VARIABLE RATE APPLICATION

• The two basic technologies for VRA are: map-

based and sensor-based.
• Map-based VRA adjusts the application rate
based on an electronic map, also called a
prescription map.
• Using the field position from a GPS receiver
and a prescription map of desired rate, the
concentration of input is changed as the
applicator moves through the field.
• Sensor-based VRA requires no map or positioning system.
 Sensors on the applicator measure soil properties or crop
characteristics “on the go.”

• Based on this continuous stream of information, a control

system calculates the input needs of the soil or plants and
transfers the information to a controller, which delivers the
input to the location measured by the sensor.
• Because map-based and sensor-based VRA have unique
benefits and limitations, some SSCM systems have been
developed to take advantage of the benefits of both
methods.
 Map-Based VRA
• The map-based method uses maps of previously measured
items and can be implemented using a number of different strategies.
Crop producers and consultants have crafted strategies for varying
inputs based on :
(1) soil type,
(2) soil color and texture,
(3) Topography (high ground, low ground),
(4) crop yield,
(5)field scouting data,
(6) remotely sensed images,
(7) numerous other information sources that can be crop and
location-specific.
 Sensor-Based VRA

• The sensor-based method provides the capability

to vary the application rate of inputs with no
prior mapping or data collection involved.
• Real-time sensors measure the desired properties
— usually soil properties or crop characteristics
— while on the go.
• Measurements made by such a system are then
processed and used immediately to control a
variable-rate applicator.
• The pH prescription map can be
developed using grid sampling or
an on-the-go sensor.
• The apparatus is a separate
operation and is mounted on a
toolbar pulled by a pickup truck,
large ATV, or small tractor. The
commercial Veris Mobile Sensor
Platform is marketed as having
the “pH Manager” option (figure
• 15), which includes the sensors to
measure soil electrical
• conductivity (EC).
Comparisons of map and sensor based
VRA
• Benefits of map-based VRA
1. Current lack of sufficient sensors for
monitoring soil and plant conditions
2. Total product application amounts can be
determined prior to heading to the field with
the VRA equipment. There should be no
danger of “running out” or having an excess
of product due to unforeseen application
equipment
3. The time lag between sampling and application permits
processing of the sampling data to ensure, maybe even
improve its accuracy.

4. There is the potential to use” look ahead” or

“feedfoward” techniques to improve applicator
responsiveness when moving from one application rate
zone to another.
In other words, application rate changes can be
anticipated by the equipment and any lag in the system
that occurs when changing application rate could be
compensated for.
 Map based system
Drawbacks of map-based VRA
1. Map-based system requires the use of a positioning
system (like DGPS) to determine the equipment
location in the field.
2. Sampling data must be collected, stored and then
processed usually with a GIS.
3. Specialized software is needed to produce application
control maps.
4. Application errors can results both from error in
recording the location of sampling sites and the
position of an applicator as it moves through the field.
5. Application maps are continuous (there is a specified
rate for each point in a field) but they are created from
discontinuous sampling data (taken from a limited
number of points in the field) which could lead to errors
in estimating conditions between sample points.

6. Map-based systems are not well suited to controlling

applications that are based on soil characteristics that
change rapidly (soil moisture content, for example). By
the time a map is processed, the soil conditions could
have changed.
 Components of all variable rate applicator
Map-based VRA Sensor-based VRA
Sensors- for positioning, pressure/flow Sensors- for soil/plant, pressure/flow
Ground speed Ground speed
Controller Controller
Actuators Actuators

• Ground speed sensors are devices to measure true ground

speed regardless of wheel slippage.

• Controllers are devices that change the application rate of

products being applied on-the-go.

 Actuators are devices that respond to signals from

controllers to regulate the amount of material to farm
fields.
VRT with laser scanning sensor for
spraying tree crops.
Variable-rate Application components
1. GPS Antenna and Receiver
• Variable-rate fertilization relies on GPS to
maintain constant equipment positions,
allowing the in-cab computer to signal rate
changes as the equipment moves from one
field management zone to the next.
• If the GPS receiver antenna is not mounted
directly on the fertilizer applicator, the in-cab
controller needs to be programmed to
account for the separation distance between
the GPS antenna and applicator to ensure the
fertilizer rate is changed at the correct location
as equipment moves into a new management
zone.
2. Computer/Controller
• The central component of variable-rate
application equipment is the
computer/controller normally mounted in the
vehicle cab.
The controller performs several functions,
including:
1) operating a software program to display the fertilizer
application map,
2) recording the GPS signal to recognize the vehicle
real-time position on the map,
3) communicating signals with the rate control device
to alter the fertilizer rate,
4) monitoring vehicle speed ,
5) recording the fertilizer application map.
6) Other functions controller include, operating spinner
fertilizer spreaders, variable-rate and boom-section control
on sprayers, and vehicle guidance systems
 Field Management Zones
and Application Maps
• Crop fields can be divided into management
zones to allow producers to use different
production techniques based on the unique
conditions in each area of fields.
• Fertilizer application maps are prepared from
zone maps to indicate the amount of fertilizer
needed for crop production in each zone and
used for variable-rate fertilization.
• What is a prescription map?
• A prescription map is an electronic data file
containing specific information about input
rates to be applied in every zone of a field.
 Variable-rate fertilizer application
• Variable-rate fertilizer application allows crop
producers to apply different rates of fertilizer
at each location across fields.
• The technology needed to accomplish
variable-rate fertilization includes an in-cab
computer and software with a field zone
application map, fertilizer equipment capable
of changing rates during operation and the
Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Variable rate fertilization equipment is capable of
changing application rates during field operation.
• Variable-rate fertilization uses GPS integrated
with a computer in the tractor cab to change
rates in each field management zone.
• The number of zones in each field primarily is
determined by variability within fields, with more
uniform field conditions requiring fewer zones.
• Zone maps are made using a geographic
information systems (GIS) computer program
capable of combining field variability
information to delineate field areas based on
productivity levels.
• Several factors contribute to field variability,
including topography, soil physical and
chemical properties, cropping history,
historical cropping patterns and field uses.
• Major farm equipment companies and several
GIS companies market computer programs
capable of combining the various layers of
information to make field zone maps.
• Crop consultants or agricultural computer
consultants are available to prepare zone
maps for a per-acre fee.
 Seeding VRA

• Planters and drills can be made into VRA seeders by

adjusting the speed of the seed-metering drive.

This will effectively change the plant population.

VRA seeding is accomplished by separating or disconnecting
the planter’s seed-meter systems from the ground drive
wheel.
By attaching a motor or gear box (to change speed of the
ground wheel input), the seeding rate can be varied on the go.
Most of these devices will be matched with a prescription
map and can have two or more rates.
 Weed control VRA systems
• For map-based weed control VRA systems,
some form of “task computer” is required to
provide a signal indicating the target rate for
the current location.
• Second, a system for physically changing the
application rate to match the current
prescribed rate is required.
• There are a number of different types of
control systems on the market today that are
adaptable to VRA.
• Three categories will be discussed:
1. Flow-based control of a tank mix.
2. Chemical-injection-based control, with the
subset, chemical-injection control with carrier.
3. Modulated spraying-nozzle control system
 Precision agricultural technology in
weeding
• A prototype for automatic adjustment of the harrow.
• A digital sensor (a) measures the resistance force of the soil to the forward
movement of the harrow; the data are transmitted to a control unit (b)
that generates an algorithm for the motors (c) to change the tine angle
and perform more aggressive treatment according to the soil
characteristics.
• Positioning of the whole system is detected with a real-time kinematic
differential global positioning system (RTK-DGPS) (d).
• The rotary hoe used for pre- and early post-emergence weed control
without regard to crop rows, is a non-powered weeder with curved steel
spokes radiating as a flat wheel from a hub.
• The spikes are rotated forward by ground contact (Bowman
• Rotary hoes are mainly used in maize and soybean (Glycine max).
 New and Developing VRA Systems for
spraying
 If the sprayer goes over an area that has
already received an application (figure 8), the
controller detects the overlap and shuts off
individual sections or nozzles of the
implement to prevent the unnecessary usage
of additional chemicals.
 When spraying odd-shaped fields, grass
waterways, or obstructions in a field, this
boom control can have a tremendous benefit.
 Equipment for Variable-rate Application
of Anhydrous Ammonia
• Applying variable-rate anhydrous ammonia
requires an
1. in-cab controller,
2. GPS receiver,
3. thermal transfer unit,
4. Flow meter,
5. Flow control valve.
 Thermal Transfer Unit
• The thermal transfer unit, also called an
anhydrous ammonia cold-flow unit, functions
to keep the anhydrous ammonia in a liquid
state, which makes measuring it and
controlling the flow rate more accurate.
 Flow meter
• The flow meter is installed inline after the material
leaves the thermal transfer unit to measure the amount
of liquid ammonia that is flowing to the soil injection
knives.
• An electrical connection from the flow meter is used to
signal the constant flow rate to the in-cab controller.
• The flow rate is information required to change and
control the rate for variable-rate application.
• Several kinds of flow meters are available for use with
variable-rate equipment.
Flow meter
• The flow control valve is a ball-type valve
installed inline after the flow control meter with
an electrical connection to the controller, which is
similar to the connection to the flow meter.
• The controller functions with the flow control
valve to vary the anhydrous ammonia flow to the
injectors.
• Constant communication among the controller,
flow control meter and flow control valve are
required to maintain the desired application rate.
flow control valve
 Equipment for Variable-rate Application
of Dry Fertilizer
• in-cab controller,
• GPS receiver and a variable rate
• option to adjust the application rate
• Fan-type fertilizer spreaders use a variable-
rate electric or hydraulic motor to adjust the
speed of the feeding apron or conveyor belt.
• Air-type fertilizer spreaders use a variable-
rate electric or hydraulic motor to adjust the
speed of the feeding screw conveyor.
• The variable-speed hydraulic or electric
motor changes the fertilizer application rate
by adjusting the metering system, which is a
screw conveyor, metering chain or conveyor
belt.
• These units need to be calibrated for specific
fertilizer blends because nitrogen, phosphorus
and potash have different densities and flow
rates
variable-speed hydraulic or electric
motor
 Air Seeders and Planters
• Fertilizer equipment for seeding equipment is
similar to equipment installed on separate
fertilizer applicators.
• The benefit of fertilizing equipment mounted
on seeding equipment is everything can be
done in one pass across the field.
• This often will save time and money
• The disadvantage is fertilizer must be
delivered to the field at a busy time of year.
• This sometimes can slow the seeding
operation because fertilizer must be added to
the fertilizer tanks on the seeder or ammonia
tanks must be hauled to the field and
connected behind the seeder.
 How does VRA increase economic
potential?
• VRA increases your economic return by
strategically optimizing inputs in each
management zone.
• VRA allows you to focus inputs on
management zones that provide the highest
return, while reducing inputs in lower
productivity zones or where previous
management has resulted in a situation for
reduced input need.
 Economic Comparison of VRA
Research Findings
• Lambert and Lowenberg-DeBoer (2000)
compiled 108 studies that reported economic
figures from research endeavors. Their finding
showed that 63 percent indicated positive net
returns for a given precision farming
technology, while 11 percent indicated
negative returns, and 27 articles indicated
mixed results (26 percent).
• For all precision farming technology combinations
identified, more than 50 percent of the studies
reported positive economic benefits, except for
VRA yield monitor systems where only yield data
was used to develop a prescription map.

• About 60 percent of the VRA studies of nitrogen

or NPK applications reported economic gains.
 VARIABLE-RATE FERTILIZER
APPLICATOR FOR OIL PALM
VARIABLE-RATE FERTILIZER
APPLICATOR FOR OIL PALM

( Source : Wahid et al, MPOB (2004)

Precision farming for paddy
Combine harvester in Malaysian
paddy field
• References:
1. Nowatzki, J and V.Hofman. 2009. Variable rate
application for field crops; Equipment
Requirement. North Dakota State University.
2. Grisso, R., M. Alley., W. Thomason, D.
Holshouser, G. T. Roberson. 2011 Precision
Farming Tools: Variable-Rate Application.
Virginia Tech.
THANK YOU