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| We have been very successful with what we call smart zones. In our geography, we have a lot of soil variability ( Western Ky) . To optimize ROI , the goal is to access Yield Potential to manage application rates as not to waste fertilizer $ on lower yield capable areas while ramping up rates higher potential areas to prevent a yield drag.
We shoot for a 3-6 acres average fertility zone ( sometimes that’s closer to 3 acre depending on variability). We start with multi year normalized yield map as a bases for productivity and to build VRT seeding and identify yield potential of these zones. We then use this layer to process into smaller zones for soil sampling. Then do a good job of composite sampling these zones, every other year preferably after soybeans and before corn.
We have also learned it’s not just NPK, with a full lab package lab results we can identify antagonistic fertility issues ( ex too much BSCA to allow build up of potassium with dry applications) .
At the end of the day it depends on the amount of soil variability you have. Our soil maps are not anywhere close to reality ( learned that the hard way).
Edited by Wally Boy 9/25/2022 17:11
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Soil sampling and applications????
