Soil Moisture 101: A Farming Guide to Soil Moisture Management and Soil Moisture Meters

In this guide, we’re going to dive into the topic of soil moisture and soil moisture meters. Soil moisture is a subject that may not always receive the attention it deserves, but its a critical aspect for land a plant management. Soil plays a central role in many areas of farming, impacting everything from seed germination to irrigation, fertiliser application, and the growth of food and fibre.

In New Zealand, we take pride in making the most of our water resources while looking after our beautiful environment. That’s one of the reasons why understanding soil moisture is crucial. Few elements have as much influence as soil moisture, due to its role in nurturing plant growth and ensuring profitable farming.

Buckle up as we are about to provide you with foundational knowledge about soil moisture and why it matters on your farm.

The importance of soil moisture in farming

Crop Growth and Yield: Adequate soil moisture is essential for successful crop germination, growth, and development because not having enough moisture can lead to poor crop establishment and decreased yields.
Water Management: When it comes to water management, balance is key. Over-irrigation can result in water wastage and nutrient leaching, while under-irrigation can stress crops and reduce yields. Effective soil moisture management helps strike a balance that ensures efficient water use.
Drought Resilience: Soil moisture management plays a pivotal role in drought resilience. Farms with well-balanced soil moisture levels are better equipped for dry periods and can minimise the impact of drought on crops.
Environmental Impact: When talking about soil moisture, we need to think about the environment too. Poor soil moisture management can have environmental consequences including water runoff, contamination of water bodies, and depletion of water resources. By using moisture management strategies, we can reduce these environmental impacts.

The key benefits of measuring your soil moisture

Optimised Irrigation: Monitoring soil moisture helps inform decisions about when and how much to irrigate. That means crops receive the right amount of water which reduces waste and lowers irrigation costs.
Maximised Crop Yield: Proper soil moisture management fosters healthy plant growth which can lead to higher crop yields.
Crop Selection: Different crops have different water needs. With soil moisture insights, you can pick the right crops for your soil conditions.
Reduced Fertiliser Use: Balanced soil moisture enhances nutrient management. When moisture levels are just right, plants can efficiently absorb nutrients, which reduces the need for excessive fertilisation and minimises nutrient runoff.
Financial Planning: Accurate soil moisture data aids the decision-making process, by facilitating efficient resource allocation, reducing input costs, and enhancing profitability.

Understanding soil moisture levels

To understand soil moisture levels, we need to understand the physical properties of soil. Soil is made up of different-sized particles, such as sand, silt, and clay. The spaces between these particles hold air and water, and the balance between the two is critical to plant growth.

The amount of water that soil can hold depends on the size of the soil particles and the spaces between them. Sandy soil, for instance, has larger spaces between particles, which means it can hold less water compared to clay soil, which has smaller spaces between particles.

Soil moisture levels are typically measured in terms of soil moisture tension, which is the force required to remove water from the soil. This measurement is expressed in units of kilopascals (kPa). The higher the soil moisture tension, the drier the soil, and the harder it is for plants to extract water from it.

So, what happens if I don’t measure my soil moisture?

Navigating water-related challenges on your farm can be a daunting task. Nature often dictates whether there’s too much water, too little, or it’s in the wrong places within your fields. The unpredictability of rainfall further complicates matters, leaving you with minimal control over the water supply.

However, it’s crucial to prioritise water management because excessive or insufficient water can result in a number of problems that can negatively impact your farm’s profitability. Some of these risks include:

Delayed planting or harvest.
An increased risk of lower-quality crops.
The need for replanting, which consumes valuable time and resources.
Soil compaction, which diminishes soil structure and hinders root and water penetration.

When faced with water-related challenges in your fields, even small adjustments can significantly improve your profitability by reducing damage, diseases, and crop losses associated with water extremes.

How soil moisture meters work

Soil moisture meters work by measuring the electrical magnetic conductivity of the soil, which is directly related to the amount of water present in it. There are two common methods employed by these meters: one involves measuring the capacitance between the probe and the surrounding soil, while the other gauges the resistance of the soil between two prongs.

In capacitance measurement, electrodes penetrate the soil, with high moisture levels reflected by high capacitance. Conversely, resistive meters measure the electrical resistance between electrodes, where higher moisture content corresponds to lower resistance. Soil moisture meters come in many different forms from TDR’s, tapes, probes and handheld sensors. The moisture meter and software then converts these readings into a moisture reading, which is displayed on a digital screen or gauge.

Some soil moisture meters also come with additional features, such as temperature sensors, pH sensors, and nutrient sensors, which provide a more comprehensive understanding of soil conditions.

Choosing the right soil moisture meter for your farm

Choosing the right soil moisture meter can be challenging, given the range of options available in the market. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a soil moisture meter for your farm:

Crop type

Different crops have different water requirements, and the type of crop you grow will influence the type of soil moisture meter you will need. Some crops, such as maize can root deeply into the soil profile, while in comparison, ryegrass is much shallower. Selecting a moisture meter that enables the observation of both irrigation effects and root uptake, particularly through active root zones, provides deeper insights into the soil conditions beneath the surface. Moisture meters come in a range of lengths and placements, therefore, accessing what will fit your needs with the crop rotation you have is an important factor.

Connectivity options

Soil moisture meters vary across different forms, including cellular, LoRaWan/NBIoT, Bluetooth, handheld devices, and mesh networks. Cellular options are effective when connectivity is robust, with cellular performing better in areas with good coverage and NBIoT being preferable in low-coverage regions. In scenarios where signal strength is a concern, alternatives like mesh networks, Bluetooth, and handheld options may be more suitable.

Budget
Soil moisture meters come in a range of prices, from basic models to advanced ones with multiple sensors and features. Consider your budget when choosing a soil moisture meter and select one that provides the necessary features while staying within your budget.

Ease of use
Choose a soil moisture meter that is easy to use and maintain. Some models require regular calibration, while others are self-calibrating. Consider the user interface and display when choosing a soil moisture meter, as it should be easy to read and understand.

Soil Moisture Meters available through Vantage NZ

We hope you now understand why leveraging technology to monitor soil moisture levels is essential. We offer solutions to help you address water-related challenges, partnering with AquaCheck, Halo Systems, and Metos by Pessl Instruments.

AquaCheck Soil Moisture Probes

Aquacheck’s soil moisture probes are filled with features that help you avoid over-watering, potential nutrient leaching and energy waste, while improving crop growth by managing your inputs.

The high-quality and reasonably priced AquaCheck probes are compatible with a variety of end-user platforms and telemetry options. The vertically oriented probes are simple to use, have wireless access, and an additional connection for a rain gauge. Aquacheck probes have the benefit of being simple to install and remove, which makes them ideal for seasonal cropping.

HALO Water Management

HALO Systems use innovative software that can be adjusted to your needs, farm-wide control networks, and a user-friendly dashboard for all farm information.

Halo systems provide a data gateway in the most practical location and connect the sensors needed to meet your requirements. It can work anywhere, at any time, and is solar or mains powered, with cellular and internet connectivity options.

Halo has a broad range of proven applications ranging from dairy farms to factories, and they can provide specific wired and wireless solutions for any industry use.

METOS by Pessl Instruments

Pessl Instruments offers a wide range of hardware and software solutions for effective soil moisture and irrigation management.

Soil moisture sensors from Pessl Instruments are designed to help users in making informed irrigation scheduling decisions, resulting in improved yield quantity and quality while lowering water, fertiliser, labour, and energy costs.

By gaining data-driven insights that guide crop production, conserve resources, reduce expenses, and champion environmental sustainability, soil moisture solutions unlock new potential. That’s why understanding your soil’s moisture content is one of the keys to a sustainable and successful future in agriculture.

To learn more about how our soil moisture solutions could benefit your farming operation, get in touch with one of our Precision Ag specialists today.

Fine-Tuning Farming: Variable Rate Lime & PNM

While New Zealand has a diverse range of soil types, only around 5% are fertile and versatile enough to support food production without significant manipulation. Variable rate lime and precision nutrient management are two important strategies in modern agriculture that can help farmers improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact.

This approach is particularly important in today’s global economy, where farmers are under pressure to produce more food with fewer resources. By using these techniques, farmers can produce more food with fewer inputs, which is not only good for the environment, but also for the farmers’ bottom line.

It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

Accidification of soil occurs naturally, but can also be accelerated by fertilisation practices that decrease soil pH. Plants don’t tend to grow very well if the pH in your soil isn’t quite right. If you read last month’s edition you would have learnt about Yield Mapping and how you can use it to identify the high and low yield areas of your farm. So, how do you fix the low yield areas?

This is where Variable Rate Lime comes in to play. We are sure you are all aware that Lime affects your PH. Variable rate lime is a technique that involves applying lime to paddocks at different rates based on soil test results. Lime is a valuable amendment for many soils, as it raises the pH and makes other nutrients more available to plants.

If you have an acidic low pH soil you can add lime to raise pH levels, but lime is a very challenging material to spread due to its fine and non-uniform particle size. Applying too much can also waste product and damage the environment. Lime applied at a variable rate aims to reduce the variability of soil pH levels across the paddock by applying only what’s needed.

So how do you figure out how much lime is required and where?

Enter an important tool in your precision ag toolkit – Precision Nutrient Management.

Precision Nutrient Management allows you to apply the right amount of nutrients only to the area that requires it, as determined by soil sampling. This process gives you a greater understanding of nutrient levels across your farm and the ability to correct any issues.

Not all soil is the same. Your nutrients could be affected by the area you live in, your soil type, or you could have years of nutrient build-up in your soil from previous farming practices. Soil testing gives you an accurate map of nutrient levels within your paddock. Thanks to GPS technology, the data is accurate and the process is repeatable from the same points in the future.

Using the soil test results, you can then use variable rate fertiliser allowing you to use fertilisers more efficiently and reduce the soils variability across a paddock. Through this method, both yields and environmental sustainability can be improved, while saving money on nutrients.

So how does it work?

We will take samples of soil from across your paddocks to determine their nutrient levels. We then work directly with the farmer or your preferred nutrient advisor team to ensure you are applying the right nutrients in the right places at the right time.

Short term financial pain for long term gain. No two farms are alike, so until testing is done, you can’t tell what your nutrient levels are and what rates of fertiliser you need to apply to get your nutrient levels at optimum levels for plant growth. After performing tens of thousands of hectares of PNM across NZ, the general rule is that you will have to apply less lime in the first year (because the amount is already too high in most areas) and this will cover the soil sampling costs, with any additional nutrient (P, K etc.) savings being the cherry on top.

If you don’t overapply or underapply nutrients, your range of nutrients will decrease year after year, and it is during this adjustment period (depending on how often you sample soil and apply lime and fertiliser) that you will achieve the greatest savings. Not only will you save money on fertiliser, but you will also enjoy increased plant growth and health as a result of reducing nutrient limitations.

Trimble Ag Software and PNM

Using Trimble displays and Trimble Ag Software provides significant advantages in precision nutrient management. The integrated suite of tools and technologies offered by Trimble enables farmers to optimise the application of fertilisers with unmatched accuracy, enhancing crop yields and minimising environmental impact. The software’s advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring capabilities allow for precise variable-rate application, ensuring that nutrients are distributed precisely where and when they are needed most.

With Trimble Displays, Trimble Ag Software, AutoSync & Field_IQ, farmers can streamline their nutrient management workflows and record-keeping, reducing unnecessary paperwork and giving them more time back for doing what they’re best at – feeding NZ and the world.

Ready to take the guesswork out of farm nutrient management and stop blanket rate application? Talk to us today about precision nutrient management. 

Find out more at vantage-nz.com/precision-nutrient-management

Precision Nutrient Management Variable Rate Lime

Soil Testing in Mid Canterbury – Pye Group Case Study

Pye Group is an agricultural company owned by Leighton and Michelle Pye, operating 11 dairy farms and over 4,800 hectares of land across Temuka, Rangitata, Hinds, Rakaia, and Fairlie.

Their primary activities include dairy grazing for their own cows, substantial cropping (grains, wheat, barley, milling wheat, specialty grasses, and vegetables), and supplying turf grass to the US for golf courses. They also supply 25,000 tonnes of carrots and 15,000–18,000 tonnes of potatoes to McCains annually.

Working with Vantage NZ since 2012, the company has invested in soil testing, moisture probes, EM soil surveying, and yield mapping. This has helped them better understand soil quality and exactly what nutrients each piece of their land needs.

One of the biggest challenges for Pye Group is ensuring a balanced nutrient supply for optimal growth on their cropping farms and being able to provide proof of placement. Prior to working with Vantage, the group used blanket application of fertiliser, applying a standardised amount across the whole farm.

The solution:

With Precision Nutrient Management, they are now able to apply variable rates of products such as Lime, Potassium Chloride, Superphosphate and Magnesium Oxide based on maps that outline the exact quantity each part of the paddock needs. They have found that in some paddocks, three quarters will receive no nutrients, and one corner will need four different rates. If they had blanket applied, they would have overloaded the majority of the soil.

Outcomes:

This approach has significantly increased their yield and allowed Pye Group to optimise fertiliser use and reduce waste. The precision approach to fertilising has had numerous benefits for the Pye Group, including cost savings on transportation, time, effort, labour, fuel, and equipment wear and tear. Additionally, having guidance on equipment has resulted in savings of up to 10% on overlap. This translates into close to $50,000 in savings per percent of overlap in nutrients.

Soil testing has also been used on their dairy farms to ensure that there is no nutrient overload at the front of the paddock where the gate is located. The cows always return to the dairy shed through the gate, transferring all the concentrated nutrients from the back of the paddock to the front in their manure and urine. With this information, The Pye Group has implemented exclusion zones in the first 10% of the paddock, as nutrients are not required there.

Tony Gould, Operations and Transport Manager, has been implementing PNM strategies with the help of Vantage NZ and Ravensdown and has invested a lot of time and effort into data capture and quality.

“You can’t argue with data and can make long-term, data-driven plans that relate to real information; it’s not estimated. People either overestimate or underestimate, but when you have the data, you can actually see what you have done and what the result has been. Unless you get soil testing done and use variable rate application, you just can’t make targeted decisions,” said Tony.

Precision agriculture has been a game-changer for the Pye Group, and they believe that it is a solution that can be implemented on any scale. You just need to start.

To find out how precision ag could help you to reduce costs and maximise profits, contact Vantage NZ on 0800 482 682 or vantage-nz.com.

case study Precision Nutrient Management pye group soil testing yield mapping

Pinpoint exactly why your yield was different this year!

Your farm’s hardware and software systems capture some extremely valuable data points about your paddocks during harvest. Do you know how to extract value from that data to turn it into informed decisions for next season? That’s where yield mapping comes in.

Your yield data is the final measure of your season’s work. By turning that data into yield maps, you gain a good picture of where your yield is coming from and the profitability of each piece of your land. This allows you to make data-informed decisions about how to manage your farm.

Yield mapping has been around since the 1990s, when GPS data was first coupled with different sensors on the harvester to be able to measure and map parameters such as crop yield, moisture, speed, elevation, and much more. Most headers and combine harvesters are already recording this data, so why not use it?

It all takes quality data.

Precision agriculture technologies are available to help you figure out why a field produced a high or low yield and what you can do differently next season. Is it your soil moisture? Are you lacking a vital nutrient? Is your nutrient load too high in some areas? You can’t just guess this stuff; it takes quality data.

To make the most of your yield maps, we suggest an EM Soil Survey which will give you priceless information on the variable soil properties across your land. Knowing your soil properties, such as texture, salinity, and cation exchange capacity, will help you plan how to best use and manage each piece of your land. This only needs to be done once and continues to provide value for years to come.

We also recommend Precision Nutrient Management (PNM), which allows you to apply the right amount of nutrients only to the area that requires them, as determined by more intensive soil sampling.

Once you’ve got these in place, you can use your yield maps to look back at your high and low spots of yield. By comparing nutrient levels and soil types, you are able to work out exactly what may be lacking and what you need to change heading into the next year.

So, you have the data; what next?

Even if we capture the data correctly (which we encourage you to do—good data is key!), there’s so much to look at that it’s difficult to know where to start and exactly what to pull out of it. When you create yield maps with Vantage NZ, one of our reps will work with you to make sure you have all the right data and strategies in place, before creating the yield maps for you and showing you how to use them. They’ll work with you to figure out the reasons for variation in yield across your farm.

Using yield mapping, we can dig right into your data to determine why your crop performed the way it did and design a strategy for land preparation and the planting season. It’s all well and good to record the data, but now is the time to use it!

We use your data to produce profit maps and nutrient off-take maps from within each field. We can analyse how different field management strategies affect yield, apply fertiliser more accurately according to the nutrients removed, create prescription maps for variable rate application, budget your seed, and have improved decision-making and budgeting for future years.

With the systems you already have in place, you can already go back and view your data, but you can’t compare it to the data you have from EM Soil Surveys and PNM. Our team at Vantage can download your data either through Trimble Ag Software or into our own software programmes to clean it up and edit it, then turn your raw data into zone maps to visually see what is happening across your paddocks. These maps can then be overlayed against your soil type (EM) pH and nutrient maps (PNM) where we can start to figure out what might be the cause for areas of low and/or high Production?

Yield mapping is not an overnight process.

Many of our customers find themselves caught up in the myriad of tasks there are to do on-farm and don’t find the time to plan things out. All of a sudden, another season has come and gone, business as usual! We’re too busy doing the work out in the field to get all the tech and planning sorted ahead of time.

Data is gold, and the truth is, the better your data, the more value you have to gain from it. Developing high-quality data takes years, so the sooner you start, the sooner you can extract value, improve efficiency, and increase profits. Having years of data is invaluable, as you can see year after year what has worked and what needs changing.

In the long-term, you can work toward evening out the yield capability across your paddock by applying nutrients exactly where they’re needed and increase yield in low-performing areas or plant according to soil types for better ROI.

Need help making sense of your data and turning it into data-driven insights for next season? Talk to our friendly team at Vantage NZ. We have Precision Ag Specialists around the country that can take your data and turn it into valuable insights.

Find out more at vantage-nz.com/yield-mapping

The latest Trimble Displays are here

The GFX-1060 and GFX-1260 have landed in New Zealand and are now in stock. Maximise your efficiency and ROI with these easy-to-use displays, offering:

– Simplicity – easy to install, use, and transfer between vehicles
– Reliability – rugged construction to stand the test of time
– Flexibility – high compatibility to work with your existing equipment
– Scalability – the technology can easily adapt as your business changes and grows

With faster processing, greater memory and more storage capacity, these robust displays make handling even the most complex farm operations easy.

The GFX-1260™ display is Trimble Agriculture’s newest flagship 12-inch (30.5 cm) Android-based display, the ideal choice for controlling and executing all in-field work through the Precision-IQ™ field application interface.

The GFX-1060™ display is Trimble Agriculture’s latest 10-inch (25.6 cm) Android-based display, a great option for controlling and executing all in-field work, also equipped with the Precision-IQ™ interface.

Compare their specifications using the table below.

GFX-1060 Display	GFX-1260 Display
10 inch (12 cm) high-definition, color touchscreen display	12 inch (30.5 cm) high-definition, color touchscreen display
Android-based operating system	Android-based operating system
Precision-IQ firmware	Precision-IQ firmware
32 GB storage, 4 GB RAM	32 GB storage, 4 GB RAM
Optional ISOBUS task controller and universal terminal	Optional ISOBUS task controller and universal terminal
Control up to 4 input channels and 48 sections	Control up to 6 input channels and 48 sections
Connection for two USBs, 1 BRR port, 3 CAN ports and support for 2 external cameras, plus Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi connectivity	Connection for two USBs, 1 BRR port, 3 CAN ports and support for 2 external cameras, plus Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi connectivity

Customer story

Hear what a Trimble customer has to say about working with the new GFX displays.

Find out more or download datasheets at vantage-nz.com/displays.

Precision Ag Solutions at Ludlow Farms

Simon White owns 1100-ha Ludlow Farms in Hawkes Bay, where he produces cereals, seed, squash, and hemp, as well as finishing beef and lamb. He has been working with Vantage NZ since 2015.

His initial goal with precision ag was to understand the different soil types on his property so he could begin farming according to soil zones. He was also looking for ways to comply with ever-changing environmental regulations. The changing landscape of environmental regulations and rising costs present challenges that he looks to tackle with the help of precision technology.

The solution:

Vantage NZ Trimble Ag specialist Wade Riley happens to live next door to Simon and has been working with him since 2015. The first technology they applied was electromagnetic (EM) soil mapping to identify the soil types across their farm. The data captured in the initial EM soil survey has continued to benefit them to this day.

The addition of yield mapping gives them full visibility over the return each soil type and paddock produces. This allows them to farm according to soil types and maximise yield and profitability.

Outcomes:

These solutions have resulted in a 12-15% saving on nutrient inputs on light soils, as the soil type cannot sustain high yields. The nutrients saved are instead put into other parts of the paddock, where the soil type can sustain more yield. In this way, Simon can place the nutrients exactly where they’re needed, minimising waste and maximising yield.

Additionally, having GPS on the tractor gives an approximate 2.4% saving on overlap. This translates into cost savings on all seeds, nutrients, labour, fuel, and tractor hours. Not only that, but driver fatigue and machinery wear and tear are minimised.

Simon explains: “With the data we now have, we use variable rate application to apply fertiliser and inputs only where they are needed on the farm. In terms of quantity that means we only apply how much is needed,” Simon says. “Environmentally, it is good to comply with regulation and also maximise our environmental gains.”

Benefits:

By using their EM and yield maps throughout the season, Simon can use data to ensure zoning is correct and see where each paddock stands in terms of profitability.
With the data he collects, Simon can apply nutrients and inputs only where needed to save money and reduce environmental impact.
They are using these technologies to inform their business decisions.

Simon is now looking at additional on-farm technologies, such as WeedSeeker 2, to further cut costs and reduce environmental impacts.

To find out how precision ag could help you to reduce costs and maximise profits, contact Vantage NZ on 0800 482 682 or vantage-nz.com.

Download the full case study

case study ludlow farms pnm

Where do I start with Precision Nutrient Management?

In the current climate, it’s more important than ever to use all the tools in the toolbox to cut costs. There’s no better place to start than with more targeted management of your inputs, such as fertiliser. Whether you’re applying manually and need to figure out how to begin using Precision Ag to lower your costs or you’re a seasoned technology user looking to make some further improvements, it can be tough to know where to start.

Shane, one of our Trimble Hardware Specialists, ran us through the process of applying Precision Nutrient Management (PNM) to your farm operation. Here’s what he had to say.

What’s the leading issue you’re hearing out there right now that leads people to look at PNM?

Right now, it’s all about saving costs and making an impact on the bottom line. The rising cost of fertiliser is making PNM a no-brainer for most farmers and growers as our nutrients just get more expensive.

Where do I start if I’m thinking about using technology to lower input costs?

It all depends. If you’re starting from scratch, we’ll see what equipment, machinery, and data you have already. We walk our customers through the process with a phone call or site visit to see what’s there and what they’ll need to meet their goals.

An essential piece of equipment will be a Display, generally a GFX-750, and a Receiver such as the NAV-900 to get the functionality you need. An ISOBUS connection, such as in the Field IQ system will mean your equipment can talk to any tractor, so you’ll be able to use what you have already. This will allow you to start collecting data using the right Trimble Ag Software, which your local rep will talk you through too.

A lot of customers like to add autosteer into the mix to avoid overlap, which uses excess nutrients, to save costs as well. But again, it depends how much functionality you’re looking for.

If you’re already collecting data with Precision Ag technology, we’ll be looking into what you’re currently using, what data you’ve collected, and where the areas of improvement are. When we’ve decided what you need to meet your requirements, we’ll give you some figures for different options.

What happens once I’ve got the hardware I need?

Once we’ve agreed on what you’d like to go ahead with, we’ll get a Vantage NZ rep out to your farm to install the products and give you some training to show you how to use them. First, it’s about getting you started collecting the data and getting used to using the technology. Once you run with that for a few weeks, we often have another site visit to check in, see how things are going, and answer any questions.

At this point, customers usually feel pretty comfortable using their technology so it’s a good time to give you more training to take things to the next level.

How do I make the most of my hardware to better manage nutrient application?

Once you’re up and running, we can apply the right PNM strategy to save costs on inputs and make life easier.

Your ISOBUS connection will have your equipment talking to your Trimble hardware and software, automatically populating all your information onto the Trimble Display screen. This means you don’t have to have multiple screens for everything in the cab!

Autosteer will have the tractor automatically follow the GPS to make sure you’re applying nutrients precisely and avoid overapplication (and overpaying for nutrients).

By unlocking variable rate application, you’ll see a map that changes colour that shows exactly where nutrients are needed and not needed. Once unlocked, the technology will automatically apply nutrients in each paddock based on your map – meaning you’re only applying where it’s needed – reducing the amount of product you’re using and your risk of product leaching. We work with all nutrient management companies to enable variable rate application nationwide.

Vantage NZ can help with making variable rate application maps using a large range of data layers, including satellite imagery, grid or zonal soil sampling, and if required UAV imagery.

Really, we customise each PNM solution to the customer and their goals, so it’s all about having a chat with us to figure out what best suits your business from the outset.

Find out more about PNM here or get in touch with your local rep at Vantage NZ.

Manage your nutrient application with precision

What’s the biggest issue we’re hearing in the agricultural industry at the moment? The truth is it’s three-fold:

Costs on inputs are rising – particularly on sprays, fertilizer, and seed
Nitrogen caps – our customers are adjusting their practice to meet caps on nutrient inputs to meet regulation
Productivity – improving ROI by ensuring the best yield of plant and pasture growth

Key to meeting all three of these challenges is precision nutrient management (PNM). To manage your nutrients efficiently – reduce input costs, meet environmental regulation, and increase yield – you first need some good data.

Getting your soil nutrients measured is an important step helping you to utilise PNM strategies. A soil test will tell you where your soil has high and low nutrient load, allowing you to use variable rate application to apply your nutrients only where they’re needed. This improves your environmental footprint while ensuring your farm is reaching its maximum potential.

High nutrient load

The areas of your paddocks that have high nutrient load already have enough nutrients to support upcoming crop or pasture growth. That means there’s no, or at least significantly reduced, need to spread fertiliser! Using a blanket rate application, you’d be spreading unneeded fertiliser, wasting money and risking a higher chance of over-application and leaching. Although it’s not required for your Farm Environmental Plan, minimising nutrient input helps your case in showing your commitment to meeting environmental regulations.

Low nutrient load

Areas of low nutrient load in your paddocks don’t have the required nutrients to support crop and pasture growth. This is a missed opportunity, as these areas aren’t reaching their full yield potential! When applying blanket rate fertiliser, these areas may not get enough nutrients – meaning they could be producing more toward your bottom line.

Precision Nutrient Management

Employing a PNM strategy allows you to reduce nutrient application in areas with high nutrient load and increase application in areas with low nutrient load. With this precision ag data, you can ensure that each area of the paddock is getting the nutrients it needs to ensure maximum yield. This keeps you as environmentally friendly as possible while maximising your ROI.

Most of our clients who utilise PNM pay for their soil tests in their lime savings alone – every other nutrient saving is an added bonus to your bottom line.

On top of that, it’s helpful to have precision data to add to your FEP, showing your compliance with environmental regulation.

Take the guesswork out of farm nutrient management and stop blanket rate application. Talk to the team at Vantage NZ today about Precision Nutrient Management.

Soil – the key to balancing profit & environmental regulation

Soil affects everything in agriculture – from seed to irrigation, fertiliser and herbicide use, to the ultimate goal of food and fibre growth. One thing we know about soil is that it’s variable – it changes from one point of your property to the next. That means knowing your soil’s unique properties across the farm is key to effectively managing your inputs and maximising profitability.

Three steps for a successful harvest season

With harvest just around the corner, it’s important to have one eye on the future planning your success. In an arable farming system, this is a key time of year to maximise capturing every last grain that contributes to yield and annual performance. It’s what you strive all year for, one decision after another – to grow the best crops and maximise your performance and profitability. A crucial component of good planning is capturing your yield data so that you can track and optimise your farm’s performance. As always, there’s plenty going on in farming and with Christmas and New Year tied up with the time most arable farmers start, it’s easy to feel rushed and drop some of the important aspects of harvest setup and success.

Here are three key steps to ensure harvest success and maximise your yield data.

Before harvest – make sure your combine is serviced, your displays/screens are working (and tested), your wiring looms are installed in your combine (if you’re planning on swapping GPS from one machine to another) and that last season’s yield data on your data card, memory stick or display is downloaded and saved (preferably with a backup) safely for future use. This is also an important time to set up your display with the correct paddock and crop names so that when it comes time to pull that header into the paddock, it’s good to go.
During harvest – when you pull into the first paddock on day one, try to take your time. Make sure everything is set up and working correctly (GPS, moisture meters, flow meters) and that you perform some yield calibrations to get the data recorded as accurately as possible. There’s no need to get too hung up on this if final paddock weights will be available for post-processing yield data, but it’s important to make sure you will end up with accurate data to give you good insights on your yield performance. After the first paddock, we also suggest downloading and checking that the data is recording and mapping correctly.
After harvest – Engage with your precision ag consultants to get the data processed as fast as possible. This ensures you maximise your decision-making time and can use your data to guide decisions for the upcoming season – eg variable rate nutrient replacement and/or variable rate seeding. This data is gold and the more years of yield data put together, the more you identify opportunities to tweak your management practices to optimise profitability across all areas of your paddock or farm.

Vantage New Zealand are your local precision ag experts, with reps located throughout New Zealand. To find out more about how we can help you maximise your yield data, call 0800 482 682 or visit https://www.vantage-nz.com/yield-mapping/

Season and multi-season discounts available when you book before 31st December, 2022.

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