Good Practice on Precision Farming nº7: Use of the online information platform watchitgrow to generate task maps for variable fertiliser applications
WatchITgrow is an online platform to support farmers in monitoring arable crops and vegetables more efficiently in view of increasing yields, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is a collaboration platform for everyone in the sector, from growers, contractors...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº6: Fertiliser spread pattern measurement and spreader adjustment using collection trays
Optimizing fertilizer inputs in agricultural production systems is seen as an important strategy to reduce their large environmental impact while supplying the world’s increasing need for food, fibre and fuel. Centrifugal fertilizer spreaders are by far the most used...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº5: Developing precise fertilisation plans with regard to WRA using satellite imagery and drones in maize and cereals
Satellite images are particularly suited for crops such as cereals, maize, and other field crops, as their scale aligns with the spatial resolution of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. These images, combined with drone technology, provide essential data for implementing...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº4: Use mobile apps and satellite images to identify fertilisation needs
This practice describes the use of available satellite images to monitor actual crop status and act quickly on it. This helps to use fertiliser inputs more efficiently and reduce costs. Variable rate fertiliser prescription maps are traditionally based on soil samples...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº3: Zero spots method to optimize wheat nitrogen fertilization
The zero spot fertilization method for wheat is based on the following principles: The nitrogen supply to the wheat during the growing season is done in three steps. 1) The first application in early spring at the time of the start of wheat growth (BBCH30 (middle of...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº2: Advanced nutrient management using soil analysis and growth simulation
To optimise crop growth throughout the season, it is important to offer the right amount of fertiliser to the crop at the right time. In The Netherlands several institutes offer a method that combines soil samples and crop growth modelling to optimize crop...
Good Practice on Precision Farming nº1: Soilexact, the use of soil moisture sensors to optimize irrigation and soil moisture content
Soil moisture sensors can measure soil moisture content. Growers use that information, for example, to prioritize irrigation of fields: which ones should be irrigated first, which can wait? This is especially important in situations where the fields of a farmer are...
Compost: Gardner’s Black Gold
Compost is one of the best natural fertilizers that can be used in agriculture. Compost is a relatively safe fertilizer that is more difficult to overuse than mineral fertilizers, but its excessive application can still lead to problems in the soil and environment....