CONDUCTIVITY MAPPING FIRST STEP TO VARIABLE SEEDING

Soil EC map

NuWay Cooperative is ready to help you transition to variable rate seeding.

The first step is Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) Mapping. Soil EC is a measure of how easily an electric current flows through the soil. Soil EC mapping has been around for over a decade and is hugely important for outlining a soil’s composition. The information collected and displayed on a soil EC map is essential for writing prescriptions for variable rate seeding.

Our soil sampling partner, FarmRX, uses one of the simplest and most effective devices to measure soil EC—the VERIS 2200XA. The unit can be pulled through the fields in the spring, summer, or fall. See below for photos.

Using EC mapping to accurately identify all soil variability within a field is very important with variable rate seeding. Sandier or lighter soil areas within a field may only effectively support the lowest recommended plant population levels. Heavier soil types may need the highest populations of your crop in order to maximize genetic and environmental potential.

Soil EC can map variations in soil properties (such as soil texture), which have a direct effect on water-holding capacity, CEC, crop yield, production capability, and nitrogen (N) loss variations within a field.

Applying more N in areas of the field that can handle it (and store it effectively) will allow for an increased potential for higher yields in those areas, especially when that higher fertilizer rate is combined with a higher plant stand. This is the result of increasing seeds per acre through variable rate planting.

To learn more about variable rate seeding and to make arrangements for Soil EC mapping of your fields, call your NuWay Cooperative account manager today.