Variable rate zones: Field mapping, soil characteristics, tools & more

Abstract

On today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast, Brad and Dan talk about variable rate application - and zones in particular. What's the overall point to variable rate N application? How might an initial starting N rate be determined? How do farmers' fields and equipment introduce their own variables, and how can these variables be monitored? How should farmers think about - and plot out - field zones? What's the difference between a yield map and a zone map, and should farmers rely on yield maps for zoning purposes? Do the best yielding spots always need the most nitrogen? All of this and much more on today's show. Additional resources: https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/10/with-high-nitrogen-fertilizer-prices.html">With high nitrogen fertilizer prices and low corn prices, can you decrease your nitrogen rate for 2026? (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/10/with-high-nitrogen-fertilizer-prices.html); Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator (https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5575265938373902114/1105585201264667841); Is variable rate nitrogen based on yield maps a good idea? (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/04/is-variable-rate-nitrogen-based-on.html); Variable rate nitrogen: What are we trying to accomplish? (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2025/07/variable-rate-nitrogen-what-are-we.html)