Soil type, organic matter and water-holding capacity can change within a few hundred metres, so different parts of one paddock need different amounts of nitrogen.
One rate across the whole paddock over-applies where the soil already supplies enough, paying for fertiliser the crop cannot use, and under-applies where yield potential is highest, leaving grain in the paddock. Matching the rate to each zone’s need saves at both ends.
One paddock, many needs. A single rate fits none of them exactly.
In AgrivaCT today
Today, the map, probes and zone weather show how each zone differs. In the canola pilot, a nitrogen rate is recommended for each zone rather than one for the paddock.
