Cost-optimized soil sampling

Development of a cost-optimized novel soil sampling methodology for precision agriculture

Summary

The project aims to develop a new soil sampling technology that enables the modeling of not only surface soil properties, but also subsurface properties and diagnostic properties which affect yield potential and might be addressed by agronomical actions. Survey sites are selected in 5 different locations of the country with varying geological, geomorphological and climatic conditions to develop a robust technology performing under diverse conditions

Precision agriculture technology is one of the main drivers of modern agriculture. Novel data collection equipment appears on a regular basis, geostatistical methods, clustering algorithms seem to be constant despite the fact that new methodologies are also available due to higher computing capacities, and higher resolution data collection.

We develop a new sampling technology that enables the modeling of not only surface soil properties, but also subsurface properties and diagnostic properties which affect yield potential and might be addressed by agronomical actions. Survey sites are selected in 5 different locations of the country with varying geological, geomorphological and climatic conditions to develop a robust technology performing under diverse conditions.

Project

REGION

Észak-Alföldi region, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county

CONSURTIUM LEADER

Discovery Center | Gödöllő

FUNDING

Rural Development Program
Own resources

MEMBERS

Magyar Tenger Mg. Kft. | Farmer
Bonusz Agro Nonprofit Kft. | Farmers
Tolnanémedi Agrár Kft. | Farmer
Tálas Sándor | Farmer
AgroTár Kft. | Farmer
Szabó Gyula | Farmer
Kincses Sándorné | Researcher

BUDGET

623.858 eFt

Milestones

2017

Submit Application

Submission of an application to the adjudicating authority. Purchase of precision tools from producers who provide opportunities for data collection and implementation of project-tested data analysis methodology, as well as for measuring, verifying and evaluating results.

2019

Treatment

Positive evaluation of the application.

2020

Comissioning

The precision tools necessary for data collection are installed.

2021

Research

Collection and analysis of data available at producers and archive databases and GIS stock. Sampling points are designated, soil sampling and laboratory analysis of soil samples are carried out. Over consultation with the growers, the fertilizer application and sowing requirements are prepared and the application of input materials is already realized on the basis of these in the first year. At the same time, the generated nutrient supply maps are validated by the subcontractor. Year-round monitoring with field visits, near-Earth remote sensing and analysis of satellite images. The result of cost-effectiveness calculations, further optimization with the help of a database enriched with new yield data after harvest. Submission of the first payment request.

2022

Analysis

Finalized soil sampling protocol, filed patent documentation. Two demonstration economic events to present the development. Special articles are published about the project. Project closure.

2023

Publication

Finalized soil sampling protocol, filed patent documentation. Two demonstration economic events to present the development. Special articles are published about the project. Project closure.