Technology that makes movie monsters appear to leap from the big screen can help farmers better manage their cropfields. And no special eyeglasses are necessary.

Three-dimensional data maps that show a field’s soil texture, root zone depth, compaction problems, plant-available water, nutrient levels and other characteristics are available through a product introduced by Trimble Navigation, a California manufacturer of GPS receivers and mobile digital products.

Trimble’s Soil Information System™ is a soil mapping program that produces data in 3-D. SIS is part of Trimble’s Connected Farm™, a farm data service.

Unlike the scary creatures that startle 3-D movie buffs, SIS takes the fear and uncertainty out of soil management.

The Driver (left) collects soil data to produce 3-D maps (right). Credit: Trimble Navigation

The agronomic tool uses advanced sensors, intelligent targeting and geo-processing algorithms to produce high-resolution soil and topographic information. SIS turns that information into precise, multi-layered maps a farmer can access on his or her computer.

SIS involves a five-step process, said Mike Martinez, marketing director of Trimble’s Agriculture Division.

“In step one the field boundary is defined using the Surfer, which is an ATV equipped with high-resolution GPS, an electromagnetic sensor and an onboard computer that runs the SIS software,” Martinez said.

“The second step, also using the Surfer, fills in the detail within the perimeter defined in step one. The system collects variability information using the electromagnetic sensor in the sled and its corresponding RTK-accurate GPS position.”

Soil characterization, or :diving,” follows. The SIS Diver carries survey-grade GPS in a geophysical soil probe with SIS-specific sensors and an onboard computer. It can be mounted on a tractor or smaller field vehicle.

Based on earlier variability data, Diver software guides the farmer to locations in the field, where the probe is inserted into the ground to collect data on tip force, sleeve friction, moisture and electrical resistance. Data collection takes about five minutes per location.

Step four tests the soil’s chemical properties. The SIS software processes all the data collected by the Surfer and Diver, and chooses locations throughout the field where soil cores are removed to enhance the 3-D mapping. Finally, data are processed using algorithms and databases to interpret the information and create maps.

SIS, and the technology it utilizes, helps farmers make the best use of their land, Martinez said.

“By providing a greater understanding of the physical and chemical characterization of the soil, including how inputs move through the soil, SIS enables farmers and their trusted advisors to implement more effective solutions to resolve the unique challenges of each area of their fields,” Martinez said. “This information can be used to make critical farm management decisions with irrigation, drainage, fertility, and more.”

SIS is available in several service options, depending on accuracy and map resolution and a farmer’s needs. For more information and pricing, visit Trimble’s SIS Web page or contact an authorized Trimble service provider.

By Steve Leer

Google