Soil & Landscape Mapping Technologies
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The document discusses various soil and landscape mapping technologies utilized in precision agriculture to enhance yield and manage constraints. It outlines the processes for variable rate applications of lime and phosphorus, emphasizing the benefits of direct soil mapping and using EM38 sensors for soil conductivity mapping. It also highlights the importance of integrating yield data and soil analysis for effective crop management strategies.
Soil & Landscape Mapping Technologies
- 1. Soil & Landscape Mapping Technologies Brendan Torpy, Precision Agriculture @AgPrecision
- 2. Actively manage PREDICTABLE and KEY YIELD CONSTRAINT issues Direct map soil pH, Colwell P & Colwell K variability Map soil/landscape variability – Texture, rooting depth, subsoil constraints, OC Use NDVI and yield maps to record the success of above and help define problem areas for targeted actions Precision Ag Principles
- 3. Our PA cycle DATA INSIGHTACTION Powering agriculture through the application of technology
- 4. Typical Precision Ag Road Map 1) Digital Farm Maps 2) Variable Rate Lime 3) Variable Rate P 4) EM38 & Topography Mapping – Gypsum, Nitrogen, Drainage 5) Satellite Imagery & Yield Data
- 5. Typical Precision Ag Road Map 1) Digital Farm Maps 2) Variable Rate Lime 3) Variable Rate P 4) EM38 & Topography Mapping – Gypsum, Nitrogen, Drainage 5) Satellite Imagery & Yield Data
- 6. Direct Soil Mapping Rapid soil sampling and soil laboratory analysis enables grid: Soil pH(cacl2) VR Lime Phosphorus VR Phosphorus Potassium VR Potassium
- 7. Direct Soil Mapping 2ha sampling grid 8 x 0-10cm cores collected over 100m transect per 2ha Each soil sample lab analysed at accredited lab Strategic soil texture & PBI measurements
- 8. VR Lime South West VIC 51ha paddock, Pura Pura - Target pH 5.5 (CaCl2) Traditional Approach (2.5t/ha lime blanket rate) = 128 tonnes VR Approach (average rate = 1.1t/ha) = 56 tonnes Lime Cost = $45/tonne (delivered & spread) Lime Saving = 72 tonnes or $3,240 (56%) Mapping Cost = $714 Total Saving = $2,526 (3.5:1 ROI)
- 9. VR Phosphorus Colwell P measurements on 2ha grid 20% savings without yield penalties Integrate PBI, target yields into VR decisions
- 10. 45ha paddock, South West Victoria 10ha (22%) below critical Colwell P level 23ha (50%) standard rate 12ha (28%) reduced rate Opportunities for 20-30% MAP savings VR Phosphorus
- 11. VR Phosphorus Seeder vs Spreader Seeder limitations limiting VR P – not wanting to vary traces/fungicides Seeding base rate Pre-sowing VR P spreading Science suggests surface spread OK if being applied for maintenance purposes NOT for response that season
- 12. Typical Precision Ag Road Map 1) Digital Farm Maps 2) Variable Rate Lime 3) Variable Rate P 4) EM38 & Topography Mapping – Gypsum, Nitrogen, Drainage 5) Satellite Imagery & Yield Data
- 13. An EM38 sensor measures the bulk/apparent electrical conductivity of soils. Water Salts Clay Rock Within the soil profile Soil Conductivity Mapping EM38 sensors are most sensitive to soil conductivity at depths of 0.3-0.5m and 0.75-1m. Ideally mapped at drained upper limit or when profile is completely dry
- 14. Why map your soils? When it makes sense to do so! When there is a clear link between soil type and production, thus potential for zonal management Accurately defining known soil/landscape constraints such as salinity, sodicity, waterlogging and sand ridges You may only need to map certain paddocks? Integrate into a Precision Ag Implementation Plan for your farm
- 15. Landscape Zoning – EM38 & Elevation EM38 & Elevation One off investment Delineate soil texture zones, PAWC Ground truth to understand soil characteristics/constraints Assist with gypsum, drainage and nitrogen management Sandy Loam Organic Carbon 1.7% Salt below 60cm Sandy Clay Loam Organic Carbon 3.5%
- 16. 3.8t/ha 2.5t/ha Soil Conductivity (EM38) Survey 2015 Wheat Yield
- 17. Soil & Plant Relationships Avoid trying to draw conclusions from years of historical data Focus on key years/crop types relevant to the issue being managed First focus on yield unlock opportunities Second focus on managing inputs to potential
- 18. Yield Maps and Farmer Knowledge Prescription map with calibration strip
- 19. 520ha Crop establishment response to soil texture Crop biomass (NDVI) tells the story
- 20. Potential Actions from Soil Maps pH Mapping VR lime Nutrient Mapping VR P & K fertiliser Elevation Mapping Drainage Soil EM mapping coupled with zonal soil testing VR nitrogen * VR gypsum and manure * VR seeding* Crop rotations Strategic pest control* * Integrate yield and/or NDVI data to develop strategy
- 21. Rapid Soil Analysis on the Horizon X-Ray and Spectrometry technology Potential for instant results for soil WHC, pH and numerous chemical and physical attributes
- 22. Use PA to help address key yield limiting constraints first Focus on the need, not the technology! Have a road map for implementing PA Direct soil mapping - VR Lime & P EM38 & Elevation mapping - VR Gypsum, drainage, N management Integrate NDVI & Yield to develop yield unlock strategies Summary
- 23. 1800 PRECISION AG (1800 773 247) [email protected] PRECISIONAGRICULTURE.COM.AU THANK YOU