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What equipment do I need to use variable-rate application maps in YaraPlus?

To apply fertiliser with variable-rate application maps in YaraPlus, you need compatible equipment on your tractor and fertiliser spreader.

 

This article explains which equipment is required and how to check whether your terminal can process application map files.

 

 

Required equipment

 

You need the following equipment to apply fertiliser using variable-rate application maps:

 

 

 

GPS receiver

 

A GPS receiver provides the current position of your tractor in the field. This allows the terminal to match your position to the application map and adjust the fertiliser rate for each application zone in the map.

 

 

Terminal

 

The terminal reads the application map file and sends rate control commands to the spreader.

 

Your terminal must meet the following requirements:

 

  • The terminal can process variable-rate application maps.
  • The terminal supports ISO XML files or Shapefiles.
  • The terminal allows application maps to be transferred via USB.
  • The terminal software is up to date. For some terminals, support for application maps was introduced in a later software version.
  • A licence may be required in the terminal software before application maps can be used.
  • Some terminals also require specific settings to be adjusted before application maps can be loaded correctly.

 

For an overview of compatible terminals, required licence keys, settings and supported file formats, open the attached YaraPlus - VRA-ready terminals file.

 

 

Fertiliser spreader

 

Your fertiliser spreader must be able to receive rate control commands from the terminal. In most setups, the spreader and terminal communicate via the ISOBUS standard.

 

Many modern fertiliser spreaders support variable-rate application when they're connected to a compatible terminal and correctly configured. Compatibility depends on the spreader model, terminal setup and software version.

 

Variable-rate application maps can be used with many newer spreaders from manufacturers such as John Deere, Trimble, Kverneland, Amazone, Sulky, Bogballe, Bredal and Rauch.

 

 

Check whether your terminal can process application map files

 

YaraPlus application maps can be exported as ISO XML files or Shapefiles.

 

To test whether your terminal can process these file formats, follow the steps below:

 

  1. Download either the attached ISO XML test file or Shapefile test file.
  2. Save the file to your computer.
    • If you're on mobile, you can also save the file to your mobile device, but manual transfer is usually easier on a computer.
    • Don't rename the ZIP folder or the files inside it. Otherwise, the terminal may not recognise them.
  3. Extract the downloaded ZIP folder.
    • Most terminals require unzipped files.
    • Some terminals require zipped files (for example Valtra). If this applies to your terminal, skip this step.
    • You can find instructions for extracting ZIP files on Windows here and on Mac here. Mobile instructions can be found here for Android and here for iOS.
  4. Copy the files to an empty USB drive.
    • Don't put unrelated files on the USB drive, as this may make it harder for the terminal to recognise the application files.
    • You can store Shapefile application files for several fields on one USB drive.
    • Don't store ISO XML application files for several fields on one USB drive at the same time. Transfer them one by one instead.
  5. Connect the USB drive to the terminal.
  6. Load the file in the terminal.
  7. Check whether the application map zones appear on the terminal screen and whether an application rate is shown.

 

If the application map zones don't appear on the terminal or the file can't be loaded, your terminal may not support that file format or may require different settings, a software update or an additional licence.

 

 

Need help?

 

If you're unsure whether your equipment is compatible, please contact our support team.

 

You can also contact your local dealer, technician or equipment manufacturer to confirm whether your terminal and spreader support variable-rate application maps.

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