Why Invest in Your Own RTK Base Station for Precision Farming: 5 Key Reasons
Modern precision farming technologies place high demands on the accuracy of agricultural machinery positioning. One of the most effective solutions for ensuring stable and precise operation is the installation of an in-house RTK base station. This approach enables farmers to receive a reliable signal without relying on third-party services or network providers.
How Does an RTK Base Station Work?
An RTK base station receives signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), calculates its exact position, and generates correction data. These corrections are transmitted to a receiver installed on the machinery, allowing it to compensate for possible satellite measurement errors caused by atmospheric interference, signal distortion, and local terrain features. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits that an in-house RTK GPS base can bring to an agricultural enterprise https://www.fieldbee.com/products/fieldbee-rtk-base-station/.
Centimetre-Perfect Accuracy for All Field Operations
A private RTK base provides correction signals with an accuracy of 2–3 centimetres. This level of precision is essential for high-quality sowing, fertiliser application, inter-row cultivation, and crop spraying. Minimising errors ensures that every part of the field is used efficiently, avoiding untreated areas and overlaps, and increasing yield through uniform processing.
Cost Reduction and Improved Operational Efficiency
A stable signal enables the development of optimal machinery routes, preventing gaps and unnecessary overlaps. As a result, the consumption of fuel, fertilisers, seeds and chemicals is reduced, and the time required to complete tasks is shortened. More precise operations improve the efficiency of both equipment and personnel, speeding up the completion of all technological stages.
Significant Savings on Service Costs
Subscription fees for access to commercial RTK networks can accumulate into substantial sums over time. By investing in their own RTK base, farmers make a one-off payment that typically pays off within 1–2 seasons due to the elimination of ongoing correction data fees. These savings can then be reinvested into further farm development.
Independence from External Networks
Using commercial RTK networks often carries risks such as mobile network instability, operator outages, and limited coverage in remote areas. An in-house base station provides full autonomy for the farm. Access to accurate coordinates remains reliable regardless of weather conditions or external factors, which is especially crucial during peak agricultural periods.
Preparedness for Advanced Agrotechnologies
A private RTK base forms a solid foundation for implementing digital solutions such as machinery autopilot systems, variable-rate seeding and treatment, and real-time yield monitoring. Signal stability enables the successful integration of complex automated systems, which significantly enhances farm productivity and strengthens competitiveness in the agricultural market.
What to Consider When Choosing RTK Equipment for Your Farm
Before purchasing an RTK system, it is important to assess the required accuracy, signal coverage area, terrain features, field locations, compatibility with existing machinery, as well as installation and maintenance costs. Carefully selected equipment will ensure stable operation under any conditions, enable optimal resource allocation, and open access to the full range of precision farming technologies.
