Soil sampling and soil scanning technology

By Dale Cowan, CCA-ON, 4R NMS
Agronomy Strategy Manager and Senior Agronomist

Part of our Advanced Information Services (AIS) Precision Ag Program

Crop yields are often directly related to the underlying availability of water and nutrients.

Water and nutrient availability are closely linked to the subtle differences in soil textures, soil organic matter, topography and soil minerals.

SoilOptix® scanning technology makes use of a sensor that measures the natural background levels of gamma radiation which are associated with unique mineral properties of the soil.

A scanner attached to our soil sample vehicle is capable of capturing the radiation emitted from the soil.

The sensor readings are captured and georeferenced with the onboard GPS system allowing for them to be mapped as we drive through the field on 40-foot centers.

After analysis, the soil sample results are merged with the scanned data to produce high resolution, detailed maps of the various nutrient distribution that occurs naturally in the field, based on unique soil properties along with a topography map.

This textural analysis can be mapped across the field landscape which supports some qualitative measurements to be made such as a leachability index.

From this, we can infer how soils might respond to variable-rate seeding, nitrogen applications, nutrient stratification and runoff potential. to assist in maintaining 4R Nutrient Stewardship Compliance.

Quite often the scan is only needed once every 10 years and possibly may only be done once. Re-sampling is done every 4 years based on the original sample positions to keep the soil test current and 4R compliant.

Summary: 4-step process

1. Place the order with your AGRIS Crop Specialist.
2. We scan the field, collect samples and submit them to the lab.
3. Data is merged and maps are made and imported into our GIS mapping program.
4. Results are ready for site-specific recommendations and applications.

Allow a 10-day turnaround from the time of scanning.

Sample maps

Each map is unique based on the associated soil properties that support the nutrient contribution. P and K maps can look quite different based on the minerals distributed in the soil.

A full map complement consists of pH, BpH, SOM, P, K, Mg, Ca, CEC base saturation, Zn, Mn leachability index, % sand, % silt, and % clay.

An example of the maps produced:

Soil test

Maps consist of Phosphorus, Potassium and Soil Organic Matter (SOM).

Soil Texture

Sand, silt and clay.