SOIL SCANNERS ▶▶▶
for the lutum maps of Loonstra and the Veris MSP3, that both have an R2 of 0,3, thus rea- sonably revealing the spatial variation of lutum content within the plot.
No explicit answer It also clear that there is no explicit answer to the research question which scan provides the most reliable and useful information for preci- sion farming on a specific soil type. Nysten: “Choosing the right scan is difficult due to the complex combination of what a grower wants and the range of scans. However, the results in combination with the discussion/conclusion of the final report do give some insights in what the scans can do and what they bring. The grow- er himself does however need to make a careful consideration of which scan fits his needs.”
Reference samples WUR/Aeres
• 40 randomly taken and analysed compos- ite samples, all apply to 1 m2
from the till-
age layer (0-25 cm). This yields a lutum, pH and organic matter map.
• This set of sample analyses yields a plot map that is deemed the right one. It is the 6th
method, so to speak. The other scans are assessed using this method.
• This ‘manual’ method is also the most ex- pensive: 40 × € 75 = € 3,000 for 14 hectares, or € 215/ha. Add the costs of making maps and an analysis afterwards and this amounts to € 350/ha, Mr Nysten finds.
• ‘This gives you a scan map that is valid for at least 10 years. This applies mostly to the scans; these are normally usable for 10 to 20 years, if new soil samples for organic content and lutum are taken every 4 years.
• The lutum map does not change through the years.
Loonstra scanner
• Measures gamma radiation from radioac- tive soil particles, MeV (mega- electron volt) in the tillage layer 0-30 cm. Below 30 centimetres, radiation is not measured.
• Supplies a gamma radiation map of the plot, which is the basis for a lutum map, or- ganic matter maps, nutrient maps, Pw, N- total. Mg, lime, pH, texture and the risk of nematodes. The pH indicates the availabil- ity of ingredients (nutrients?).
• The values of the parameters originate from a ‘library of datafiles’. • Costs: € 130 per hectare.
Veris MSP3
• Measures the soil’s conductivity (EC) and the organic matter content with optical sensors. More and more samples are taken on sandy soil to determine pH.
• Results of the scan are calibrated based on a soil sample.
• EC is a measure for lutum, organic matter, salts and moisture.
• CEC is a measure for the soil’s fertility and how many nutrients it can bind.
• Determines EC on 0-30 and 0-90 cm. • Costs: € 175 per hectare, including the Eurofins reference samples.
CNH SoilXplorer
• Provides an EC-map at 4 different depths. The EC measurement reveals the variation in the soil. It measures the layer from ground level to 0,5, 0,7, 0,9 and 1,1 meters.
• The EC is determined by lutum, organic matter, salts and moisture. Several depth layers show where the transition to an- other layer is.
• The EC map shows that the soil varies from place to place.
• Costs: CNH has not determined a price for ‘contract scanning’ yet. The SoilXplorer costs € 28.000.
Dualem-21S
• Provides an EC-map in 4 classes (0-0,5 me- ters, 0-1,0, 0-1,5, 0-3,0). A magnetic field is transferred into the soil and after a little while, what comes back is measured.
• The advantage of measuring the soil at various depth is that you can see that somethings changes, says Mr. Nysten. “You don’t know what is is yet. You could see if there is peat or another layer in de soil.”
• Costs: the scan for measuring the EC costs € 125 per hectare. Soil samples are extra, depending of the number and type.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 24 May 2019
27
PHOTO: RUUD PLOEG
PHOTO: RUUD PLOEG
PHOTO: JAN WILLEM SCHOUTEN
PHOTO: HANS BANUS
PHOTO: RUUD PLOEG
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