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NW KS | Management zones should reflect the variability that is present in the field. Yield maps, soil maps, and soil test are all ways that variability can be measured. There is no one way to create a management zone all these different methods can be part of the process. Yields maps can show the areas where there is variability. Then the question becomes why does this area yield better or worse than other parts of the field. Is the soil type different, does this area lack fertilizer or drainage. All these things can be part of the puzzle. The number of zones and their size should reflect the amount of variability that is present in the field. Some fields have more variability than others. Most people recommend no more than 5 to 6 management zones. If you use 5 zones then you have 2 below average zones, one average zone, and two above average zones. There is not set size for a management zone but there are some practical considerations. A zone that is narrower than you equipment wouldn't be practical for example. Rate controllers also don’t change instantly. Like many things you have to find out what works in your area and go from there. Hopefully my ramblings don’t confuse you more. | |
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How do you define a management zone?
