Soil Management Zones are areas of similar soils within a field that are managed to optimize production inputs and crop yields.  Each soil zone has a unique production capability.  This capability reflects the soils properties and characteristics that effect yield such as nutrient uptake, water holding capacity, root growth, and water release and intake.  Soils with high yield potential have soil properties that promote crop growth and yield.  Conversely, soils with properties that constrain nutrient uptake, root growth, or water availability will have poorer crop growth and lower yields.

Soil Management Zones are derived from multiple sources and analysis.  Soil maps, yield data, elevation or topography, aerial imagery, and EC (electrical conductivity) mapping are data and maps used to develop soil management zones.  These data layers are compiled and the spatial extent of each soil management zone is defined.  Each zone is also field reviewed and verified to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the zone.

Using Variable Rate Technologies (VRT), the producer can farm each unique soil zone according to its production potential.  For example, seeding population is varied with higher populations on soils with high productivity potential and lower populations with soil that have less then optimum productivity.  Fertilizer and other inputs are also variable rated to support the plant populations and soil productivity potential.  Soil fertility testing by soil zone is essential to providing the optimum fertility levels needed to meet the soil zones yield goals.