Comparisons of Uniform and Variable Rate Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications in Real Conditions - Evaluation of Potential Impact on the Yield of Wheat Available for Use in Animal Feed

Abstract

The presented research deals with the variable application of N fertilizers (VRA NF) in the stand of winter wheat and with possibilities for evaluating the effect of such application on grain yield. The effect of VRA NF was assessed in close cooperation between Spearhead Czech Ltd. and Mendel University in Brno within an operational experiment. In 2018 and 2019, three experimental plots were always chosen on which VRA NF was implemented by conventional technique according to application maps. Each application map included control strips with the uniform NF application. The application maps were prepared based on the spectral analysis of satellite images. The individual plots were divided into three zones: Zone 1 with the lowest yield potential, Zone 2 with the medium yield potential, Zone 3 with the highest yield potential. The highest dose of N was at all times applied in Zone 3, and conversely the lowest dose was applied in Zone 1. In 2018 and 2019, the experimental fields were harvested by harvester New Holland CX 8080 which was equipped with the technology for the monitoring of grain yields. The main goal of data processing was to remove error data at first and then to re-calibrate them using the information about the weight of harvested grain. The expected benefit, i.e. a yield increase by min. 3% was found only in 2018, when the benefit was about 5%. In the following year, the difference between the conventional application of N and VRA technologies was minimal. However, this condition was probably caused by drought which negatively affected all stands. In particular, measured values of grain yield do not indicate the negative effect of VRA NF on grain yield. This research further showed the applicability of yield data acquired by harvest technology; however, the elimination of error data is necessary as well as their re-calibration according to total yield ascertained by weighing the total production of grain from a specific plot.