At two recent conferences on
Precision Agriculture, soil strength was promoted as a tool for
mapping zones in paddocks. For example, it takes less force to draw a tyne
through a sand than a clay, or through a friable soil as compared to a
hardsetting one of the same texture. Many different parameters affect soil
strength, the important conclusion is that mapping it will help define
management zones in paddocks.
Therefore we have designed a system in which soil strength can be logged
at sowing or during summer weed control cultivation. This can be done by
measuring
- the force on a tyne (a strain gauge is fitted to the
tyne)
-the down force on a presswheel
Most sowing operations now days take place at a constant speed, and at a
constant depth which makes this all possible.
The “Soilseeker” has been
designed as a stand-alone unit housed in a box. This can be mounted onto an
airseeder or combine, turned on, and requires no further attention from the
farmer. These units are hired out at a fixed price per ha of actual mapping
carried out.
In the LH picture above, you can see the box containing a battery, a
small computer (with inbuilt GPS) which records position and sensor input and
controllers which handle the signal from the sensor. The electronic system can
also be used for variable rate control while simultaneously logging the sensor.
The RH picture shows the strain gauge mounted onto a Shearer
tyne.
The sensor is a strain gauge operating from 0-200 kg force, however other
sensor inputs are possible (eg hydraulic pressure
etc).
The system has been field tested on a machine sowing summer crops, and
the electronics have been proven over three years implementing VRT in the
field.
For more details,
contact:
WestVic AgServices Pty
Ltd
1004 Nth
Bill and Judy Gardner, Ph (03)
53838288
Mob 0438
838288 E-mail
wvicag0001@bigpond.com
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