...advances in soil analysis technology have allowed the company to turn its original single purpose EC cart into a micro, multitasking mobile soil lab...That means one trip across the field can create four layers of data, creating an attractive package for producers who are serious in their precision farming endeavors.
"The main issue today is sensor fusion and data integration...a "complete field picture" [could come] together by defining specific agronomic strategies for different cropping applications and combining appropriate data to fulfill the strategy. For example, variable-rate irrigation could tap a combination of conventional EC, elevation mapping and wireless networks to assess water-stressed areas at any given time..."
MSP3 FAQs
Does it pay to have this mapping done?
The value of these maps will vary according to crop value and input costs, the degree of variability within each field, the number of years the map will be used, and other factors. It’s important to consider the errors inherent in less expensive maps. Research has shown that pH sensor maps improve lime application precision by an average of 1100 lbs/ac (1233 kg/ha) versus 2.5 ac (1 ha) grid sampling. Multiplying that by local lime applied cost calculates the value of that layer. Comparing OM and CEC maps from Veris sensors versus soil surveys reveals significant inclusions and errors in the old surveys. Applying several thousand corn seeds/acre above or below what your soil can sustain, could cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars per field--every year you plant it to corn.
What are the operating costs?
The table below shows approximate variable operating costs for the MSP-3. Actual costs will vary with abrasive properties of soil, transect width, operator, maintenance and other factors.
cost per acre
cost per hectare
Soil EC
coulter blades, bearings, seals, spring plungers
$0.05 - $0.15
$0.13 - $0.40
Soil OM
wear plates, row unit components: blades, bearings, tires, etc.
How fast can I drive? How many acres can I cover per hour?
Mapping speed will depend largely on field conditions. 8 mph (13 km/hr) is the maximum recommended speed, and would only be possible in smooth fields. Rough and rocky fields will require a slower speed. The table below shows the acres mapped per hour at various speeds and transect widths. Remember: these are long-term maps that will be used to apply many valuable inputs—so data quality is critical. In some conditions, pH sampling can require a 4-6 mph (6-10 km/hr) speed to optimize soil flow. In order to maintain overall daily mapping production, it may be advisable to map pH only on alternate transects, allowing increased field speed on transects where pH sampler is disengaged. This still provides 4-6 pH samples per acre (10-15/ha)—significantly more than conventional grid sampling.
Weight: basic implement without weight package: 1800 lbs (635 kg)
Road Kit: stop, turn, and clearance lights with 4 pin flat trailer plug
Tire size: P205 R75 highway tires
2” ball coupler and safety chain with 7,000 lb rating (3173 kg); maximum road speed: 55 mph (93 km/hr) (pull-type only)
GPS Requirement: NMEA 0183 protocol; input from GGA and VTG or RMC strings at a 1 Hz rate (4800-8-N-1); serial connection with DB9 connector, female sockets; GPS signal on pin 2, ground on pin 5; no signal or power on other pins
EC Surveyor instrument:
Coulter-Electrode Blade Diameter: 17” (43 cm); thickness 4mm; with tapered roller bearings and cast iron hubs
Rock guards for hub and cap protection
Power: 10-15 volts DC; cigarette lighter power cord included
Input: EC signal cable
Data recording: Veris SoilViewer on laptop PC (Windows XP or 7 OS) or Veris DataLogger
Sensor Data-Logger
Compatible with Windows XP or 7 OS
Displays EC, OM, and pH data real-time for coverage verification and visual review of map quality
Records geo-referenced soil data to computer
OpticMapper Module
Compatible with Windows XP or 7 OS
Displays EC, OM, and pH data real-time for coverage verification and visual review of map quality
Records geo-referenced soil data to computer
SoilViewer On-the-go mapping software
Compatible with Windows XP or 7 OS
Displays EC, OM, and pH data real-time for coverage verification and visual review of map quality
