Variable Rate Seeding (Planting) Maps
GeoPard provides several options how to create VRA planting maps
Overview
Variable Rate Seeding (VRS) or VR Planting maps are essential for optimizing seeding strategies based on field-specific conditions. Configuring VRS maps effectively can significantly enhance crop yield and resource efficiency. This guide outlines the main aspects and options for creating effective VRS maps using GeoPard's precision agriculture tools. Read more about Variable Rate Planting in the GeoPard Blog.
VRS Map Configuration Options
The following are some recommended configurations for VRS maps
1. Field Potential Based on Imagery Only
Description: Use historical imagery to create Variable Rate Seeding (VRS) maps based on the Field Potential Maps. GeoPard's automated recommendation system helps identify representative years. Since predicting the next season's weather is challenging, it compensates for outlier years (e.g., balancing too dry with too wet years) to provide more accurate recommendations. GeoPard's Automated Recommendation of Representative Years.
Best For: Quick start scenarios, especially when crop rotation information is available. Select years with the same crop (e.g., corn years for corn planting).
2. Field Potential Based on Imagery, Topography, and Soil Brightness
Description: This multi-layer approach incorporates imagery, topography, and soil brightness.
Configuration: Assign negative weight to slope (to account for erosion risk) and to higher soil brightness (indicating less organic matter).
3. Field Potential Based on Yield, Soil Sampling/Scanning, Imagery, Topography, and Soil Brightness
Description: Integrate multiple data sources for a comprehensive field potential map.
Steps:
Clean and calibrate yield data: Ensure accuracy of past yield data.
Generate Synthetic Yield Maps: If yield data is missing for past seasons, use GeoPard to generate these maps. Only total or average yield is needed, with an accuracy of 90%.
4. Equation-Based Approach for Planting
Description: Utilize customized formulas and any available data layers (e.g., imagery, topography, yield, soil).
Flexibility: Allows for tailored configurations based on specific agronomic needs.
Available also in Batch Analytics
Variable Rate Planting Recommendations Table
Below is a comprehensive table of planting recommendations for various crops across multiple countries.
The population recommendations are in seeds per acre for the USA and Canada and seeds per hectare for other countries.
Crop | Country | Population (Seeds/Acre) | Population (Seeds/Hectare) |
---|---|---|---|
Corn | USA | 28,000 - 34,000 | |
Canada | 28,000 - 34,000 | ||
Ukraine | 65,000 - 75,000 | ||
Brazil | 60,000 - 70,000 | ||
Australia | 70,000 - 85,000 | ||
Germany | 70,000 - 85,000 | ||
France | 70,000 - 85,000 | ||
Wheat | USA | 1,000,000 - 1,300,000 | |
Canada | 1,000,000 - 1,300,000 | ||
Ukraine | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
Brazil | 3,500,000 - 4,500,000 | ||
Australia | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
Germany | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
France | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
Soybean | USA | 140,000 - 180,000 | |
Canada | 140,000 - 180,000 | ||
Ukraine | 350,000 - 450,000 | ||
Brazil | 300,000 - 400,000 | ||
Australia | 350,000 - 450,000 | ||
Germany | 350,000 - 450,000 | ||
France | 350,000 - 450,000 | ||
Sunflower | USA | 15,000 - 22,000 | |
Canada | 15,000 - 22,000 | ||
Ukraine | 55,000 - 65,000 | ||
Brazil | 50,000 - 60,000 | ||
Australia | 50,000 - 60,000 | ||
Germany | 50,000 - 60,000 | ||
France | 50,000 - 60,000 | ||
Canola (Rapeseed) | USA | 500,000 - 800,000 | |
Canada | 500,000 - 800,000 | ||
Ukraine | 350,000 - 450,000 | ||
Brazil | 2,200,000 - 3,500,000 | ||
Australia | 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 | ||
Germany | 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 | ||
France | 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 | ||
Sugarcane | USA | 8,000 - 12,000 | |
Canada | N/A | ||
Ukraine | N/A | ||
Brazil | 100,000 - 140,000 | ||
Australia | 100,000 - 140,000 | ||
Germany | N/A | ||
France | N/A | ||
Barley | USA | 1,000,000 - 1,300,000 | |
Canada | 1,000,000 - 1,300,000 | ||
Ukraine | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
Brazil | 3,500,000 - 4,500,000 | ||
Australia | 2,500,000 - 3,200,000 | ||
Germany | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
France | 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 | ||
Rice | USA | 100,000 - 150,000 | |
Canada | N/A | ||
Ukraine | N/A | ||
Brazil | 400,000 - 600,000 | ||
Australia | 250,000 - 370,000 | ||
Germany | N/A | ||
France | N/A | ||
Cotton | USA | 45,000 - 55,000 | |
Canada | N/A | ||
Ukraine | N/A | ||
Brazil | 100,000 - 120,000 | ||
Australia | 110,000 - 135,000 | ||
Germany | N/A | ||
France | N/A | ||
Sorghum | USA | 40,000 - 60,000 | |
Canada | 40,000 - 60,000 | ||
Ukraine | 100,000 - 150,000 | ||
Brazil | 90,000 - 120,000 | ||
Australia | 100,000 - 150,000 | ||
Germany | 100,000 - 150,000 | ||
France | 100,000 - 150,000 |
Sources:
Purdue University, University of Illinois Extension, FAO, Embrapa, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, North Dakota State University, Alberta Wheat Commission, Grains Research and Development Corporation, National Sunflower Association, Australian Oilseeds Federation, Canola Council of Canada, USDA, European Commission - Agriculture and Rural Development
Post-Season Analysis
After the season, run statistical and trial analytics to calculate yield output and profit maps based on yield data. This will enable optimization of the VRS map for the next season.
More PrecisionAg use-cases
Refer to the GeoPard PrecisionAg use cases PDF for visual examples and further insights.
How to Start
Using GeoPard's advanced tools and methodologies, you can optimize your seeding strategies, improve crop yields, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. To start, register free at app.geopard.tech
By integrating these methods, GeoPard helps you achieve efficient and productive farming practices through precise seeding strategies.
Last updated