Assign Variable Rates in the Zones (Ag inputs Rates Distribution Tool)

GeoPard Ag inputs Rates Distribution Tool (1 min video)

Overview

The Variable Rates Distribution Tool is a specialized calculator designed to simplify the creation of prescription maps for variable rate applications in precision agriculture. This interactive tool enables users to distribute agricultural inputs across different field zones based on productivity potential, creating optimized application plans for seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs.

Purpose

This tool addresses the challenge of determining proper application rates across variable field zones. Rather than applying inputs uniformly, the Distribution Tool helps farmers and agronomists allocate resources more efficiently by calculating appropriate rates for each zone while maintaining target totals or averages.

Core Features

• Multiple Input Management: Supports planning for various agricultural inputs simultaneously (seeds, fertilizers, growth regulators)

• Flexible Distribution Methods: Calculate based on target total amount or desired average application rate

• Zone-Rate Relationship Controls: Choose between normal distribution (higher rates in high-potential zones) or reverse distribution (lower rates in high-potential zones)

• Smart Min/Max Constraints: Apply minimum values only to lowest zones and maximum values only to highest zones

• Real-Time Savings Calculation: Compare variable rate plans against uniform application to quantify potential input and cost savings

• Interactive Visualization: View calculated rates and totals with visual histograms and data summaries

Using the Tool

1. Configure Field Zones: The tool accommodates up to 10 different management zones

2. Set Distribution Method: Select either Total Amount or Average Value calculation approach

3. Adjust Zone Differences: Control rate differences between zones using percentage or absolute values

4. Apply Constraints: Set minimum and maximum rates if needed for agronomic or equipment limitations

5. Review Visualization: Examine the calculated rates, totals, and potential savings

6. Adjust as Needed: Fine-tune any values manually to meet specific requirements

Technical Specifications

• Supported Units: kg/ha, seeds/ha, l/ha, kg/ac, l/ac, lb/ac, gal/ac and more

• Calculation Methods: Progressive distribution with linear increments (percentage or absolute)

• Constraint Application: Min/max values applied selectively to maintain distribution pattern

• Saving Comparisons: Against highest rate or custom-defined flat rate

Applications

The Distribution Tool is particularly valuable for:

• Planting seed population planning across productivity zones

• Fertilizer prescription maps based on soil tests and yield goals

• Growth regulator applications in cereals with variable growth potential

• Fungicide applications with varying disease pressure risk

• Multi-input planning for complete variable rate strategies

By providing a visual interface for variable rate calculations, this tool helps bridge the gap between agronomic knowledge and practical field application, ensuring more efficient resource use and potentially higher returns on input investments.

Once you have specified all the details, click Save to save the Zones map with the applied rates.

Use the Export module to export a VRA map ready for uploading into machinery.