Do you rely on variations in biomass or soil?
For in crop variable rate application of fertiliser and manure you need reliable data to base your applications on. Is it better to rely on variation in biomass or on variation in soil conditions? Experts from Wageningen Universiteit & Research are trying to find that out.
Several farmer participants of the Dutch experimental ground for precision farming (NPPL) and experts from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are trying to develop better strategies for in crop variable rate application of fertiliser and manure.
Focus on grassland
They currently focus on grassland as effective grassland management is quite different from the management of other crops. It is harvested several times per year, either mechanically or by grazing cattle, and fertiliser and manure are also applied several times per year. This makes it stand out from arable crops but on the other hand, the challenges are the same: do I rely on variation in biomass or o