Conference ‘Increasing efficiency through precision farming in arable farming’
It’s that time of year again, the fertiliser season has long since begun, plant protection is in full swing and maize sowing is just around the corner. Around 40 participants from Austria and Germany prepared intensively for the spring season this year and attended the symposium ‘Increasing efficiency through precision farming in arable farming’, a joint event organised by Farmdok, Saatbau Linz, LAT Nitrogen, Hammerschmied and Innovation Farm.
‘Highly focussed and precise work in the field!’
The technical prerequisite for entry into variable rate control is a steering system that enables precise positioning in the field. Factory-fitted equipment is therefore an issue when purchasing new tractors. But even older existing machines are no obstacle to precision farming. The potential of precision farming can also be utilised with cost-effective retrofit solutions. By reducing overlaps, fuel savings of 10-15% can be achieved. In addition, the steering system increases comfort and enables highly focussed, precise work throughout the working day.
‘Corn seed optimally distributed!’
At the symposium, Albert Müllner from Saatbau Linz will provide in-depth insights into the agronomic background of the optimal distribution of maize seed in the field and explain how this expertise is implemented in agricultural practice. The more inhomogeneous the conditions in the field are, the greater the potential of variable maize sowing. In the course of climate change, the water supply is of great importance. Several years of trials have shown that, under suitable conditions, varying the maize sowing rate can make a difference of 10-12% in terms of additional yield.
‘Fertilisation at the economic optimum!’
Franz Heinzlmaier from LAT Nitrogen Austria explains that fertilising at the economic optimum does not necessarily achieve the maximum yield. By varying the fertiliser quantities in a targeted manner, tailored to the individual zones, the crops are homogenised and the quality target is achieved. In practice, avoiding an unbalanced fertiliser balance results in potential savings of 10 to 20 kg of nitrogen per hectare.
‘Ready to get this on the floor?’
With the application map function module, Farmdok offers a customised solution with which this specialist knowledge can be put into practice. Andreas Prankl, Managing Director of Farmdok GmbH, shows how application maps are created and what options are available for transferring this control information to the machine. Pre-season preparation is a key success factor, especially for newcomers. Georg Ramharter from Josephinum Research will provide extensive practical tips on the individual tractor-implement combinations and ISOBUS terminals from the various manufacturers. This year, participants had the opportunity to test 5 different tractor brands, displays and implement combinations and obtain information.
The participants had a wide variety of reasons for attending the symposium. Among the participants were beginners who wanted to find out about the requirements and possibilities, as well as professionals and practitioners who were looking for sparring and discussion partners to exchange ideas for their operational implementation. What the participants had in common was a great deal of professional interest and a certain spirit of optimism about realising potential in practice in their own fields and those of their customers.
