Variable Rate Technology (VRT)

Make strategic use of fertilizer for optimum yields.
Viterra is pleased to introduce Variable Rate Technology, a program that will enable farmers to make better nutrient management decisions.

The VRT program aims to help farmers to:

  • cut operating costs,

  • increase yields, and

  • minimize environmental impacts, all at the same time.

With key features and innovations, Viterra’s Variable Rate Technology program is unlike any other in the market today.  View Viterra's Variable Rate Technology Top Crop Article.

What is Variable Rate Technology?

Variable Rate Technology (VRT) is a method of applying varying rates of crop inputs to specific management zones across a specific field.

The goal of VRT is to optimize crop yields and crop quality while creating efficiencies in input application. The program will help producers make strategic use of fertilizers to optimize yields.

How does VRT work?

The process begins by dividing the field into a number of management zones using satellite imagery. Intensive soil tests are taken from each of the management zones and analyzed. After yield targets are established in consultation with farmers, a prescription application plan is made. Variable rate technologies that tie GPS information and application equipment together are then used to vary the rate of fertilizer applied to the field, resulting in the strategic placement of nutrients.

Advice
Our knowledgeable agronomic staff works with farmers to develop yield goals across management zones within a field. The goal setting process incorporates agronomic tools and information, including: soil test results, soil moisture, fertilizer and commodity prices—in addition to producers’ knowledge of their fields. The prescription plan is fully customized and compatible with any type of variable rate equipment.

Opportunities
Because soil characteristics change across a field, all fields have variability. Because of soil variations, different areas in the field will have different yield potential. Managing nutrient application to specific zones allows farmers to optimize their nutrient inputs by applying targeted rates at each zone.

Whether the goal is to maximize crop yield, to balance nutrient application to reduce lodging and promote more even ripening, or to maximize production while working within a set fertilizer budget, Viterra can customize VRT to producers.


An integrated nutrient planner unique to Viterra.

The cost-efficiency of Viterra’s VRT program comes primarily from using AgroMax™-VST, an integrated nutrient planner exclusive to Viterra.

AgroMax-VST is a unique computer-based program that allows the Viterra VRT technician to create a soil test by using only the previous year’s soil test plus yield and the past growing season characteristics. AgroMax-VST is both scientifically-proven and accurate saving producers’ time and money. AgroMax-VST cuts costs to producers by allowing Viterra’s technicians to come up with the next year’s soil test without actually going out to the field.

Benefits of Viterra’s VRT Program:

  • An Outline of Fertility Management Zones

  • Fertilizer Recommendations based on nutrient response curves

  • Reliable Soil Sampling and Analysis at an accredited lab

  • Agronomic Recommendations and Prescription Maps based on producers’ needs and goals

  • Flexibility for producer to choose the type of variable rate equipment they use

  • Access to Mapping and Record Keeping capabilities using the SST Systems FarmRite® Network

  • An Economic Check.  We set up prescription plan to allow us to Field Truth results

VRT & Sustainability

The Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for applying fertilizer are summarized as the 4 R’s:

Right Product - Choosing the right product is important in ensuring that the fertilizer used is environmentally best suited for the specific use intended. For example, urea is ideally suited for fall and spring banding but may not be the best product for use in the seed row or for broadcast applications.

Right Place – This refers to the application. The practice of banding fertilizer was pioneered in Western Canada. The increase in fertilizer efficiencies show that the proper placement of fertilizer may improve a crop’s utilization and reduce losses into the environment.

Right Time – Proper applications of fertilizer in the fall, during seeding in the spring, or in crop all have specific advantages under certain conditions.


Right Rate – Not only does applying the proper rate optimize crop production, it also helps the environment by reducing the excessive application of nitrogen to areas of the field where it may be lost via leaching or denitrification. By using Variable Rate Technology, rates are matched to anticipated crop use.

Environmental Sustainability

Variable Rate Nitrogen applications are recognized by the Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol (NERP). The NERP is intended to reduce on-farm emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) in a quantifiable, credible and verifiable way. In addition to NERP, producers can also increase their Carbon Credit returns in provinces where Carbon Credit payments are made.  To find out more view the Viterra’s Carbon Credit Program in Alberta.

For more information on Variable Rate Technology please contact your local Viterra ag retail or contact Thom Weir, 306.786.2066 / thom.weir@viterra.ca