Soil Moisture Probe Optimization Program

Full-service soil moisture monitoring program. From the leaders in precision irrigation management!

There is no question that water conservation is one of the most important factors effecting today’s agricultural industry. Improving crop water use efficiency through advanced technology will not only improve your bottom line, but also help preserve our most valuable resource for generations to come.

A 3-year “Quantify the Value” study of soil moisture monitoring performed by Fontanelle Hybrids proved an average water savings of 2 inches per acre in addition to a reduction in energy costs and a yield improvement of nearly 6 bu/ac per moisture probe.

For more success stories and CropMetrics Precision Irrigation Management yield results, go to the “Success Results” tab at www.CropMetrics.com.

The CropMetrics Soil Moisture Monitoring Program was developed to simplify and improve irrigation management for growers first and foremost. Powered by the Virtual Optimizer precision irrigation web portal, soil moisture data is delivered wirelessly to an easy to use website with optional text and email alerts. Most importantly, CropMetrics is dedicated to providing the highest quality in-season support through locally trained Precision Data Specialists. No other program can assure this much value for your investment! Then utilizing a systems approach, only CropMetrics can add the most advanced Variable Rate Irrigation solution on the market today for the ULTIMATE ADVANTAGE in Precision Irrigation Management!

Value and Benefits of Soil EC Mapping

What is soil Electric Conductivity (EC)?

Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measurement that correlates with soil properties that affect crop productivity, including soil texture, cation exchange capacity (CEC), drainage conditions, organic matter level, salinity, and subsoil characteristics.

EC can be collected using either an Electromagnetic (EM) sensor or a Veris system. EC measures the bulk soil conductivity and varies by the soil particle composition (amount of sand, silts, and clays), thus correlating strongly to soil particle size and texture.

Why should YOU EC map YOUR fields?

• What do you start with as a BASE layer for your precision ag program?

> Soil EC is one of the simplest and lowest cost solutions available today to measure and characterize the soil variability in your fields. Value and Benefits of Soil EC Mapping

> Soil EC relates to specific soil properties affecting crop yield and production: • Water Holding Capacity • Top Soil Depth • Subsoil Constraints • Salt concentrations > Soil EC can correlate, identify, and explain yield variability.

• Why do you need an EC map if you have the NRCS soil type map? > Soil EC maps provide a higher resolution, finer detailed data layer that will identify variability within NRCS soil type zones.

The top right image shows the NRCS soil breaks overlaid an EC map. The image on the bottom right is a corn yield map. Which soil map would you prefer to make management decisions with?

Is EC mapping worth the investment?

• Variable Rate Irrigation – without EC, you’re only guessing. Increase water use efficiency, improve yields, maximize your precision ag opportunities. • Variable Rate Seeding and Nitrogen – can you be sure you are placing these important inputs in the correct location without EC? With rising input costs, precision is more important than ever. • Optimal Moisture Probe Location – EC will more accurately identify the majority soil type to improve your irrigation scheduling recommendation and maximize profit. • One time investment will provide payback for years to come……..