The shown RGB image displays a winter oilseed rape crop in December 2024. Clearly visible are the compacted hilltops where little crop emerged during the summer. These areas struggled to develop in autumn and will likely have yields well below average.
This is where site-specific fertilization becomes beneficial.
This is the NDVI image of the same field. These "problem areas" can be identified from space with high accuracy. Based on the NDVI values, zones can be classified — typically into up to three yield potential classes. Fertilizer quantities can then be applied according to the estimated yield potential of each zone.
Thanks to the Copernicus program, Earth is imaged 2–3 times per week. These images are freely available. We use this data to generate application maps for fertilization and seeding. Edge areas near forests or roads often distort automatic NDVI analysis, so we manually correct them when necessary. We can also define specific fertilizer amounts for headlands.
We are able to generate application maps in virtually any grid size. In practice, grid resolutions of 6 to 36 meters have proven most useful.
In the example shown, we defined two yield zones: normal and low. Additionally, a higher fertilizer amount was applied on the headlands. We can customize headland application exactly to your specifications.
These application maps can also be used for sprayers and seed drills. We provide support with configuration and troubleshooting of site-specific applications.
We’re happy to provide a free test map in advance! This lets you test whether your equipment supports application maps. Contact us — even on weekends — if you're having trouble using your map.
Below are further examples of application maps. These can be drawn manually or aligned precisely with tramlines. This is particularly useful in trial plots, where different input rates can be applied to individual bouts or blocks within them.
