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Help Shape the Future of Variable Rate Fertilizer Management in Montana
With support from Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana State University is launching a new statewide on-farm research and extension project focused on helping producers evaluate and implement variable rate fertilizer application.
This is a complete, end to end project involving multiple MSU faculty and specialists in precision agriculture, soil fertility, agricultural economics, remote sensing, and Extension. Our team will work directly with participating producers to:
• Define field management zones using yield data, soil information, topography, remote sensing, and producer knowledge.
• Collect zone-based soil samples to better understand field variability.
• Develop variable rate fertilizer prescriptions tailored to each field.
• Assist with implementation and work alongside producers and crop consultants throughout the process.
• Evaluate agronomic and economic outcomes to determine whether variable rate management improves profitability and nutrient use efficiency.
One of the biggest challenges producers face is determining whether variable rate technology will provide a return on investment. To answer that question, each participating field will include side by side comparison strips, where the variable rate prescription is evaluated against the producer's standard fertilizer practice. After harvest, MSU agricultural economists will conduct an economic analysis to compare costs, yields, and profitability.
We recognize that access to equipment can be a barrier. For producers who do not have variable rate application capability, project funds may be available to help support implementation costs, allowing more operations to participate regardless of their current equipment setup.
We are currently seeking producers interested in participating on this effort. Whether you are already using precision agriculture technologies or are simply curious about how variable rate management could fit your operation, we would welcome the opportunity to visit with you.
In addition, we have developed a short survey to help identify research and Extension priorities related to variable rate fertilizer management in Montana. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and will help us better understand current adoption, challenges, educational needs, and opportunities for future research. Your feedback will support the development of practical programs and help us pursue additional funding to address producer priorities.
Take the survey: Link [montana.qualtrics.com]
If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Ricardo Pinto, ricardo.pinto@montana.edu or 406-994-6374.
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