- Ag Services
Ag Services
Soil and Tissue Sampling
- 0" to 6” complete sample, 6" to 12” partial sample, a good crop plan needs a good sample.
- Can be sampled as random, zone sampling or grid sampling.
A sample represents min. 70% of the area sampled, each core is measured in length.
Grid samples are probably done once in a lifetime and used to make zones in the field afterwords it will be sampled in zones.
GPS Field Mapping
- Boundary mapping as a whole field or map areas specified.
- A boundary map is your first step in precision management.
Crop Input Planning and Production Advice:
- A crop grows with a complex set of nutrients and if a nutrient is missing it will limit the production capabilities.
- As we grow bigger crops we need to pay more attention to our soil and nutrients.
- Micronutrients are needed, as the word (micro) says, in low quantities. The more the soil produces, the more micros are needed and may have to be added.
- Positive icon nutrients and negative micronutrients affect on each other.
- We’re trying to balance what the crop is getting in the least expensive way, with minimal loss and minimal tie up.
Field Monitoring during Growing Season
- A shadow in the field (field walking) gives great return to respond to crop needs.
- Field monitoring means responding to immediate concerns while noting what needs to be addressed in future years. This is also a time when tissue sampling is done.
- A good crop report/recorded (written) will help in future crop planning.
Precision Management Process
- Needs many different tools, but doesn’t have to be expensive
- It starts with defining zones/sections.
- Data that can be used: Yield data, Satellite images, zone sampling, Veris, field walking with GPS recording or any data with zones/ areas outlined.
- For different tools for precision management click here.
Setting up Farm Administration and Management Software:
- FCC Management Software training
- Classroom training with portable computer lab (hands on).
- One on one training at your home or our office facility.
- VIP (Version Installed Professional) Software installation and training at your own home.
- Farm Works Division of Trimble
- Tracing, GPS, GIS, software sales and service.
Aerial Imagery (Photo, NIR, NDVI)
- Aerial imagery gives very accurate data at a very fast return rate.
- These types of images can be used to make quick in-crop decisions, or plan for future crops.
- They have to be field proofed because the images show a difference but no value for the difference.
- It looks at vegetation density and crop health (in a simplified way).
- In most cases multiple years are needed to divide a field into different zones
- This data represents yield, moisture, temperature, …. for a particular year, crop, weather patterns (environmental impact).
- Yield data, where available, may be used for planning.
- NIR mapping with every trip across the field.
- The Green Seeker allows on-the-go zone management of top/side dress nitrogen. Before a side dress nitrogen application the equipment has to be calibrated with a N rich strip.
- Mapping the field for other purposes the NIR/NDVI image needs to be ground-proven to what it represents just like any other image.
- The Green Seeker technology is similar to satellite or aerial imagery zone management programs. Similar resolution but in real time-operating night or day; ignoring fog and clouds.
- This data can work very good as a layer type with other data combined.
Satellite Images:
- High resolution satellite images, if needed, are available through Ag Business & Crop Inc. but have to be ordered fourteen days in advance. The length of order time is why they don’t work as well in Ontario for in-crop decisions. The slow return rate (one week) and the cloud cover we experience (unreliable availability). In average there is a satellite (that we can use) flying over your farm, with good position, approximately every 5 days.
- Satellite imagery – 10 year inventory.
If it's fall or winter and you've missed the opportunity to order an in-season image of the previous year, but you are still looking for an option, we can get you what you need. If you are looking to source some historical data to analyze trends, begin your management zone creation, or compare to existing data, we can help.
Sourcing historical imagery from an archive can provide very good value. Have us cut out, analyze, interpret, and present the findings to you.
- Historical Imagery back to 1999
- U-Pick the years - U-Pick the dates
- NDVI Analysis and Management Zones
Aerial Imagery (Photo, NIR, NDVI)
If it's fall or winter and you've missed the opportunity to order an in-season image of the previous year, but you are still looking for an option, we can get you what you need. If you are looking to source some historical data to analyze trends, begin your management zone creation, or compare to existing data, we can help. 