When the crop is harvested, we can analyze how different rates affected yields in each management zone.
To do this, upload the yield map into the platform by clicking 'Upload yield map' in the side menu. You can upload the file from your onboard computer or a converted shapefile.
💡 If you use the John Deere Operations Center, see how to import harvest data in three clicks.
Match file attributes with OneSoil system attributes. It's important that you match these three attributes: yield data, units of measurement, and the time when the yield point was recorded.
The 'Yield' parameter represents yield data. We recommend using an attribute that indicates a wet crop, as the grain moisture sensor often shows incorrect readings and can affect the analysis results.
After that, select the units of measurement you use for yield. We work with the metric, imperial, and hybrid measurement systems.
The 'Timestamp' parameter represents the time at which the yield point is recorded. It's needed to determine the machinery's direction. It usually corresponds to the 'timestamp' attribute. If there's no such name in the list, select any other attribute that indicates the sequence of points (i.e., 'id').
When the file is uploaded, you can view it in the 'VRA maps & trials' tab. Click the yield map to compare it to productivity or NDVI zones and analyze the VRA map.
How to interpret trial results
The app will generate a report showing how much was harvested in each zone using different rates. With this information in hand, you'll be able to determine the best rates for each zone.
In the trial results with two control strips, we usually observe 3 scenarios:
An increase in yield. Yields increase in the high productivity/NDVI zone with an increase in application rate or in the low productivity zone with a decrease in application rate.
The yield for all three rates is the same, which means that the rate can be reduced, thus saving money.
The yield in all zones increases when increasing the application rate. It means that the average rate was underestimated.
Let's take a look at an example
The Farm’s standard seeding rate for a field was 70,000 seeds/ha. The agronomist decided to plant 78,000 seeds/ha in the high-productivity zone and 62,000 seeds/ha in the low-productivity zone.
Let’s look at the Yield report with VRA results. First of all, let's compare the yield map and productivity zones. We see that the OneSoil’s productivity zones correspond with the yield map.
Now, let's compare the yield and VRA maps. To estimate the average yield that we would have received with uniform application, we look at the yield results in the control strips where the standard and medium rates were used. In our case, that's 5.44 t/ha. The average yield when using variable-rate application increased to 5.86 t/ha. That's a great result! Yes, we've used more seeds, but the profit made from increased yield will compensate for that.
Now, let's look at the charts on the bottom part of the report. The low-productivity zone had the biggest yield with a seeding rate of 62,000 seeds/ha. We can conclude that the low rate worked best. Decreasing the seeding rate led to increased yield. Planting 70,000 seeds/ha in this area doesn't make sense. We even lost yield.
In the high-productivity zone, the situation is quite the opposite. By increasing the seeding rate, we managed to achieve a higher yield. In this case, the planting costs were worth it.
Trial data (rates, control strips, yield map) will always be stored on the platform for each season and each field. This information can be used for reports.
What's next?
We'd appreciate any feedback you have about the app and trial results. Please tell us about your experiences with the platform, what features were lacking, and what was challenging to you. You can also share with us how much you were able to save and earn! Contact us at hello@onesoil.ai or via the in-app chat with support.