EM38 Mapping
Agri Services SA has the equipment to undertake EM38 mapping needs.
Electromagnetic induction equipment is commonly used for mapping a range of soil properties in any farming situation. EM Surveys use an instrument that induces an electromagnetic signal into the ground, and measures how well it is conducted by the soil, which then corresponds to soil properties such as salinity and soil type and gives us a greater understanding of these soil properties and soil-water interactions.
EM38 also offers the potential to improve effective irrigation design and management through improved knowledge of soil variability and soil moisture dynamics.
When undertaking EM mapping, the elevation of the site can also be logged and interpreted, so that in conjunction with the relative soil characteristics, potential waterlogging or areas with drainage issues may be identified.
In combination with yield mapping and the use of variable rate, EM38 can aid in the determination of specific areas within a paddock that require different fertiliser management. EM data has been used to determine soil type boundaries within areas with similar management histories. These maps have then been used to target soil testing for pH and sodicity and then used to develop lime and gypsum application maps with the aim of increasing pH, addressing soil structural problems and supplying sulphur in the most efficient way possible. This can only result in a more profitable paddock.
If you wish to find out more, or you have a paddock that has not been performing and you want to know why, give the agri services team a phone call to discuss how we can help you.
A comparison between a paddock mapped with EM38
(right) and the yield map for the same paddock (left)
