Variable Rate Technology (VRT) helps growers match fertiliser inputs to the productivity potential of different soil types, improving input efficiency, reducing financial risk and supporting more profitable cropping systems.

This program of work from 2022 to 2026 helped growers build confidence in adopting VRT through practical demonstrations, soil zone mapping, decision-support tools and personalised technical support. Beginning with demonstrations of soil zone mapping and variable rate nutrition management, the project evolved to support growers in confidently implementing VRT using the AgriSolve platform and applying the technology across their own farming businesses.

Project description: 

This program was delivered through two complementary projects that progressively moved growers from understanding the principles of Variable Rate Technology to confidently implementing it on their own farms.

The initial project demonstrated how soil zone mapping and targeted soil testing could improve fertiliser decision-making by identifying differences in soil fertility, production potential and nutrient requirements across individual paddocks. Demonstration sites and extension activities showed growers how matching fertiliser rates to soil variability could improve input efficiency, profitability and drought resilience.

Building on these foundations, the second project focused on expanding adoption through practical workshops, one-on-one technical support and continued development of the AgriSolve decision-support platform. Growers were supported to zone paddocks using NDVI imagery, undertake targeted soil testing, establish fertiliser strip trials, analyse harvest results and generate machinery-compatible prescription maps. Rather than simply demonstrating VRT, the project equipped growers with the knowledge, tools and confidence to implement precision nutrient management independently.

Key achievements and results: 

Across the two projects delivered between 2022 and 2026, more than 300 growers participated in workshops, field days and extension activities, building understanding of soil variability and Variable Rate Technology. The final project exceeded its original target of supporting 15 growers, with 63 growers participating in project activities and 32 growers (around 50%) progressing to implement fertiliser strip trials or whole-paddock VRT on their own farms. Many growers have since expanded VRT across additional paddocks, demonstrating continued adoption beyond the life of the project.

The challenging 2025 season provided valuable learning opportunities. Dry seasonal conditions meant moisture, rather than nutrition, was the primary limitation to crop growth, resulting in little yield response to higher fertiliser rates across many paddocks. Instead, the demonstrations reinforced that understanding soil variability and production potential is fundamental to profitable fertiliser decisions. The greatest differences in crop performance consistently occurred between soil types rather than fertiliser rates, highlighting the value of paddock zoning and targeted nutrient management in reducing risk during difficult seasons.

A major outcome of the program was the continued development of the AgriSolve decision-support platform. Working alongside participating growers, the project refined the platform to integrate paddock zoning, NDVI imagery, soil characterisation, plant available water estimates, rainfall data and nutrient decision-support tools within a single system. New functionality enables growers to generate machinery-compatible prescription maps, estimate yield potential and make more informed fertiliser decisions using their own paddock data.

One of the strongest outcomes was the personalised extension model. Technical specialists worked one-on-one with growers to review harvest data, compare gross margins across soil zones and interpret paddock-specific results. This practical support helped growers move beyond understanding the concept of VRT to confidently implementing and expanding it across their farming businesses. As one participating grower explained, “If I hadn’t got the push from MSF and the project team… it probably wouldn’t have happened. I just needed that bit of encouragement to have a go.”

Further information:

Technical resources developed through the project:

• Technical report: Precision Made Practical – Expanding Variable Rate Technology for More Growers
• Technical report: Demonstrating Soil Zone Mapping for Variable Rate Nutrition Management
• Case study: From Hesitation to Application – A Grower’s VRT Journey 2025 VRT Season Outcomes
• Access AgriSolve – Variable Rate Technology decision-support platform

See how growers are using VRT:

• Case study: From Hesitation to Application – A Grower’s VRT Journey 2025 VRT Season Outcomes
• Farmer VRT Case Study: Lameroo
• Farmer VRT Case Study: Lowbank
• Farmer VRT Case Study: Murray Plains

Want to learn how to set up a fertiliser trial strip? Read the project factsheet. 

Further information and resources are available on the Mallee Sustainable Farming website.

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