The Van Wall Agronomy Team is back with an in-field root check update for our John Deere ExactShot™ fertilizer system trial! Get a close-up look at how root mass is developing for each of our 4 test strips from Todd Farver, Van Wall Agronomist. John Deere ExactShot™ is designed to help you save money from the start, and we’re determined to get real results & real answers to your questions about how ExactShot™ can boost your bottom line. Watch Episode 2 below to hear more!
Root Development Update - V5 Stage
When comparing root mass development on our 4 test strips, not much difference was found between 3 gallons/acre continuous, 3 gallons/acre dosed, and 6 gallons/acre dosed. What does this mean? John Deere ExactShot™ is helping do exactly what it’s designed to do – save you money on starter fertilizer.
Because the root mass development on both of our 3 gallons/acre strips is virtually identical, there isn’t any benefit to be found in applying continuously throughout the seed trench compared to dosing fertilizer only on top of each seed. This means you can save up to 66% on input cost by not applying fertilizer in the “blank” areas between seeds, while still getting the same benefit & growth performance of having starter available to your plants from day one.
Additionally, there is very minimal difference when upping the rate to 6 gallons/acre in dosing mode, meaning there’s no added benefit to the increased spend on fertilizer at this stage.
While the real test of results will come in the fall, the Van Wall Agronomy Team is already seeing a huge benefit behind using an intelligent fertilizer dosing system at planting to not only save on inputs, but also ensure that each seed is being fed the proper nutrient diet. The John Deere ExactShot™ system makes this easy with intuitive in-cab setup & adjustment and the ability to swap between modes when you need to, keeping flexibility and control in your hands.
The Field
- Located near Perry, IA.
- Clay Loam soil type.
- Moderately to poorly drained, with no tile.
- Soil sampling performed each year to monitor nutrients.
- P & K applied to achieve an average corn crop of 250 bushels/acre, and an average soybean crop of 70 bushels/acre.
- 130 pounds/acre of NH3 applied in Fall 2024.
The Trial
We’ll have side-by-side test strips of the following application rates across the field to test the yield impacts:
- 3 Gallons/Acre Continuous
- 3 Gallons/Acre Dosed
- 6 Gallons/Acre Dosed
- 0 Gallons/Acre Check Strip
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow along for updates throughout the growing season.
Questions on what John Deere ExactShot™ can do for your operation? Talk to your Van Wall Sales or Precision Ag Pro for more information today!