Profit maximization in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) using variable rate technology (VRT) in the Sárrét Region, Hungary

Gabor Milics, Jakab Kauser and Attila Kovacs

No 296767, Agri-Tech Economics Papers from Harper Adams University, Land, Farm & Agribusiness Management Department

Abstract: Variable rate technology (VRT) in seeding (VRS) and variable rate application (VRA) of fertilizers aims to treat within-field differences occurring in agricultural lands. VRT in maize, winter wheat, and sunflower is widely applied in Hungary, however, for soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) experiments are still not widely available. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of VRS and VRA of fertilizers on the profitability of soybean production in a 43.1-hectare trial field. The trial is located in the Sárrét Region, Hungary. Management zones were determined according to earlier yield maps, satellite imagery, and earlier Topcon CropScan measurements. The applied treatments were: 1, varying only seed rates: 525-615 k-seed/ha; 2, varying nutrient rates: N: 32-54 kg in the form of Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN 27%N), P: 84-116 kg in the form of Diammonium phosphate (DAP 18%N:46%P2O5), and K: 7-80 kg potassium (60%K2O); and 3, varying seed and fertilizer rates as well. Base fertilizing was carried out on 27 March 2018. Seeding was carried out on 25 April 2018 using 15 cm row spacing. Top-dressing (FitoHorm Szója, 5 l/ha) and weed control (Corum herbicide, 1.9 l/ha) were carried out uniformly on 30 May 2018. For profit calculations all expenses were calculated (cultivation, soil sampling and analysis, seeding, top-dressing, herbicide treatment, nutrient replenishment, and yield mapping) as inputs and the yield actual selling price as income. The highest profit was reached by applying VRS and VRA at the same time. Untreated control resulted in a significantly lower profit. We state that the application of complex site-specific variable rate technology resulted in higher profit than individual VRS or VRA treatments using extra input materials. We also state that a reference site-specific technology for soybean treatment was also found, which can help advisors in the region in the future.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Farm Management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 7
Date: 2019-10-21
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:haaepa:296767

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.296767

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