In order to achieve the maximum yield potential that the environment can deliver, it is important to analyse all factors. The first step is the evaluation of the environment and soil variability. One strategy that helps with this process is the electrical conductivity (EC) reading, a tool for variable-rate seeding.

To accomplish this, Stara provides Veris, a set of sensors that, by reading the EC, delivers a mapping that relates attributes such as soil texture and cation-exchange capacity (CEC). You can identify the different management zones in the area, helping in variable-rate seeding and in setting the ideal seed population for each zone.

In the soybean crop, for example, for the low conductivity management zone, the variable rate for seeding will be set for a larger population, while the one with high conductivity will be for a smaller population. The same happens for wheat crops. For maize crops, on the other hand, in areas with low electrical conductivity, the population will be smaller, and in areas of high conductivity, the population will be larger.

For cotton crops, the definition of the electrical conductivity zones contributes to the type of management choice adopted for the crop. If you choose fixed-rate seeding, you can work with different cultivars, growth regulator management or nitrogen according to the crop development. In the case of variable-rate seeding, for high yield zones, it is possible to reduce up to 30% of the recommended population, as long as rainfall conditions are adequate.

This information is the result of years of research on variable rate conducted by the University of Kansas, in the United States, Fundação MT (MT Foundation), Aquarius Project, and the Federal University of Santa Maria, Gaúcha Central Cooperative (CCGL), and the Cooperative Technical Network (RTC).

Veris is one more ally in variable-rate seeding and providing even more positive results to farmers.

*Source:  Live “Tools 4.0 – The key to variable-rate seeding”, carried out by Aquarius Project.  Access the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K55MYCwjXs&t=138s