What does the yield depend on?

The quantity and quality of yield is a question that excites every farmer. However, in the process of its formation, a number of factors have an influence, and we from NICKwe decided to collect the most important of them.

Why do we measure yield?

Yield is the measure of the amount of output produced by an area. It is usually expressed in kilograms per acre or hectare. The average yield at the block or farm level is an indicator of the final result of all the resources invested during the year.

What are the main factors that affect the harvest?

Origin of seeds
The quality of the seed material is of paramount importance for achieving high productivity. Choosing certified seeds with high yield potential is an environmentally friendly way to ensure top results. Decontamination of seeds should also not be missed, the purpose of which is to protect the crop from diseases, pests and stimulate growth.

Field zoning
Before sowing, it is important to know what the productivity of the field is, and if possible, to determine the areas in which the plants develop better. This allows optimal management of the soil potential, with which the yield can be increased. Such zoning also makes it possible to determine the correct approach to managing fields with poorer productivity, as well as to take all necessary actions to increase soil fertility.
With the help of new technologies, farmers have fast and efficient options for differentiating the different zones in the block. The use of satellite imagery (NDVI) or mapping of yield at harvest time are just some of the possibilities available to modern agriculture.

Crop monitoring during the growing season
From the early phases to the time of harvest, it is important to monitor the condition of the crop. This allows timely detection of problems related to diseases, pests and weeding.
Satellite imagery (NDVI) is a great option with which farmers can easily monitor the changes in plant development that have occurred.

Time tracking
Climatic conditions are decisive for the quantity and quality of the products obtained. At the same time, unlike other factors, they cannot be controlled by man. The extreme phenomena that the sector has faced in recent years prove this statement. In this regard, monitoring the weather forecast is an important step on the way to a successful harvest. And here new technologies come to the aid of farmers, through which the process becomes significantly easier and more efficient. Weather stations, various types of sensors and specially developed software platforms are among the possibilities from which data can be drawn.

Water
Securing agricultural crops with water is a major limiting factor in achieving a good harvest. The lack of precipitation, especially in the critical phases of crop development, leads to drought, detrimental to plants. In other periods, we report a fall in excessive quantities that make it difficult to carry out a series of technological operations.
Building irrigation systems, where possible, is certainly an investment that pays off. Conversely, where conditions predispose to waterlogging due to water retention, drainage systems are mandatory.
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Soil fertility
Although they are needed in different amounts, each of the essential nutrients is important for plant growth and development. As the main source of nutrients, soil, with its qualities and properties, is the primary factor in ensuring high productivity. Conducting annual soil tests makes it possible to correct deficiencies in the soil. Regular monitoring, especially after the summer drought period, often signals high residual levels of some macronutrients, such as nitrogen. Similar results give reason to save on nitrogen feeding in autumn crops.

The laboratoryNIK is accredited for soil analysis, and with AgroBalanceyou will know where, how much and with what to feed your areas.

If you want to know more about the subject and have any questions, you can contact our agronomists.