Focus topic: Site-specific, efficient liquid fertilization with variable rate (VR) nozzles
In agricultural practice, the nutrients required by plants are rarely available in the soil in the optimum form and quantity. Targeted fertilizer applications (liquid fertilizer) can achieve faster growth, higher yields and improved quality.
Liquid fertilization is a method in which nutrients are delivered in liquid form directly to the plant roots or leaves. This technique offers numerous advantages over conventional fertilization methods (such as solid fertilizers) and is therefore becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture.
Advantages of liquid fertilization
- Application advantages: Liquid fertilizer offers an extremely efficient nutrient application and can easily compete with CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate). In fact, liquid fertilizer allows precise control of the application rate and is absorbed through both the soil and the leaves. This makes it particularly advantageous over CAN in dry periods. In addition, the targeted individual application during the vegetation period ensures an optimum supply with minimal leaching losses. Liquid fertilizers such as UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate) can also be applied in combination with plant protection products, which saves time and can improve the uptake of the herbicides (Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations!).
- Economic advantages: The use of liquid fertilizer often offers a price advantage, as UAN is generally cheaper than CAN. Application with a field sprayer enables a high area output, making optimum use of time. The combination of liquid fertilizer with crop protection products saves valuable time and operations, which increases efficiency at peak times. In addition, liquid fertilizer containers make it easy to stockpile and are purchasable at low prices.
- Technical advantages: Farms that switch to liquid fertilizer can often continue to use existing technology. Field sprayers that are used for plant protection products are generally also suitable for liquid fertilizers such as UAN. Liquid fertilizer tanks ensure optimum storage and rapid availability.
Site-specific liquid fertilizer application
Application map – function and data basis
An application map is used to divide agricultural fields into different cultivation zones according to the needs of the soil and the plant. The application map is based on nutrient, management zone or yield maps. The nutrient map, which is created from the results of the soil analysis, reflects the current status of the soil. The content classes and the pH value provide information on whether top-up fertilization is necessary or whether maintenance fertilization is sufficient.
In indirect site-specific management, the application maps are created on the PC. Various software solutions are available for this purpose. Most of these programs use satellite images to assess the vegetation in the fields and divide it into zones.
The application maps created are then transferred to the tractor terminal. The tractor must be equipped with a steering system so that the current position of the tractor is known and the target application rate can be read from the application map. The application rate calculated by the terminal is transmitted to the implement via the ISOBUS interface. ISOBUS equipment is therefore required on both the tractor and the implement side.
Special software apps for site-specific management offer an alternative for working with older technology on a site-specific basis. The application map is sent to the app, which is installed on a smartphone or tablet. The smartphone/tablet is taken onto the vehicle for work, whereby the app determines and displays the target application rate depending on the current position in the field. By varying the driving speed the application rate can be adjusted to the target value.
The right variable rate (VR) nozzle
VR nozzles are predestined for site-specific fertilization, so that N-stabilized liquid fertilizer can also be used well. The VR nozzle is based on the design of the FD nozzle. In addition to the advantages of the FD nozzle, the VR nozzle impresses with its variable flow rate, which covers up to five ISO FD nozzle sizes. This enables a higher area coverage without changing nozzles. Flexible application with changing forward speeds and precision farming applications is guaranteed. The Lechler VR nozzles VR-M and VR-L are the optimum nozzles for the following applications:
- Liquid fertilization: Liquid fertilization offers ideal solutions for precision agriculture, particularly through the use of sensor or map-based systems. These technologies enable the targeted and efficient supply of nutrients to plants.
- Greenhouse irrigation: VR nozzles are ideal for irrigation in greenhouses. They ensure that water is distributed evenly and according to demand, resulting in healthier plants and better yields.
- Economical alternative to complex systems: VR nozzles are a cost-effective alternative to multi-actuated nozzle holders or PWM systems. They offer high flexibility and efficiency without the need for expensive and complex technology.
- Use with pressure-contolled or flow-controlled field sprayers: Even crop protection sprayers that do not have PWM technology on board can use VR nozzles to apply liquid fertilizer on a site-specific basis. These nozzles enable precise control of the application rate, adapted to the specific needs of the plants.
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Exact, uniform and accurate to the border. Take advantage of our comprehensive range of nozzles and accessories for liquid fertilization:
- Accurate and even distribution with increased output
- Higher efficiency of fertilizer – less leaching losses
- Combination with plant protection treatments
- Less drift
- Improved pesticide effect