Economic Feasibility of Variable-Rate Nitrogen Application Utilizing Site-Specific Management Zones

摘要: Variable-rate technology (VRT) has been developed to variably apply crop inputs manage in-field variability. Although growers have begun adopt VRT, its profitability is uncertain in N management. The objective of this study was assess the economics uniform vs. variable-rate fertilizer application under two scenarios (farmer custom applications). On-farm studies were conducted on continuous corn (Zea mays L.) fields northeastern Colorado furrow and center-pivot irrigation during 2000 2001 growing seasons. management strategies uniform, grid-based, site-specific zone-constant yield goal (SSMZ-CYG) zone-variable (SSMZ-VYG). Profit loss software used analyze each strategy determine which most profitable. Results from three site-years consistently indicated that less total (6-46%) with SSMZ-VYG when compared Net returns $18.21 $29.57 ha -1 more than suggest utilizing zones are economically feasible conventional application.