Trimble FM-1000 - Field preparations for nitrogen application

10 GreenSeeker setup Field preparations for nitrogen application
Field preparations for nitrogen application
Note – The following instructions apply to the most common nitrogen applications. Check algorithms for
specific instructions. For updated specific algorithm instructions, visit www.GreenSeeker.com.
Before you can use the GreenSeeker applicator to apply nitrogen across a field, before or shortly
after planting you must establish a nitrogen rich reference strip (NRS) or "calibration" area. The rest
of the field is referred to as the Non-Reference (Non-Ref) portion (or as the N-limited area or farmer
practice region).
The NRS reference strip is used to determine the:
l Amount of nitrogen being made available to the plant by the environment (such as
mineralization)
l Current year's expected maximum yield potential and response to additional nitrogen
An ideal NRS runs the length of the field, but must be at least 400 feet long.
1.
Establish the NRS in a representative reference portion of the field (in other words, not in high
spot or low spot). Use a permanent land marker or temporary marker to ensure that the NRS
can easily be found later in the season. You may also want to establish the location of the NRS
by noting it as an A-B line or flag on the screen.
The rate of nitrogen necessary to establish a NRS:
ll Is crop and region dependent
l
Should be the highest rate necessary to satisfy crop needs throughout the growing season
2.
Use the sensor mounted booms of the RT200 system with RT Commander or the GreenSeeker
Hand Held sensor.
If past practice was a 100% pre-plant application of nitrogen, decrease pre-plant nitrogen
application rate of the field to a level at least half of previous total nitrogen applied during non-
GreenSeeker management practice.
Crop Explanation
Spring or winter
wheat
If application rate has historically been 100lbsN/acre, decrease the
rate to 50 lbs nitrogen per acre.
Note –
Sandy soil type or heavy rainfall may require additional N
application to maintain the NRS as a non-limiting reference area.
Corn
If application rates have historically been 200 lbs nitrogen per acre
decrease to 75to125lbsN/acre.
Note –
Sandy soil type or heavy rainfall may require additional N
application to maintain the NRS as a non-limiting reference area.
Version 9.25, Revision B FM-1000 Integrated Display User Guide 245