Sample points are set throughout the entire zone – representing the entire zone. We use the same sample points each time the field is sampled to provide consistency year after year. 

We are able to get a full picture without needing to sample every zone. This helps cut down on costs for the grower and fertilizer equipment often can’t accommodate changes in every zone.

There is not a static yield goal per zone as we use a separate layer to capture yield in addition to the 10 Zones. In addition to the zones,there are dozens of yield goals within each zone. While that script is extremely accurate to the soil’s needs, the dry spreading fertilizer equipment just can’t keep up…yet.

When creating a planting script, we do use all 10 zones as planter technology is a lot more precise.  

We capture the extremes (Zones 1 and 10) while getting the averages in other zones. Our mapping software will then add results from the zones sampled to get the full recommendation. We sample every other zone. Results will be shown as follows: 

• Zone 1 Results = 1 & 2 on the map
• Zone 2 Results = 3 & 4 on the map
• Zone 3 Results = 5 & 6 on the map
• Zone 4 Results = 7 & 8 on the map
• Zone 5 Results = 9 & 10 on the map

We recommend pulling samples prior to a nitrogen using crop (such as corn) to get the most up to date information for Nitrogen scripts. Whether you pull samples in the Fall, Spring or Post-Planting, we recommend taking samples the same time each year to be most effective with your results. 

Grids are a great solution when fixing pH or liming. BaselineRx zones are preferred to manage soil fertility. This method is based on strictly soil type, topography, and water movement.

Yield based zones are not ideal, as you know many factors play into account to affect yield. Soil type and water movement never change unless the topography is changed drastically. 

Example: Sand and gravel on a hilltop will not release nutrients the same as sand and gravel in depressions. One layer of data cannot be used to make optimal zones. 

It’s possible to use old zones from shapefiles, but we highly discourage it as the files are difficult to input into our system. For the best experience, we recommend a new zone map for your field.

When signing up for BaselineRx, your Agronomy365 Representative will ask you if you would like Agronomy 365 to pull your samples. If so, we will need soil test point shapefiles and field boundaries. If you choose to sample yourself, we will provide you scripts, recommendations after the samples have been pulled. When sampling yourself, please follow this Sampling Guide.

The sample location number varies by field size. We recommend pulling two to three samples per sample point.  For an Indicator Max or Complete test package, 0-6” is ideal. Location of the sample is most important if the field is strip-tilled. If the field is strip tilled, try to stay out of the strip, hot spots or anything else that could affect your sample results. 

Samples are submitted by whoever took the sample. If you took the sample, then you will submit the sample through the Agronomy365 Dashboard. If you have an Agronomy365 team member sample your field, we will submit the samples on your behalf.