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Agro-ecological soil zoning is an innovative and advanced tool that makes it possible to apply a strategy for optimising agricultural practices on a plot of land, in order to achieve more precise and efficient management of irrigation, bottom fertilisation and seeding, adapted to the specific characteristics of each area of land.
One of the main applications of soil zoning is to optimise irrigation. Knowing soil variability allows irrigation levels to be adjusted zone by zone, avoiding water waste and ensuring that all plants receive the right amount of water. Here are three applications in irrigation:
Another important application of soil zoning is variable rate fertilisation. Farmers can apply nutrients precisely and tailored to the specific needs of each part of the farm because they know the variability of the nutrients already present in the soil more accurately than is possible with traditional sampling. Detailed soil analysis also allows more accurate planning of micro- and macronutrient fertilisation, ensuring that each area of the field receives the exact amount of nutrients it needs. This increases fertiliser use efficiency and reduces environmental impact by minimising excess nutrients that can contaminate groundwater.
Seeding can also be modulated to maximise production; knowledge of soil variability allows the best seeding rate strategy to be objectively determined. For example, in areas where the soil retains more water, a higher density can be chosen to increase productivity. On the other hand, where the soil is lighter and has less capacity to retain water, the seeding density can be moderated to avoid excessive competition between plants. As with fertilisation, the use of variable rate technology (VRT) machines increases the effectiveness of this strategy, although it is not decisive.
Zoning can focus on the biological activity of the soil as well as its physical and chemical characterisation. This system of identifying homogeneous zones allows the presence of biological organisms to be analysed and provides a global view of soil health. By identifying the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms (fungi and bacteria) and nematodes, farmers can take preventive action before planting a crop. On the other hand, awareness of the presence of beneficial micro-organisms can encourage practices that improve biodiversity and soil health, creating a more pest- and disease-resistant environment and a more balanced and resilient ecosystem. Other practices that enhance biodiversity and soil health include:
Soil zoning can be carried out more efficiently with the use of mobile sensors. This has several advantages in terms of saving time and money, as it allows efforts to be focused on identifying the sampling points in the most relevant areas of the field, reducing the number of samples needed to properly characterise soil variability, and increasing the accuracy of the data obtained.
Advanced technological tools are used to optimise soil management, such as electromagnetic induction sensors that measure the apparent electrical conductivity of the soil at different depths. The use of these sensors enables zoning of plots and highly efficient guided sampling, helping farmers to better understand the specific characteristics of each area of their plot. The use of these mobile sensors does not require permanent installation in the field, so farmers do not need to make an initial investment to carry out zoning.
xFarm Technologies acts as a one-stop partner for farmers, offering a comprehensive service that includes all the technologies and processes required for precision farming. From data collection to analysis and the generation of zoning maps, xFarm Technologies takes care of the entire process without the need for farmer intervention, facilitating the implementation of state-of-the-art farming practices and guaranteeing optimal results.
In particular, xFarm Technologies provides farmers with Map2Soil and BioMap2Soil studies using apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensors, without the need for the sensors to be installed in the field or used by the farmer. These studies combine the application of geostatistics with artificial intelligence to identify areas of farmland that are homogeneous in terms of physical, chemical and biological parameters. BioMap2Soil focuses specifically on biological soil analysis, providing detailed information on the presence of beneficial and pathogenic micro-organisms.
This technology and precision approach is in line with the European Commission's guidelines and the Green Deal's digitalisation policies, as well as the Farm to Fork strategy and other European regulatory initiatives. These policies promote sustainable and efficient agriculture and encourage the adoption of practices that protect the soil and improve its long-term health.
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