Ag Geek Speak

Get the download on soil tests and what they actually mean in our latest episode of Ag Geek Speak featuring AGVISE Laboratories' John Breker. We dive into the world of soil testing methods, breaking down the pros and cons of phosphorus tests like Olsen and Bray, and the "new" Mehlich-3 method. Discover why Olsen is often preferred in the Great Plains and how the Mehlich-3 method, despite its promise as a universal extraction tool, might over-extract in calcareous soils. The discussion highlights the importance of selecting the right soil test for accurate nutrient analysis, a crucial step for any farmer or agronomist looking to optimize crop yields.

Managing soil pH and tackling nutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans, can be challenging. John provides an in-depth look at the role of calcium carbonate and the necessity of specific soil tests to combat IDC effectively. We also explore concepts like reserve acidity and cation exchange capacity, explaining how soil texture influences these factors and the difference between water pH and buffer pH. If you're keen on practical strategies for managing soil fertility and improving crop yields, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge. Tune in and equip yourself with actionable insights from one of the field's leading experts!

In this episode, we unpack the intricacies of soil test phosphorus methods and reveal why not all tests are created equal. We break down the specifics of the Bray 1, Olsen, and Mehlich-3 methods, explaining how they each cater to different soil conditions. Whether you're dealing with acidic, neutral, or calcareous soils, understanding the right test for your soil type can make a difference in your phosphorus fertilizer plan.

Ever wondered why a single phosphorus test doesn't fit all fields? We highlight the Olsen method's superiority in the northern Great Plains given the region's calcareous soils and weigh the advantages and limitations of the versatile Mehlich-3 method. The episode also delves into the concept of calibration and the essential role of university-led yield trials in developing precise fertilizer guidelines. 

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybeans can be a formidable challenge. What if you could manage it with precision agriculture? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Professor Emeritus Dr. R. Jay Goos, a leading authority in the topic, as we discuss how farmers can pinpoint and treat IDC in their fields. Dr. Goos delves into the intricate world of breeding IDC-resistant soybean varieties and discusses the vital role of resources like NDSU's IDC variety trials (https://vt.ag.ndsu.edu/view/6750). 

What are some ways that IDC can be managed with precision agriculture methods? Dr. Goos, Sarah, and Jodi discuss. Knowing previous crop history and collecting satellite imagery from soybean years can be put together to create "IDC" management zones that can be targeted for management. These IDC maps can help direct the use of iron EDDHA fertilizers, variable seeding rates, and variable fertilizer rates to manage soybean IDC.

Ever wonder why old herbicides are making a comeback? Dr. Goose draws fascinating parallels between agricultural trends and fashion cycles, emphasizing the importance of increasing soybean density to combat IDC. From soil testing techniques to the potential of precision agriculture, we cover it all. Finally, we'll take a closer look at advancements in North Dakota agriculture, from managing salt-affected soils to the pivotal role of research extension centers and the North Dakota State Board of Agriculture Research and Education in driving agricultural innovation. 

Tune in for these insights and more!

In this episode of Tiny Bites, we unravel the complexities of vector files and their indispensable role in geospatial data storage. We break down the fundamentals of vector files, explaining how they use vertices and segments to form points, lines, and polygons, and why this matters to anyone working with geospatial data. 

We'll take you through practical examples, from creating boundaries and sampling soil to exporting prescription files. By the end of this episode, you'll understand how vector files' infinite coordinate data ensures precision and versatility across various applications, from GIS software to graphic design.

Discover the secrets of soil fertility, straight from the expert himself, Dr. R. Jay Goos, Professor Emeritus at NDSU. From his humble beginnings on a farm in western Iowa to becoming a revered educator, Dr. Goos shares his unique journey. Immerse yourself in his passion for soil fertility and some helpful takeaways from Introduction to Soils. Sit back and listen as we discuss practical applications of soil science, the perfect intersection of earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

In this episode, Dr. Goos walks us through his extensive research work on chloride fertilization, urease and nitrification inhibitors, and phosphorus fertilizaiton in wheat. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of his research on Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) in soybeans, and the vital role of chloride as a micronutrient in North Dakota agriculture. Gain an understanding of the historical and contemporary practices of chloride application, and the significance of iron in plant health, all through the lens of a seasoned soil chemist.

In the final segment, join us for a deep dive into the advancements in soil microbiology and precision agriculture. Dr. Goos contrasts traditional soil microbiology methods with modern DNA testing, addressing the challenges of interpreting extensive data. Explore the dynamic rhizosphere affected by IDC and the innovative solutions provided by variable rate technology (VRT) in managing it. We wrap up with a discussion on the forward-thinking solutions from GK Technology, and our shared enthusiasm for putting these concepts to the test out in the field. Don't miss this stimulating conversation packed with insights about soil chemistry with the soil chemistry legend that is Dr. R. Jay Goos.

Discover the power of viewing and collecting data on the go with GK Field Mapper, the cutting-edge mobile GIS tool designed specifically for precision agriculture. In this episode, we delve into how this innovative app, available for both Android and iOS, enables you to view and create GIS files right from your mobile device. Whether you're a soil sampler or a casual GIS map viewer, GK Field Mapper can help streamline your workflow with its user-friendly interface and advanced features.

We’re excited to introduce this game-changing app to our loyal GK Technology software customers, as it seamlessly integrates with ADMS, utilizing the GK Cloud for rapid data transfer. Customization options, such as altering colors and names of points, lines, and polygons, make this tool incredibly versatile for field applications. Don't miss the chance to enhance your productivity—download the app using the direct link in the podcast notes, and be sure to share your feedback with us. Join us to learn how the GK Field Mapper can make your field operations better!

GK Field Mapper for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gkmobile.droid&hl=en_US

GK Field Mapper for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gk-field-mapper/id6448194019

In this conversation, Clint Streeter, GK Technology’s “aerospace engineer” and GIS specialist, discusses the specifics of satellite and aerial imagery and its applications in agriculture. He explains the differences between various types of imagery, such as NAIP, Landsat, and Sentinel, and how they are used to create zones for field analysis. Clint also highlights the importance of practicing and honing the skill of zone creation, as well as the benefits of GK Technology's software in making zones from multiple images over multiple years. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the availability and management of imagery data.

Website Clint mentions that shows real-time collected images from Landsat 9 (this is super cool): https://earthnow.usgs.gov/observer/ 

Raster is term that gets used in precision agriculture all the time.  In this episode, Jodi and Sarah discuss exactly what a Raster is and how is it used in Precision Agriculture and ADMS software. 

Jodi and Sarah discuss the difference in managing fields with grids and zones. Both of these precision agriculture soil sampling and management systems have a fit in various agronomic and landscape situations. 

Clint Streeter, the GK Technology resident aerospace engineer and imagery pecialist, shares his background and journey into aerial imagery for agriculture. Clint grew up in eastern Montana and worked for the US Forest Service before pursuing a degree in Aviation and Natural Resources Management. He then flew for the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium (UMAC), collecting high-resolution aerial imagery for farmers and researchers. Clint discusses the challenges of planning flights and capturing imagery, as well as the technology and equipment involved. The images he took for UMAC were primarily of research plots for researchers, but he also worked with farmers during this time, providing high-resolution images for precision agriculture and crop planning. Clint implemented many improvements to the process of collecting and georeferencing aerial imagery and worked with UMAC until joining GK Technology.