SGS India Private Limited, Gurgaon

precision ag begins with an accurate assessment of fertility through gps mapping, soil sampling and testing. Soil fertility and nutrient management aims to achieve maximum profit and enhanced efficiency, while maintaining good environmental stewardship. This essential aspect of the overall precision agriculture activity is an essential ingredient to efficient overall production.

the soil fertility program uses current gps technology to create field boundaries and geo-referenced soil sample sites. Gps technology gives a more accurate account of tillable acres and more consistent test results at each sampling interval.

features:

• gps field boundary;
• 2. 5 -acre gps grid or management zone sampling patterns;
• soil test results including ph, p, k, ca, mg, cec, ? , %mg & %k saturation, and % organic matter (micronutrients and other analyses are also available);
• total field recommendations for two crops. Vrt nutrient maps can be created for an additional cost;
• four maps per field: a boundary with a sample site map and three fertility maps including ph, phosphorus and potassium maps. The fertility maps have seven levels of classification, which range from very low to excessive. These extra classifications aid the grower in evaluating the need for vrt by analyzing the management zones that exist within the field.

banefits:

our nutrient management plan (nmp) can help you save money, improve crop yield, and minimize negative environmental impact.

• nmp: develop a whole farm plan that will qualify your site for possible cost share funding.
• utilize available on-farm nutrients: save money and improve crop yield.
• cost share money: qualify for nrcs funds for waterways, dry dams, pasture improvements, etc.
• protect water quality: minimize negative environmental impact and collect usda $ to help pay for it.

We use the most up-to-date and universally compatible software to meet your field mapping needs. When your farms and fields are GPS-sampled by SGS, we can create detailed, geo-referenced maps that can be adapted to meet any of your needs.

In addition to the most basic map that includes your field boundary and sample points, we provide colored nutrient maps that incorporate all your soil sample test results with your field boundary. We also have the capabilities to sample and map your fields based on soil type. With all of these maps, a hard copy will be included in your report, and can be given to you in any format you choose.

We can also create Variable Rate Technology (VRT) Application Maps for a variety of needs, including Limestone, Potash, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Planting Rates, and Soil Types. VRT creates fertilizer applications based upon specific soil test results.

Near infrared spectrophotometry (nir) or chemical analysis of the forage is the most reliable way to evaluate forage quality. The nir is best used to determine crude protein, adf, ndf, ca, p, mg, k, tdn, energy, rfv and moisture on the following feed/forages: hay, haylage, corn silage, small grain silage, corn grain, wheat grain, soybean meal, oats.

wet chemistry will be run on the all other types of feeds and forages, specifically mixed grain feeds and commercial feeds. We recommend using wet chemistry for quality assurance purposes. The nir is a cheap and accurate way to determine the nutrients found in forage and some feeds. This method is very good in determining the crude protein, fibers, and minerals in hay, haylage, small grain and corn silages. However, this method is not to be used to determine any of these levels in mixed feeds or high mineral mixes or commercial feeds. Run wet chemistry on these items.

wet chemistry is the most accurate method for determining nutrient values of feed/forage. It is, however, the most expensive. We recommend this type of testing for quality assurance purposes and for mixed and commercial feeds.

Plant tissue analysis is a useful diagnostic tool and can greatly help with fertility management. From emergence through the first six weeks of growth, plant analysis is helpful in identifying nutrient uptake. Testing corn leaf samples at this early stage may indicate where additional nitrogen should be applied. This is a way to determine the cost-effectiveness of the additional application of fertilizer.

Plant analysis may be utilized at the reproductive stage (full grown) to determine nutrient uptake for that season. This allows for determination of fertility requirements for the upcoming growing season. Tissue sampling and analysis is a key tool in determining the soil's ability to meet the sufficient nutrient requirements of the crop, thereby reducing any possible nutrient stress that may result in a potential yield drag or loss. A variety of tests are available, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, nitrogen, and boron.

Remember: test results are only as good as the sample. The most common mistake in plant sampling is not obtaining enough tissue for an accurate analysis. Several leaves from several plants will ensure a more representative sampling and ensure enough plant material. Fertility management samples should be collected from representative areas of the field. Always take composite samples. One plant is not a sample.

Generally, select only upper mature leaves for your tissue sample. When samples are being collected for nutrient review, specific leaves are normally selected depending upon the plant. Here are a few examples:

• Corn - at tasseling, collect the leaf at the ear node
• Soybeans - at flowering collect the most mature trifoliant from the top of the plant
• Wheat and small grain - at beginning of head set collect the flag leaf (most mature leaf below the head)
• Alfalfa - at flowering collect the top 6 inches of the plant

When troubleshooting is the issue, it is extremely important to take leaves from several plants experiencing the same problem and use this composite for one sample (Sample #1). Compare this analysis with a composite sample taken from the non-affected area of the field (Sample #2). Sample #2 is the control sample. This gives the grower an idea of the sufficient nutrient level for that crop in that field at that sampling period.

For example: a portion of a corn field is exhibiting chlorosis (yellowing) and stunted growth. Plant tissue analysis is the best way to determine the reason for the chlorosis and abnormal growth. A composite sample (Sample #1) of upper mature leaves from 6 to 10 chlorotic plants and a composite sample taken from the upper mature leaves from 6 to 10 plants located in the non-affected area of the field (Sample #2) are submitted for analysis.