SoilOptix® Blog
The Benefits of Soil Organic Carbon on Agricultural Practices
Soil organic carbon is the carbon that remains in the soil after partial decomposition of any material produced by living organisms. It is a primary component of soil organic matter and is believed to be crucial in many soil functions and ecological properties. The amount of organic carbon in soil usually depends on the local… Read Full Article »
Comparative Analysis of Soil Mapping Strategies for Sustainable Soil Management
Soil mapping is important to understand the health of the ground beneath our crops. It offers essential information for land use planning, agricultural management, and soil conservation. It helps in understanding the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil and helps in making informed decisions about soil management. There are different soil mapping strategies,… Read Full Article »
What to do if your soil testing service results recommend a boron treatment?
Healthy crop growth depends on the appropriate balance of nutrients in the soil. Soil needs macronutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, and magnesium – but they are each only one piece of the larger puzzle. Just as essential are micronutrients, like iron, copper, zinc – and – boron. It may be hard to imagine… Read Full Article »
Soil Carbon Sequestration – Measuring Carbon Sequestration in Soil
Soil carbon sequestration is a process of transferring CO2 from the atmosphere to the soil in the form of organic carbon. The process starts with photosynthesis, where plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds. The compounds are passed into the soil through root exudates and plant residues. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is the carbon… Read Full Article »
Agriculture Mapping Software – A Crucial Element of Farm Management
Agriculture mapping software helps farmers to collect, preserve, integrate, and analyze geographic information in such a manner that it is simple to grasp and understand for the general public. Agriculture mapping software can help in tracking, mapping, and measuring primary production business. Here is how it can help the farmers to enhance their efficiency and… Read Full Article »
The Crucial Role of Precision Agriculture in the Present Times
The developing practice of precision farming has been making waves in the agriculture sector. Fueled by recent technological advancements, innovations transform traditional farming methods into highly analytical processes. Precision agriculture (PA) is an agricultural management strategy that uses cutting-edge technologies and tools to gather, process and analyze information to enhance farm assessment and provide optimized agricultural input… Read Full Article »
What is soil testing and why is it important?
Did you know there are six major types of soil; sandy soil, clay soil, silt, peat, chalk, and loam? Each soil type is used for different purposes requiring soil testing services. Therefore, the soil layer goes through various tests and experiments. These tests are vital to ensure that the optimum soil quality is achieved from it.… Read Full Article »
The crucial role played by soil organic carbon on agricultural productivity
As atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations rise persistently, there is an urgent need for fresh, bold solutions for carbon dioxide removal. A rich body of soil research has focused on quantifying and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from soils and soil carbon cycling. Much of this research has guided new best practices for agriculture and land management.… Read Full Article »
The Basics of Soil Testing and Fertilizer Recommendations
Soil testing and fertilizer recommendations should enable optimal crop management and help avoid the pitfalls of fertilizer mismanagement. While a soil test might reflect the chances of a positive crop response to the applied fertilizer, determining the amount of the required fertilizer requires that the soil is calibrated and interpreted correctly for specific crops. After… Read Full Article »
Soil Testing Services – The Ultimate Guide to Testing Soil pH
The right soil pH is necessary for optimal crop yield and plant growth. Soil testing services include testing soil pH, that helps in determining the kind of soil and what plants will be suitable for that specific area. Sometimes soil needs supplements like pH adjusters and fertilizers for the plants. Measuring the pH helps in… Read Full Article »
How to Test Soil Health on Your Farm: 10 Key Methods
Soil testing is the proper method to analyze the health and fertility of the soil. Therefore, these soil tests for agriculture help maintain a healthy composition of the soil layer for growing and harvesting. Soil health is ‘the potential of soil to function’ and is strongly linked to soil life. Soil scientists stress that the earth has… Read Full Article »
Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendations Based on Soil Analysis Techniques
Soil analysis techniques that offer accurate test results must be used for fertilizer recommendations. For nitrogen (N) and Sulphur (S), the soil analysis results are reported in lb/ac. In the case of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients, the analysis results are reported in PPM (parts per million). Before giving any soil test fertilizer recommendations,… Read Full Article »
How are digital farming solutions transforming the agricultural landscape?
Digital agriculture integrates digital technology into livestock and crop management and other processes related to cultivating and managing food resources. The term is often used to describe the different uses for the variety of data collected in this sector. But it’s also about how technology integrates and works throughout the supply chain, from seeds or… Read Full Article »
Field Mapping – A Path to Ensure the Highest Yield in Precision Farming
The evolution of technology has initiated a revolution in how food is produced. Innovations in remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and imagery have improved the mapping capabilities of agricultural areas. This is referred to as field mapping. With the rapid changes in environmental conditions, tools like field mapping will be crucial to food security in the… Read Full Article »
Fertilizer Recommendations Based on Soil Test – Soil Testing Patterns & Choosing Fertilizers
Soil testing is the only way to determine the available nutrient status of a field and get specific fertilizer recommendations. The use of efficiencies of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous can certainly increase and decrease the cost of cultivation. In the past few decades, the use of fertilizers to increase food production has increased a lot.… Read Full Article »
Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendations – Sampling, Extraction and More
Soil test fertilizer recommendations ensure the best and most efficient use of fertilizer. It helps to maintain soil fertility. Among the different methods of soil test fertilizer recommendations, the one based on yield targeting is unique because it indicates not only the soil test based on the fertilizer dosages but also the level of yield… Read Full Article »
Variable Rate Technology in Agriculture – A Powerful Advancement
Variable Rate Technology in agriculture uses data and automation to apply fertilizer to protect the crops and seeds and helps with the irrigation water at different locations. Farmers won’t need to change the application rates. Variable Rate Technology in agriculture also focuses on different areas of crop production. This includes the application of pesticides, herbicides,… Read Full Article »
Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendations – Importance of Fertilizer Management for Small Farmers
Nutrient management is the key to having a sustainable high yielding crop without any damage to the plant, environment, and soil productivity. Even when the operation is organic or conventional, the nutrient requirement of the crop must be met to ensure a satisfactory yield. One crucial challenge is the multiple cropping systems that they implement.… Read Full Article »
Should You Rely On Fertilizer Recommendation Based On Soil Test Results Only? Discover Why!
The amount of fertilizer needed per acre depends upon many factors, including the type of plant being fertilized. In addition, the amount of nitrogen in the ground must be considered before applying fertilizer. In crop production, using the right amount of fertilizer is undoubtedly one of the most essential things to ensure the achievement of… Read Full Article »
Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming – Best Crop Management System
Precision agriculture technology for crop farming uses modern technologies like satellite imagery or field mapping to improve crop quality and profitability. Also, it helps to optimize the use of traditional resources. Thus, it helps with the development of sustainable agriculture, solving both economic and ecological problems that are becoming more acute. The technologies used in… Read Full Article »
How to understand fertilizer recommendation based on soil test reports?
How to maximize your farm’s potential: Efficient and profitable farming depends on accurate soil testing, but fertilizer recommendations for the same batch of soil differ across the nation. Having healthy soil in your field results in healthy plants. Whatever you plan to plant, a soil test is the first thing to tick off the list.… Read Full Article »
Digital Farming vs. Precision Farming or Both: The Ongoing Debate
Accelerating digital transformation in agriculture is essential towards building resilient, sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. Today, the human civilization stands at a critical juncture in the history of agriculture, food production, and human sustenance. The post-industrialization approach to agriculture and other industries has resulted in significant environmental damage and accelerated climate change. If left unattended,… Read Full Article »
Digital Farming Solutions Vs. Precision Farming Vs. Smart Farming – The Differences
There is no denying that technology has become one of the crucial aspects of business for every farmer, ag retailer, and agronomist. The increasing use of technology in agriculture is not a surprise to anyone, and has become near-necessary for success on-farm. Farming is highly labor-intensive. At present, farmers can use technology to enhance efficiency… Read Full Article »
An in-depth study on soil organic carbon to increase farmland, productivity
Soil is only ever really soil when it’s teeming with organic components. Otherwise, it’s just dirt. And when you compare the land and fertile soil, the rich colour of healthy soils is a primary indicator of health. What imparts this darker hue is the organic matter in the soil. Soil organic matter is derived from… Read Full Article »
Measuring Soil Fertility and Its Interpretation
There is no denying the fact that achieving and maintaining appropriate levels of soil fertility, especially plant nutrient availability, is of paramount importance. If you want the agricultural land to stay capable of producing the best quality crops, you must make sure that appropriate levels of soil fertility and plant nutrient are maintained. Soil Index… Read Full Article »
How Can Variable Rate Fertilizer Application Make The Biggest Difference In Your Farm?
Modern farming has moved far beyond solely relying on the experience of a farmer with little external support. Now, cutting-edge technology provides growers with more knowledge to inform their decisions.
Digital Farming Solutions – Smart Farming Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Digital farming solutions are currently the best way to gather data on different farming methods. Here is what you ought to know about digital farming solutions.
What Are The Diverse Types of Precision AG Sensors and Their Significance?
In the recent years, intelligent sensor techniques have achieved significant attention in agriculture. It is applied in agriculture to properly plan several activities and missions by utilizing limited resources with minor human interference.
Soil Data Analytics: A complete guide on Big Data and its role in Agriculture
Agriculture has conventionally been considered an intuitive space with wisdom passed from one generation to another. But problems, like the changing climate and depletion of viable farmland, are more complex, making room for soil data analytics.
What are The Different Methods of Measuring Soil Organic Carbon?
Soil organic carbon or SOC is the carbon that remains in the soil after the partial decomposition of any material produced by the living organisms. It is a central component of soil organic matter and is believed to be crucial in many soil functions and ecological properties.
Understanding Soil Carbon Sequestration and The Role It Plays
Soil organic carbon content is a crucial indicator of soil health. Soil carbon is highly complex, and depending on how land is managed, it can be a significant source or sink for greenhouse gases.
Soil Testing Services – Bringing a Balance Between Soil Health and Human Health
Soil health is referred to as the overall vitality and productivity of the soil. To ensure that the soil stays in optimal condition, opting for soil testing services is crucial.
Soil Test and Fertilizer Recommendations – Everything You Ought to Know!
Soil testing and plant analysis are crucial tools for making recommendations on applying fertilizers to crops. Here is what you ought to know!
The Basics of Measuring Soil Fertility
Soil testing is the best way to measure soil fertility and offers accurate information to develop a sound fertility management program.
How to start variable rate fertilizer application for your farm? Some quick tips!
Variable-rate fertilizer application permits farmers to apply different fertilizer rates in each part of the field. How you distribute fertilizer depends on the planned yield, soil fertility and factors that influence it.
How can Agriculture Mapping Software Make A Difference in Farming Activities?
According to research findings, by 2030, the precision agriculture market will be worth $20.84 billion, with a CAGR of 12.8% during that time. Precision (satellite) farming presents a whole new tech-oriented approach to running an agribusiness and guarantees the most optimal health and productivity of crops and livestock. With these numbers in mind, the adoption… Read Full Article »
An In-depth Understanding on Soil Analysis and Testing for Agriculture
Soil analysis is a series of various chemical processes that determine the amount of plant nutrients available in the soil and the chemical, physical and biological soil properties essential for plant nutrition. Chemical soil analysis tests the content of plant nutrients; nitrogen (N), potassium (K 2 O), phosphorus (P2O5), pH, humus content, total CaCO3, available… Read Full Article »
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Agricultural Soil Testing
Did you know? 60% of the crop yields will depend on soil fertility. Undoubtedly, the soil is one of the most precious resources that must be managed carefully. As a farmer, you can manage soil effectively periodically through agricultural soil testing. Do you want to know more about why agricultural soil testing is crucial? Here… Read Full Article »
Digital Farming Technology – Everything About Digital Farming You Ought to Know
Farming has come a long way since its inception. First, using plows and the latest innovations like the tractor improved agricultural productivity. The digital age impacts every industry, and agriculture is no exception. In the following blog section, we shall share the details of how technology has affected the agricultural industry. Technology is fast becoming… Read Full Article »
Soil Health Analysis 101 – Here is What You Should Know
There is no denying the fact that healthy soils are crucial in producing nutritious foods. Soil, especially healthy soil, is a living, breathing organism with billions of healthy fungi, bacteria, and other microbes. These play a unique role in creating delicate and exquisite self-sustaining ecosystems. It will not only help create nutrient-dense abundant crops but… Read Full Article »
How Do Field Mapping Services in Precision Farming Empower Agribusinesses?
Agricultural field mapping is an increasingly important way to monitor your land and manage future activities. It helps to understand and map different types of information, including data regarding soil health and nutrition, slopes, water and irrigation systems. When done accurately, field mapping services enable you to employ management practices on your land that are designed to… Read Full Article »
What does Soil Testing Services Include and Why Should You Choose It?
Successful farm production is only possible with healthy soil. The soil is one of the most crucial assets of a farm. It offers crops a valuable reservoir of nutrients and water. Each type of soil has got its properties. You can always improve soil quality by managing nutrient levels and soil pH. One of the… Read Full Article »
What Are the Potential Risks of Using Fertilisers Without Opting For Agricultural Soil Testing?
In modern-day agriculture, soil testing is the most important practice for managing fertilizer application and crop production. With agricultural soil testing, it is easier to ensure the correct application of fertilizers for the crop and get the optimum yield. Currently, 37% of the land area worldwide is used for agriculture, and there is little room for… Read Full Article »
Soil Carbon Sequestration is Instrumental in Mitigating Climate Change
For nearly two decades, researchers in the soil science community have studied and estimated the potential of sequestering carbon in soil organic matter. As a result, about 10,000 years of cultivated agriculture has reduced global soil carbon to an amount equivalent to more than a decade of the present rates of industrial emissions. Furthermore, through… Read Full Article »
Is Soil Mapping a Viable Tool for Agriculture Management?
The mapping of the soil layer is essential for the proper implementation of sustainable land use management. In recent decades, soil mapping methods and data availability have increased exponentially, improving the maps’ quality. Despite these advances, local knowledge is an excellent source of information, refined for centuries and useful for soil mapping and implementing sustainable… Read Full Article »
Exploring All About Carbon Sequestration to Find Out it Enhances Soil Quality
The Earth has a definite amount of Carbon, which moves from one place and form to the other regularly, and it is what we call a carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is a natural phenomenon that makes life possible on this planet. For instance, plants intake atmospheric carbon-di-oxide as a raw material for photosynthesis to… Read Full Article »
Exploring Soil Mapping & How They Impact Productivity
The current food production techniques are striving to be more and more sustainable. Intensive farming techniques and widespread chemical usage are draining our soil and poisoning our water. Furthermore, agriculture is responsible for a large portion of our water use. The World Bank estimates that agricultural use accounts for 70% of all freshwater usage globally.… Read Full Article »
Precision Agriculture –Technologies that Boosts Crop Farming
Precision agriculture systems are management systems that help farmers to solve a wide array of problems. At the same time, precision agriculture includes multiple products that the growers need to master to make the most of their production. What is Precision Agriculture in Simple Terms? Precision agriculture uses modern technologies like satellite imagery or field… Read Full Article »
Soil Testing & Analysis – Everything About Its Benefits & Importance
When the crops are harvested, a large amount of nutrients are removed from the soil, and it causes a loss of soil fertility. Soil testing is the process by which elements like potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium and others are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their available content with the remaining sample. Soil… Read Full Article »