In Farming Simulator 25, the yield bonus is a percentage that represents the increase in crop production based on the care and preparation you give to your fields. The yield bonus can be as high as 100%, effectively doubling your crop yield compared to the baseline amount. The yield bonus is influenced by several tasks that improve field quality and soil health. If you’ve ever wondered how to squeeze every last bit of productivity from your crops, this guide is for you!
How To Maximize Yield
Let’s kick things off with a quick tip: You can check your current yield bonus by standing on your field and glancing at the bottom-right corner of the screen. After hours of testing (and maybe a little too much coffee), I’ve cracked the code on achieving the perfect yield bonus every time. Stick with me, and I’ll break it down step by step.
Understanding Field Preparation to Maximize Yield
Before we dive in, here’s the lowdown on yield bonuses:
- If you do nothing to a field, you’ll still get your baseline yield (100%), but there’s no bonus.
- A 100% yield bonus means doubling your crop output! For example, a baseline of 1,000 liters becomes a whopping 2,000 liters with the full bonus.
To achieve the 100% yield bonus, you’ll need to complete a series of tasks. Think of each one as adding a slice to your yield bonus pie. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Mulching (2.5–3% Bonus)
Start by mulching the stubble left after harvesting. It’s quick, easy, and gives your field a tidy 3% boost. Plus, it just looks good—your fields deserve the spa treatment!
2. Plowing (15% Bonus)
Plowing is a heavy-duty step but oh-so-worth it. Most crops require it, and it adds a hefty 15% bonus. Just a heads-up: plowing may unearth some small stones, which leads us to…
3. Rolling (2.5–3% Bonus)
Roll those pesky stones back into the soil with a roller. This adds another 3% and ensures your equipment doesn’t wear out faster than your patience. Combine it with mulching, and you’re already at 5%!
4. Liming (15% Bonus)
Liming keeps your soil in peak condition. This step adds 15%, but there’s a catch—it gradually declines after each harvest:
- First harvest: 15%
- Second: 10%
- Third: 5%
Make sure to lime every three harvests to maintain optimal bonuses.
5. Fertilizer (45% Bonus)
Fertilizing can nearly half your journey to 100%. Apply it twice for a combined 45% yield bonus. It’s one of the most impactful steps, so don’t skip it. If you’re interested, I also have a guide on how to fertilize in Farming Simulator 25. Check it out if you want to learn more about this important mechanic!
6. Weeding (20% Bonus)
Weeds can be sneaky yield thieves. Removing them early (small stage) gives you a 20% bonus. Larger weeds offer smaller gains, so act fast to win this tug-of-war. For more information, make sure to check out my detailed guide on how to remove weeds in Farming Simulator 25!
Field Yield Summarized (to get Total of 100% Yield Bonus)
Process | Yield Bonus | Notes |
---|---|---|
Mulching | 2.5% | Can only be done on crops that leave stubble after harvest. |
Plowing | 15.0% | Achieved with plows, spaders, or subsoilers. |
Stone Collection | 0.0% | Does not affect yield, but increases equipment wear. |
Rolling | 2.5% | Must be done after planting to push small stones back into the ground. |
Liming | 15.0% | Done every 3 harvests. Decreases by 5% per subsequent harvest. |
Fertilizing | 45.0% | Two fertilizer states required for a 22.5% bonus each (except for rice). |
Weeding | 20.0% | Remove weeds while small to maximize yield. Larger weeds reduce the bonus. |
Discussing Important Points about Maximizing Yield Bonus
One thing I found particularly interesting is how chopping straw from your harvester actually adds the mulched state to your field—something I don’t recall being in FS22! This means you get a yield boost without needing to purchase a mulcher or specialized equipment, which is especially helpful in the early game. The bonus you get from this is pretty realistic, as it mimics how mulching in real farming boosts the next crop’s yield.
This means, for example, after harvesting canola, if you chop the straw, you’ll notice your field turns mulched, and the next crop gets a nice little yield boost. I’ve had a few moments where I was scratching my head, wondering why my soybean field was mulched but my barley wasn’t—seems like it’s specific to certain crops like canola, which makes sense!
In the long run, whether you sell the straw or use it for animal feed is up to you, but keep in mind that it can add up. If you’re in the early stages of the game and can’t afford fancy equipment, mulching from straw chop is a solid alternative that helps with yield while saving you some cash.
The yield bonus doesn’t just stop there! Make sure to plow, lime, fertilize, and even weed (yes, weeding is a thing) to maximize your harvest. A fun thing I tried was rolling the soil after seeding to get that sweet 2.5% bonus. It’s all about keeping your soil in top shape!
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re trying to keep things profitable, don’t ignore your harvester’s condition—a damaged harvester can cut into your yield. I made the mistake once, and let me tell you, the lost yield was not worth it!
Wrapping Up
To achieve the full 100% yield bonus, follow these steps in order and the difference in the output between no prep and with full field prep:
Mulch → Plow → Lime → Seed → Fertilize → Weed → Harvest.
- No preparation: 2,775 liters harvested.
- Full preparation (100% bonus): 5,549 liters harvested!
That’s a huge difference and shows the value of putting in the extra work. If you want to learn more about the specifics about Field Prepping, make sure to check out my detailed guide about Field Prep in FS25!
When it comes to maximizing your yield in Farming Simulator 25, efficiency is key. So, prioritize tasks based on your time and equipment. For a handy reference, check out the chart I’ve put below to help you decide what’s worth your effort.
Equipment Type | Field State | Stones | Plow State | Mulches | Weeds | Work Speed | Seedable |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plow | Plowed | Small | Yes | No | No | 7 mph (12 kph) | Yes |
Cultivator | Cultivated | Small | No | No | Yes | 9 mph (15 kph) | Yes |
Shallow Cultivator | Stubble Tillage | None | No | No | Yes | 9 mph (15 kph) | Yes |
Disc Harrow | Stubble Tillage | None | No | No | Yes | 11 mph (18 kph) | Yes |
Power Harrow | Stubble Tillage | None | No | No | Yes | 7 mph (12 kph) | Yes |
Subsoiler | Stubble Tillage | Medium | Yes | No | Yes | 7 mph (12 kph) | Yes |
Mulcher | None | None | No | Yes | No | 12 mph (18 kph) | No |
Spader | Cultivated | Large | Yes | No | Yes | 4 mph (8 kph) | Yes |
Equipment like mulchers, spaders, and subsoilers don’t roll or fertilize.