By Ezinne Okorie

Did your field produce lesser yield than you expected last season? And do you think that you did everything you were supposed to do? Apparently, there is something you must not have put into consideration; something many Nigerian farmers are also guilty of – some level of precision farming.

Recently talks about precision farming have begun to make waves. While some consider it as the future of agriculture, others have simply dived in and are already reaping the fruit of their labour.

Precision farming simply involves the use of accurate soil and crop data to improve yield. The main goal is to optimize agricultural returns by matching farming practices more closely to crop needs. If you hope to get optimum yield and make maximum profit this season, then you should be considering precision farming; because it is only through precision farming that you can provide your crops exactly what they need and in the amount they need it.

Now, before you start thinking of the cost involved and how to get the needed technology; you should know that precision farming is not always about automated sensors, robotic tractors and other high-end techs. The purpose of this article is to expose how Nigerian farmers who do not have access to this techs can bring some level of precision into their farms, reduce waste of farm inputs and most importantly, obtain optimum yield.

To achieve this feat, you must put these 4Rs into consideration:

RIGHT TIME: the application of nutrients and water at the right time is critical. It ensures that crops get their nutrients and water exactly when they need them. Also applying these at the right time decreases potential loses to the environment and saves the farmer a lot of cost.

RIGHT RATE: application of fertilizer at the right rate increases nutrient use efficiency while still bringing greater returns to the farmer. The nutrient content of your soil can either be low, medium or high with respect to a particular crop; and it is always best to match fertilizer addition to the potential of your soil. If not, you may either be under fertilizing or even over fertilizing. The right nutrient rate simply means using the fertilizer to its fullest potential.

RIGHT SOURCE: there are different types of fertilizers that are available for use. Some can make your soil acidic; some are compound mix – comprising of 3 or more nutrients; some are single nutrient sources; some have unique blends; and some have really impressive fertilizer grade. Choosing the correct nutrient source can really save you a lot of cost and problems as well.

RIGHT PLACE: it is also important to use proper fertilizer placement methods at all times. Application of nutrients in the right place increases nutrient use efficiency by the crops, and also minimizes waste. You certainly do not want to apply fertilizer on your field only to have it run-off before your crops can even use it.

With these 4Rs, you are well on your way to higher yields this season. However, it may not be easy to carry out the 4Rs without some soil and crop data. Every soil and crop is unique and should be treated as such, or else you may not get the maximum yield you hope for. A good soil test can help you make the right decisions on the best fertilizer source for your soil, appropriate fertilizer application rate, fertilizer timing and fertilizer placement. It can also help farmers who are into irrigation farming take the proper steps during off-season farming. Therefore, before you begin farming this season, get you soil tested to determine its capability. Precision farming starts now, you do not have to wait for the future.

Ezinne E Okorie is the head of Soil Management Unit, Agro News Nigeria.

Contact Agro News Nigeria now for accurate soil testing, fertilizer recommendation and general soil management advisory.

Email: soilmanagement@agronewsng.com

Phone: 07033861409, 08124788433