Advanced Mapping

Electro-conductivity (EC) maps, topography maps, and drainage maps can provide information to enhance the production capabilities of a field.

EC Maps

Electrical Conductivity (EC) surveys provide a useful layer of data to identify & map field variability of the sub-surface soil to improve accuracy of zone maps.  Farmers Edge uses an EM38-MK2 instrument with RTK GPS accuracy for measurement of soil EC in the root zone.  The EM38-MK2 measures 2 depth ranges (0.75 & 1.5 m) simultaneously

EC reflects a number of physical and chemical properties of the soil: Salinity, Soil Texture (Clay, Silt, Sand) and Moisture Content

Using an ATV pulling a sled designed to carry the EM38, our consultants will collect the data required to create EC maps to add data to your zone management maps.

Designed for relatively shallow applications - specifically within the agricultural root zone - the EM38 provides measurement of ground conductivity and magnetic susceptibility within two effective depth ranges: 1.5 m and 0.75 m. The EM38 can survey large areas quickly, without any requirement for ground-to-instrument contact.  For agricultural applications, measurement of ground conductivity is particularly useful for the mapping of variations in important soil properties such as salt and soil moisture content.  The EM38 has proven to be useful for many near-surface applications, including archaeology, wherein use can also be made of the information available in the measurement of soil magnetic susceptibility.

Click Here for an EC Map Information Sheet

Topography Maps

In the same pass over the field, Farmers Edge will use RTK technology to collect data to create an extremely accurate topography map of the field. Again, another layer of data that can be used to enhance zone maps of the field, topography maps will show the variation in low spots and high spots to within an inch. In addition to enhancing the zone maps of the field, topography maps can be used to create a drainage map.

Drainage Maps

Wouldn't it be great to control the weather? Unfortunately that is one part of farming that is out of our control. What is in our control is creating a field that drains as fast as possible to limit the amount of time a field has standing water – which means getting into the field to seed quicker, or giving the crop a chance to recover from heavy rainfall events. Farmers Edge can create a detailed drainage map with leading edge software for you to use on your farm.