Variable Rate Seeding in Precision Agriculture: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to analyze variable rate seeding (VRS) methods and critically evaluate their suitability and effectiveness for the challenges under field conditions. A search was performed using scientific databases and portals by identifying for analysis and evaluation 92 VRS methodologies, their impact and economic benefits depending on the main parameters of the soil and environment. The results of the review identified that VRS could adapt the appropriate seeding rate for each field zone, which was based on site-specific data layers of soil texture, ECa, pH and yield maps. Then, remotely detected images or other data which identify yield-limiting factors were identified. The site-specific sowing method (with a variable sowing rate for each field area) allows the optimization of crop density to obtain the best agronomic and economic results. Various proximal and remote sensor systems, contact and contactless equipment, mapping and VRS modeling technologies are currently used to determine soil and crop variability. VRS depends on the field characteristics’ sowing equipment capabilities, the planned harvest, soil productivity and machine technology interactions with the environment. When forecasting the effective payback of a VRS over the desired period, the farm size should on average be at least 150 ha. In future studies, to achieve the best solutions and optimal methods, it is important to test, evaluate and put into practice the latest methodologies on farms, to perform complex assessments of changes in sensor, soil, plant and environmental parameters.

Single-Neuron PID UAV Variable Fertilizer Application Control System Based on a Weighted Coefficient Learning Correction

“…UAVs have been widely applied in spreading fertilizers, and unlike ground machinery, aerial operations can improve the efficiency of fertilizer application on the target plot without touching the crop canopy and the crop surface [13]. In addition, the payload and stability of agricultural UAV technology have been greatly improved, which increases their spreading performance [14][15][16][17]. In China, applying for airspace through relevant departments can obtain the right to use agricultural drones in this airspace according to the working requirements.…”

Information conveyed by management zones and optimal soybean seeding rate

“…Management zones are areas within a field that have, or should have, similar responses to inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and water. By distinguishing between these zones (for the rest of the paper, we use zone and management zone interchangeably), farmers can optimize input application, resulting in efficient resource use, better yields, and increased profits (Šarauskis et al., 2022). Successful implementation of VRS to maximize profit depends on the appropriate division of a land tract into management zones.…”

“…Šarauskis et al. (2022) offer a thorough review of the agronomic factors involved in determining management zones, including crop, yield history, soil characteristics, terrain, drainage, and meteorological conditions, among others. Many studies have examined the economics of VRS, considering factors such as infield soil type variability, cost effectiveness of precision agriculture practices, and EOSR recommendations.…”

“…The VRS literature primarily focuses on three themes: VRS technology development, management zone determination, and the economic benefits of VRS (Šarauskis et al., 2022). In the realm of technological development, VRS has grown to encompass both remote and proximal sensing technologies.…”

“…However, for soybean, the literature finds that EOSR should typically be higher on less productive land (Carciochi et al., 2019; Gaspar et al., 2020). Research indicates that VRS profitability generally increases with greater field heterogeneity and field size (Šarauskis et al., 2022). For the cost effectiveness of VRS, researchers emphasize the need to make precision agriculture information both more affordable and accessible to enhance its economic viability and encourage broader adoption of these practices (D. S. Bullock & Bullock, 2000).…”