In addition our fields are generally small and irregularly shaped so the potential for end row and point row effects in the yield maps are significant. K. Thus the potential for a response to variable rate P and K appears low. We have encountered variations in soil pH which could be addressed using a variable rate applicator and may prove to be economical. Several industry counterparts have seen similar trends and some have begun variable lime spreading operations in PA and Maryland. Interest in yield monitoring appears to be good among grain producers but less so among dairy producers.
Fewer producers have an interest in yield mapping.
The lack of a free DGPS source in many areas is likely limiting yield mapping. Dealers appear to be approaching the technology cautiously but some efforts in soil fertility mapping and yield mapping are ongoing in the industry. Variable rate fertilizer applications have been very limited at this point. One project has focused on assessing the utility of the yield monitor for conducting hybrid strip tests. Potential difficulties we have encountered with yield monitoring under our conditions are shorter strips, wet soil conditions, moisture inaccuracies due to wet corn or snow during harvest.