Quantifying the benefits of variable rate fertilizer application on Finnish cereal farms

Abstract

Variable rate nitrogen application (VRNA) is an effective strategy to save nitrogen when applied correctly. There is however lack of knowledge on the outcomes of VRNA as applied by Finnish farmers. The aim of this study is to explore the benefits of VRNA in Finland using commercial farming equipment. Two case studies on the application of VRNA along with the used strategies are presented and the yield outcomes are analyzed. The results indicate that precision farming has clear potential for N savings also in Finnish conditions. These benefits rely heavily on the expertise of the farmer in being able to forecast the attainable yield and thus nitrogen need of the crop and identifying the drivers of yield variability in the growing season.