A new app launched by Atfarm (Yara’s digital farming unit) will allow farmers to apply variable-rate N-fertiliser and monitor crops by combining satellite data with the Yara N-Sensor index. CPM reports.
The new app, launched this week, gives farmers the ability to do variable-rate N-fertilisation right from their smartphone.
They can use the web-based app to create variable-rate application maps based on real crop requirements, and transform their smartphone into a terminal which is independent of existing spreader technology. The app also makes crop monitoring available on-the-go.
How does it work?
Users can upload or create fields in Atfarm and produce an application map using the web-app. They can then export the map to their existing in-cab terminal or use the new mobile app on their smartphone.
To turn the smartphone into a terminal, go to the driving mode and choose whether to spread by speed or flow rate, depending on the available equipment.
In the case of spreading by speed, the smartphone app detects where the tractor is located on the field and indicates the speed at which to drive to apply the right amount. If the spreader has a terminal with manual flow rate control, the user can choose to spread by flow rate.
The app then tells the driver how much to increase or decrease the flow rate manually on the spreader terminal to match the application map.
Crop monitoring on-the-go
In addition to the variable-rate fertiliser feature, the Atfarm app also offers crop monitoring. Farmers can create fields and check crop biomass maps with new images available every 3-5 days from their smartphone to support their decision-making in the field.
In addition, georeferenced information is under development, which will soon enable users to add notes, images or markers to their fields to facilitate work on the farm.
Learn more about the mobile app at https://uk.at.farm/mobile-app
