How technology can boost profitability by reducing farm inputs

In this episode, we discover how technology can increase farm profitability by reducing input costs while driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

We look at a number of options for arable farmers when it comes to establishing, managing and harvesting combinable crops and maize.

We examine how strip tillage systems can get crops off to a good start by using precision planting alongside injected slurry as an alternative nutrient source.

In terms of crop protection, we investigate the benefits of mechanical weeding as an alternative to chemical herbicides – and find out whether it is cost effective.

Where herbicides are deemed necessary, we look at how spot spraying can reduce their application on weed-free parts of the field.

We also find out how real-time monitoring of grain protein content while wheat crops are harvested can be used to optimise nitrogen fertiliser applications.

And we look at developments in tractor technology which are helping to reduce soil compaction and reliance on fossil fuels.

This episode was recorded during a sustainability day hosted by machinery manufacturer John Deere on a farm near Magdeburg, Germany.