Fieldlab Soil

ASSETS

News and meetings that make you smarter.

Exploit soil potential to increase yields

To achieve potential crop yields, mapping soil potential is an important step in precision agriculture. This is because a plot is almost never homogeneous and there is always variation. As a result, the composition and thus the potential of the soil varies within the plot. By visualizing the soil potential, site-specific cultivation measures can be taken. These are measures that can further enhance the potential or improve areas with less potential. Therefore, the vision is to visualize the soil potential, with the goal of improving the low-potential spots for cultivation and strengthening the high-potential spots during cultivation. Soil potential can be visualized using a soil scan and/or Kinsey-Albrecht's soil analysis.

Soil Scan

As soil properties vary within a plot, soil fertility also varies within a plot. Therefore, it is important to accurately visualize these variations across the entire plot. This is possible with a soil scan. Properties of the soil that may vary include: the shape and size of mineral particles, pH, organic matter content, variations of nutrients in the soil and soil conditions, such as wet spots.

Aan de hand van een bodemscan worden deze variaties in beeld gebracht en verwerkt tot een taakkaart. Hiermee wordt de bodempotentie van een perceel kenbaar. Om de samenstelling in de bodem in beeld te brengen, maak je gebruik van een bodemgeleidbaarheidssensor. Dit is de Dualem 21s sensor, die in bezit is van een elektromagnetische inductie (EMI) sensor. De bodemscan worden uitgevoerd door Soilmasters.

The EMI sensor measures the electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil using electromagnetic radiation. A magnetic field is generated via an alternating current in a receiving coil. Another receiving coil measures the strength and thus the electrical conductivity of the plot. The EC is ultimately an important measure of soil fertility of the soil. Because conductivity depends on moisture content, nutrient/salt amount and variation, CEC, texture (clay content) and organic matter content. The higher the conductivity, the more fertile the soil. These values are collected as data using the soil scan, but also, for example, the structure and profile structure are visualized with the scan. Thus, wet spots or disturbing layers can be seen and detected.

The soil conductivity data is processed into a (soil potential) task map. This task map enables variable planning, variable (artificial) fertiliser spreading or variable dosing in case of crop protection with herbicides. The scan also shows where to sample and where to place irrigation or soil sensors. That way, you determine, for instance, an optimal moment of irrigation. These are usually the spots where conductivity is average.

Soil analysis Kinsey-Albrecht

Using the Kinsey-Albrecht soil analysis, you map the mineral balance in the soil. Because the macro- and micro-elements present are visualised in the soil analysis, this data says something about the state of the soil. With this data, advice can be given to achieve the right proportions in the soil. This improves soil fertility and soil biology.

A good ratio of macro and micro elements is important for good soil health and resilience, which can ultimately lead to strong and healthy crops. Calcium-Magnesium ratio is very important in this regard. The elements affect the following points:

For good soil fertility, macro-elements must be present in a good ratio. This is because these determine the structure and pH of the soil. The ratio of macro- and micro-elements in turn determines the acidity and salinity of the soil. The acidity or also the pH in turn determines the mineral absorption capacity of the crop. Microelements also have a major influence on the crop's resistance to disease and pests or multiple forms of stress.

It is important to assess the mineral balance of the soil (soil chemistry), as this can have positive effects on soil life and thus soil fertility. This with the reason that certain fertilizers can have a negative impact on the development of soil organisms. Controlled and targeted application of appropriate fertilizers can stimulate soil life and root activity (soil biology), which can ensure good soil structure (soil physiology). Making sufficient organic matter available in the soil, is also important here.

Aan de hand van de bodemmonsters en de Kinsey-Albrecht bodemanalyse, is een nauwkeurig bodemadvies mogelijk. Dit verwerk je vervolgens tot een taakkaart. Soilmasters kan de bodemmonsters nemen, en verwerken, hieruit volgt dan een advies.

Fieldlab Soil

ASSETS

Exploit soil potential to increase yields

Soil Scan

Soil analysis Kinsey-Albrecht

Also want to know more about Fieldlab Fertilization?

Social media