OmniPrecise™

OmniPrecise^TM

OmniPrecise^TM is a complete precision agriculture service provided by Omnia to its clients.  Precision agriculture can be viewed as a management system, according to which farmers strive to optimally utilise resources at their disposal through the application of modern technology.  Farmers inherently know that fields are not the same all over.  There are specific good and poor patches in any field.  Precision agriculture helps the farmer to identify these patches exactly and then to manage them optimally.  Precision agriculture is a cycle in which data is collected, processed and analysed to achieve practical plans that can be implemented to make optimal management of the spatial variability in a field possible.

STEP 1 – Data Collection

In order to understand the spatial differences in a field it is necessary to first gather data.  Data collection occurs in different ways.  Soil classification is used to determine the spatial distribution of soil types across a field.  Omnia’s soil scientists do observations across an entire field to determine physical attributes of the soil such as factors which influence the amount of water that can be stored in a particular soil profile.  These field observations are transferred to a computer for further processing and interpretation.

Another part of data collection is the gathering of soil samples across a particular field using a pre-defined grid pattern.  The boundaries of a field are mapped using a GPS and the positioning of sample points within the field are determined.  Top soil samples, sub‑soil samples, or both, are taken at each grid point depending on the particular requirement.  These samples are analysed at the Omnia laboratory to determine the status of various plant nutrients in the soil.  This analysis data together with the field GPS data is also transferred to a computer for further analysis.

Yield data is obtained from yield monitors.  As a combine harvester travels through a field the yield monitor records a series of GPS position and yield at those positions.  As with soil classification and soil sampling data, this data can also be transferred to a computer for further processing and interpretation.

STEP 2 – Data Processing

The computer forms the core of the second step in the precision agriculture cycle.  Specialised software is used to process the various forms of data collected. This software has the ability to produce maps that depict the spatial distribution of the data gathered.  In the case of soil physical attributes, recorded during soil classification, maps of attributes such as effective depth and plant available water can be generated.  The chemical analysis from the soil sample data can be processed to produce maps that show the spatial variation of plant nutrients.  Yield monitor data can also be processed to produce a yield map for a particular field.  In this map the farmer sees which areas in a field are producing good yields and which areas poor yields.  The different types of data can be integrated to provide a farmer with information on how best to manage zones within a field to achieve optimal resource utilisation.

STEP 3 – Practical Implementation

The next step in the process is to take the information generated in the computer and transfer this to the field where practical steps can be taken to address spatial nutrient imbalances and optimise plant production.  Implements equipped with a GPS and controlling system are used to apply the proposed quantity of product at the right place in the field.  Omnia, for example, has implements and equipment with which variable rate NH3 application can undertaken.  The company LDR Precision technical Field Services can assist farmers with the conversion of agricultural implements for variable rate application.

PRECISION FARMING – A CONTINUOUS CYCLE

Spatial variability will be better understood as s data is gathered over time and processed.  This information will enable the farmer to better manage resources for optimal production within each field.  This type of management system will ensure sustainable production and contribute to financial well being.  Omnia is geared to assist the farmer completely in the full precision agriculture cycle.