GPS technology and an accurate RTK correction signal can also be interesting for livestock farmers with grassland and roughage. For example, when using plant protection products and creating fixed driving paths.
When applying plant protection products, a reliable correction signal that is available at all times and everywhere is important in order to work as sustainably as possible and to limit the use of products and therefore also the costs. Centimeter-accurate RTK GPS is also important for soil compaction, drainage and strip cropping.
Research shows that about 45% to 50% of Dutch agricultural soils are compacted. In some provinces this even rises to almost 70%. In addition to lighter equipment and tire pressure change systems, fixed driving paths and work passes on headlands can also contribute to less soil compaction. A reliable and centimeter-accurate RTK correction signal is indispensable. Especially if you work in row crops and bed or ridge cultivation.
Due to the traditional way of cultivating grassland with varying widths of machines, which are driven over the entire plot, there is a great chance of compaction. But with fixed tramlines, all machines have the same working width and always follow the same tramline. As a result, a large part of a plot remains untouched and therefore not compacted. Other advantages of working with fixed driving paths are that the farmer is less dependent on the weather and the manure can be spread at the best time. It is also possible to use silage when the grass quality is optimal.
Increasing biodiversity
At the Dairy Campus, the research and practical center for dairy farming at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), they are experimenting with fixed lanes. Research there, commissioned by the Dairy Fund, shows that working with fixed driving paths and a higher water level leads to a slightly higher grass yield. Raising the ditch level is a measure to increase the biodiversity of grassland. The problem is that the land is then less easy to work with, or that there is a lower yield due to driving damage. Fixed driving paths could overcome the disadvantage of poorer drivability of the plot.
The Dairy Campus in Friesland carried out operations (fertilising, mowing, tedding, windrowing, chopping) with a fixed track spacing of twelve metres. During chopping, the silage wagon is coupled behind the forage harvester, because the distance between the forage harvester and the silage wagon when driving next to it on a track distance of twelve meters is too great to blow the grass into the silage wagon (see photo). GPS was also used to be able to take the same track over and over again.
Fixed driving paths can also bring more biodiversity to the plot because soil life can do its thing better. As a result, the soil is less sensitive to drought and wet conditions. Drought and drainage often seemed to be opposites until new ideas and techniques led to reverse drainage, level controlled drainage and sub-irrigation. In short, this means that rainwater is not drained off during periods of abundance, but is buffered for dry periods using drainage systems. The location, position and orientation of drainage pipes are very precise and vehicles, equipment and drones with RTK GPS are also used for this.
Farm of the future
At the Farm of the Future, a test location in Lelystad, WUR researchers are working together with farmers from Flevoland on solutions for the sector. All kinds of new techniques and applications are being developed, tested and demonstrated. For example, the potential of strip cultivation and its effects on soil compaction, moisture supply and diversity are being examined. Fixed driving paths are one of the experiments on the farm. Project leader Pieter de Wolf, from WUR: "We have machines that we can use well in this system. It was an investment project of one and a half years, but we are now ready to work 100% from the train paths."
Several trials are underway at various organic and conventional companies. The alternation of three, six or nine wide strips with different crops not only provides more diversity in terms of flora and fauna, it also requires adapted mechanization and cultivation measures. A deviation of 10 centimeters from an autopilot or GPS section control then has extra major consequences. Former minister Staghouwer thinks that there is a lot to be gained with site-specific fertilization and spraying. "In some places, the soil has a diverse structure. If you can work more precisely there, you can get more return from the plots."
All the more reason to choose an RTK correction signal that is available everywhere and at all times, such as that of MoveRTK, which works with centimeter accuracy and crosses borders.
MoveRTK is number one in accuracy
MoveRTK is certified by TüV SüD for accuracy, availability. Continuous availability is guaranteed because the infrastructure has been constructed in such a way that it has double connection lines and also transmits signals during maintenance and calamities. Other entrepreneurs are generally very satisfied with the use and the service. With accurate positioning, you too can farm smarter.
The benefits of MoveRTK are:
Knowing more? Read all about MoveRTK on the website movertk.nl