Economic Analysis of VRTs

Introduction

Variable rate (VR) technologies can be profitably used to increase the efficiency of site specific crop management (SSCM). Yield benefits of using VR technology to conduct SSCM at a finer scale than already practiced may be theoretical, because of the large scale of spatial variation, the uncertain season, and the interaction between season and management. However, cost savings from increased operational efficiency are more likely and reliable and may justify introducing VR in its own right. Weeds are the major yield-limiting factor in wild blueberry fields. Traditionally, herbicides are applied uniformly in wild blueberry fields, but weeds are not distributed uniformly within fields. In these situations, spatial information management systems hold great potential for allowing producers to fine-tune the locations, timings, and rates of herbicide application. Advances in sensing technology and VR control systems have offered new opportunities for detecting weeds and spot-application of agrochemicals in the specific section of the VR sprayer boom where the weeds have been detected. 

Objectives

Several wild blueberry fields were selected in central Nova Scotia to evaluate the cost savings using variable rate technologies. The VR sprayer was efficient and accurate enough for detecting weeds for spot-application of herbicides. VR sprayer was capable of automatic compensation for changing ground speed and adjustable front and back buffers for precise overlapping of applications on targets. The results of cost analysis suggested 60 to 80% savings using VR technologies in wild blueberry fields. The additional cost to incorporate the sensing system was $ 14000. For a 300 acre farm with 25% weed (sheep sorrel) coverage, applied chemical Kerb, the chemical saving is around $ 40,000 for one application.

Researchers

Dr. Qamar Zaman, Associate Professor, Engineering Department, NSAC

Dr. Young Ki Chang (Post Doctoral Fellow)

Travis Easu (Graduate Student)

Aitazaz Farooque (Graduate Student)

Partners

This research was funded by Oxford Frozen Foods Limited, Agri-Futures (ACAAF) Nova Scotia, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia and Department of Agriculture Technology Development Program, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, NS Growing Forward, Department of Agriculture.