Variable rate technology: How should farmers evaluate outcomes?

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we’re talking about variable rate technology. What are some reasons that farmers might want to use variable-rate fertilizer instead of applying a single rate? Is there a difference between variable-rating different nutrient types? What are the technologies that are used to prescribe variable-rate fertilizer and what is the theory behind them? If farmers apply fertilizer at a variable rate, how should they evaluate those outcomes?

Transcript

Guests

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)
• Jeff Vetch, Extension nutrient management researcher (Waseca)

Additional resources:

• Variable rate nitrogen and nitrogen advisory tools: Do they work?
• Fertilizer recommendation technology: What is success?
• On-farm precision ag research update: In-season site-specific side-dress nitrogen rate recommendations for corn

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Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.