Variable rate zones: Field mapping, soil types, tools & more

On today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast, Brad and Dan talk about variable rate application - and zones in particular. What's the overall point of variable rate nitrogen application? How might an initial starting N rate be determined? How do farmers' fields and equipment introduce their own variables, and how can these variables be monitored? What's the difference between a yield map and a zone map, and should farmers rely on yield maps for zoning purposes? Do the best yielding spots always need the most nitrogen? All of this and much more on today's show.

Read the full transcript here

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)

Additional resources:

• With high nitrogen fertilizer prices and low corn prices, can you decrease your nitrogen rate for 2026? 
• www.cornnratecalc.org (Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator)
• Is variable rate nitrogen based on yield maps a good idea?
• Variable rate nitrogen: What are we trying to accomplish?
• Brad Carlson's email address: bcarlson@umn.edu
• Dan Kaiser's email address: dekaiser@umn.edu

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