Precision Farming DLC v. 2.0
To increase awareness about the possibilities that precision farming offers project co-created a new free module/DLC for Farming Simulator 22. Now players can engage with the new features that the DLC ver. 2.0 offers. These new features are based on real-life solutions and tools that can be incorporated by farmers.
In-game options that Precision Farming Free DLC ver. 2.0 introduces are:
- Environmental Score,
- Crop Sensors,
- Variable Rate Seeding/Drilling,
- Variable Rate Weed Control,
- Variable Rate Manure Fertilizing,
- Soil Map Purchase.
The environmental score indicates whether crops are grown in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The total score for one’s farm is calculated based on various factors. Using a crop sensor helps to reach the highest nitrogen score in the player’s overall environmental score. Crop sensors and the software running in the background calculate the amount of nitrogen that is needed to release the crop’s full yield potential and display the results on a nitrogen map applied to every field.
For some crops, the Precision Farming DLC for Farming Simulator 22 adds the option of adjusting the seeding rate in different zones of the field. The ideal seed rate also depends on the soil type.
Another new feature enabled with new DLC is that weeds won't appear as evenly spread out as they do normally in the game. Instead, weeds appear in smaller or bigger patches, like on most real fields. That means, as they do not grow all over the field, you have the chance to save a lot of herbicide, and therefore money since you don't have to treat the whole field. Simultaneously, the reduced usage of herbicides will have a positive effect on the environmental score of your farm.
As liquid manure is never homogeneous, measuring its nutrient content as it is applied to the soil is an important new technology towards more sustainable and precise fertilization. With Precision Farming DLC, the concentration of nitrogen in manure will always vary. That also means the applied amount of nitrogen can differ from the expected application rate quite heavily - up to 40%. Another important aspect that is now unlocked is soil map. They can additionally be purchased in-game to save players time. They provide information such as the soil type, pH levels and content of nitrogen, from a service provider.
Precision Farming DLC focuses on new gameplay mechanics and it also offers options such as soil types, soil sampling, variable rate fertilization and economic analysis. They were already available in the initial version for Farming Simulator 19, and now are improved to optimize the experience. For instance, the usage of fertilizer becomes more efficient: the application rate will be calculated based on the current vehicle speed, so it is always possible to apply the correct amount per hectare, no matter how fast the vehicle travels. Pre-selection in the auto-mode when applying fertilizer was also added. It allows to select the plant upfront.
