The integration of RTK GNSS receivers into agricultural operations significantly improves the precision and consistency of fieldwork, minimises losses, and enables the most efficient use of resources. The advantages of RTK become particularly evident in tasks where machinery guidance accuracy, uniform distribution of seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection products, as well as the elimination of overlaps and untreated areas, are critical. In this article, we explore which operations benefit most from RTK technology and how it affects farm efficiency.
During primary and pre-sowing tillage, the RTK GNSS receiver https://www.fieldbee.com/products/rtk-l2-receiver ensures that machinery follows strictly pre-defined routes. This eliminates overlaps and skips during cultivation, levelling, and loosening, resulting in a uniform soil structure across the entire field. Consistent soil preparation creates optimal conditions for seeding, improves moisture retention, and promotes even crop emergence.
During sowing, RTK navigation enables for strict adherence to the planned seed placement scheme — with no shifts, overlaps, or skips between passes. Seeds are placed in the soil at the exact seeding rate and optimal row spacing, ensuring uniform germination, steady plant development, and a well-balanced crop stand. Accurate positioning leads to increased yields while reducing seed usage and costs.
The RTK GNSS receiver enables precise control over implement width and application rates for both uniform and variable-rate fertiliser applications based on yield maps. High accuracy reduces over-application and overlaps, applying fertilisers exactly where and in the required amounts. This improves nutrient uptake efficiency while lowering agrochemical costs.
During inter-row cultivation, RTK precision is especially important — machinery moves exactly between rows, avoiding damage to root systems and plant stems. This ensures effective weed control, soil loosening, and nutrient application even in narrow row spacing and dense plantings. Such accuracy supports healthy plant development and yield growth while eliminating the risk of mechanical damage.
During harvesting, the RTK GNSS receiver allows for the full utilisation of header width and optimal route planning for combines. This helps avoid skips and overlaps, minimises yield loss, and eliminates unnecessary repeat passes over already harvested areas. Accurate navigation reduces operator workload, cuts fuel consumption, and increases harvesting efficiency, which is especially valuable during tight harvest windows and challenging weather conditions.
When installing drip irrigation systems, mulching films, or other permanent agricultural infrastructure, maintaining perfectly straight and evenly spaced lines is essential. The RTK GNSS receiver ensures the machinery follows pre-calculated routes with centimetre-level precision. This enables correct placement of drip irrigation lines, ensures uniform watering and nutrient supply, reduces water and fertiliser waste, and simplifies subsequent maintenance of irrigation systems.
