Hutchinsons will use Lamma to introduce PowerZone, the next phase in its development of Omnia.
Available as part of the Omnia Business Manager service, the company says it provides an additional way of visualising and managing in-field variation, supporting more accurate and efficient decision-making across crop management plans.
PowerZone is a specialist map-layer and zoning tool that identifies field zones of differing yield potential based on up to 15 years of historical satellite biomass data. “The PowerZone map essentially highlights which parts of a field consistently perform well and which parts perform less well (lower potential) over the years. This provides an invaluable foundation for variable rate applications of seed, fertiliser, and crop protection products,” explains Lewis McKerrow, head of digital agronomy with Hutchinsons.
“It’s comparable to soil zone maps in the way it identifies underlying field variation and allows users to define management zones. PowerZone uses long-term biomass data to build a picture of field performance potential and creates a single, easy-to-use map layer within Omnia.”
Powered through BASF’s xarvio Field Manager platform, PowerZone has been successfully used by xarvio customers across Europe — but until now, has not been widely available to UK farmers.
“Partnering with Hutchinson’s agronomy combines decades of local expertise with advanced digital farming technologies for tangible benefits to farmers and the environment,” says Richard Corden, head of solutions & services at BASF.
Omnia is the only UK digital farming platform to offer PowerZone, and Business Manager users can opt in to use it at no additional cost.
Lewis adds that it offers Omnia users more flexibility, is completely optional and particularly useful for those taking on new blocks of land. Where historical yield data isn’t available. PowerZone offers a clear, data-driven insight into field performance from the outset, helping growers make better-informed management decisions.”
Lamma visitors will have the opportunity to explore how PowerZone integrates within Omnia, view sample maps, and speak directly with the Hutchinsons digital agronomy team.
