2021 Spring Insights - Flipbook - Page 19
Figure 3.
Nitrate and ammonium tests were also conducted
on the soil sample. We saw our tissue samples
showing that we were responsive to nitrogen, but the
soil samples tell a different story when looking at the
average. Figure 3 shows variations from field to field.
The average nitrate was 22.76. A late spring nitrate
test that shows values between 20 and 25 will provide
adequate amounts to finish out the season.
The ammonium value shows that we had nearly
five parts per million tied up in the ammonium form.
This form of nitrogen may eventually be transferred
over into the nitrate form. These numbers show that
although plant tissue was showing a deficiency, there
are adequate amounts available.
Cumulative V15 Tissue Results for FFT
Nitrogen - 2.72%
Copper - 12.71 ppm
Phosphorus - 0.25%
Boron - 9.74 ppm
Potassium - 2.12%
Manganese - 75.54 ppm
Sulfur - 0.21%
Zinc - 20.6 ppm
Calcium - 0.95%
Magnesium - 0.45%
The second growth stage tissue samples were
collected during V15, so there was an opportunity to
correct potential deficiencies in a late-season pass.
The goal was to avoid any major stresses right before
it reached the reproductive stage. Figure 4 shows
that tissue results are falling within the deficient and
responsive areas. One possible cause of the change
could be attributed to plants experiencing rapid
growth, causing the plant to outpace its uptake.
What was the result at the end of the season? This
model’s unique capability is its ability to predict
potential yield or biomass accumulation throughout
the season, and yield estimation is our best way to
comprehend the tool’s accuracy. At the end of the year,
the model predicted an average yield of 219 bushels
per acre across the River Valley Cooperative territory.
The average of tissue samples tested resulted in 209
bushels per acre. With a mere difference of only 9.6
bushels, the Field Forecasting Tool closely estimated
the yield. With an error of 6.7%, it closely modeled the
actual yield. Results also included some of the winddamaged fields caused by the derecho that swept
through the area last August.
River Valley Cooperative will offer the Field
Forecasting Tool again this crop season. If you are
interested in learning more about this beneficial tool
and the cost-saving applications it could bring to your
operation, please contact your local account manager
or precision ag staff. We are here to discuss the benefits
the Field Forecasting Tool can have on your operation.
PROFITABILITY
Figure 4.
INSIG HTS / 19