate can both be used effectively – if you’re not sampling how can you choose your strategy with confidence? Technology is easier today than it was 3 years ago and definitely easier than 20 years ago. Continue to evolve by being involved and creating a core understanding of your field’s composition now as you look to include new things at the farm gate.
The answer to all of a grower’s questions may not be a clear, straight line with all of the options available today. Their Agronomist’s expertise, combined with the knowledge gained from soil sampling can help guide growers to the desired destination! For a more in-depth look at our soil sampling system or how we can help you to help your growers, contact SoilView today!
