In ASTARTA continues a copy of work on intensification of agricultural production. One of the directions of intensification is exact earthmoving, an important element of which is the differentiated introduction of mineral fertilizers. In order to move in this direction, first of all, it is necessary to expand knowledge about the grounds, which are in the work of the company. In this connection, ASTARTA constantly deepens soil analysis, and new indicators are planned to be added to the passport of each field: Granulometric composition and capacity of cation exchange.

Granulometric composition is widely used by farmers of Europe since this indicator comprehensively characterizes the nature of soil: It shows its potential, buffer capacity, and structure. Depending on the ratio of aggregates, the soil is sandy, easily loamy, hard-loamy, clayey, etc.

Why is this indicator so important?

Knowing the exact ratio of microparticles in the soil, it is possible to adjust the rate of seeding, approaches to soil cultivation, application of the ZR, type of fertilizers and terms of their introduction, etc. That is why this indicator of such importance and its definition and inclusion in the soil fertility maps, which are contained in the AgriChain Scout system, will be relevant for understanding the potential of fields, or the further development of precise earthmoving.

This type of research is carried out with the help of “wet chemistry” (chemical reagents) and Dutch spectral laboratory SoilCare. The latter differs significantly from the usual methods since it defines a wide range of parameters of express methods without reagents and long-term preparation. The results are obtained together with recommendations that are provided automatically by the system. We have a single spectral laboratory in Ukraine, test it in parallel with standard analyzes in our own products, and provide services to our partners.

Analysis of soil and plants by means of express methods has its advantages. One of the perspectives we consider for the future is the possibility to get results quickly and make managerial decisions quickly. After all, the loss of each day in the season is very expensive.

In general, the data we receive from the agrochemical laboratory, regardless of the type of research (standard or express methods), allow us to accurately plan the number of fertilizers to be purchased, determine the timing of their introduction, establish the need for meliorate and calculate the norms of meliorating (defecate) and provide the results of the analysis to the main agronomists with recommendations.

Maps are prepared on the basis of the received information, where it is possible to visually see the distribution of power elements, the level of acidity in the field, etc. After processing these data, specialists of the agronomic service take strategic decisions, such as adjustment of the sowing, application of additional agricultural techniques, redistribution of varieties and hybrids, etc.

Viktoriya Oliynyk, agrochemist of agronomic service:
“According to Dr. William Albrecht, it is necessary to feed the soil, not plant. Soil is like a plant’s intestine, if it contains healthy microflora and, as a result, balanced elements of nutrition, crops will have optimal conditions for growth and development.

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Therefore, we continue to work on defining the potential of each field, starting with an agrochemical analysis of soil and its long-term history, and ending with comprehensive monitoring with the help of AgriChain systems. Charts with the distribution of power elements can be viewed visually in AgriChain Scout.

This information about soil should be updated every four to five years. After all, during this time the main indicators of fertility can change under the influence of the introduced mineral fertilizers, application of melioration, climatic changes, erosions, etc. Therefore, for our strategic cultures: Sugar beet, corn, and rape should be calculated clearly the number of fertilizers made.”