Jeff Vermeersch with the sprayer – variable rate also plays an important role in their farm’s crop protection regiment.
high-resolution soil type management zone maps, as well as fertility information. They combined these with soil landscape informa- tion gathered through RTK elevation, satellite and landscape other imagery, as well as soil sampling and monitoring and crop yield data. The use of “multiple perspectives” to assess field
conditions, says Mr Breckon, lets him and his col- leagues identify yield-limiting factors that ex- plain some of the spatial variation in their yields. In multiple scenarios, for example, they found yield limiting pH levels caused by low magnesi- um and calcium. To correct this, the recommen- dation would be to apply dolomitic limestone to
Ontario pursues LiDAR soil mapping
Members of Ontario’s provincial agriculture ministry also see agronomic opportunities stemming from high-resolution soil profil- ing, though on a wider scale. Staff, that is, are currently in the process of updating old provincial soil maps using LiDAR satellite im- agery – a laser-based remote measurement tool that generates precise geographical terrain models at a scale of 0.5 metres. According to Nicole Rabe, land use specialist with the ministry, this topographical infor- mation doubles as soil type management zone maps. These can be used in conjunc- tion with other agronomic tools, at the field scale, by farmers. Not all of the province has been covered yet, but what LiDAR-derived maps are available, are free to download through an online portal.
the low pH areas. Such an approach supports better yields on underperforming areas, and saves input costs everywhere else. “In most cases the area that needs to be correct- ed is less than 50% of the farm field,” says Mr Breckon. “You need to use a sensor to tell you how the soil is, before a yield map makes sense.”
LiDAR tech image (r), old provincial maps (l). LiDAR can measure many geographical aspects, including soil carbon content.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 22 February 2019 23
PHOTO: ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND RURAL AFFAIRS
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