INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
Figure 1 : Conventional practices to distribute fertiliser uniformly on the entire paddy field .
productivity levels and nutrient demands , owing to their capacity to assess soil properties [ 13 ]. By leveraging soil ECa measurements , it becomes feasible to estimate potential yield through the determination of topsoil thickness , thereby enabling the implementation of variablerate fertiliser strategies [ 14 ]. Empirical evidence suggests the efficacy of this approach in fertiliser management across diverse crop types [ 15 ].
In Malaysia , the conventional fertilisation recommendations commonly employed by farmers in paddy cultivation often engender adverse environmental impacts , compromise soil properties , diminish production efficiency , and adversely affect crop health . Moreover , such practices escalate production costs through excessive fertiliser usage , imposing a significant financial burden on the Government ’ s allocation of fertiliser subsidies to farmers . Consequently , the utilisation of advanced technological tools such as soil electrical conductivity sensors for fertilisation management in Malaysia is strongly advocated , particularly within the context of the rice industry .
Soil Properties Mapping System using soil electrical conductivity sensors
Recognising the critical importance of effective fertiliser management in rice farming , a team of researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM ) has developed an innovative system designed to deliver comprehensive information on soil fertility . This system , named the Soil Properties Mapping System ( SoilProp ©), integrates advanced technologies including soil electrical conductivity sensors , global positioning systems ( GPS ), robust computers , and specialised software to accurately assess and map soil characteristics and fertility .
SoilProp © is engineered to provide precise , real-time data on essential soil nutrients such as Nitrogen ( N ), Phosphorus ( P ), and Potassium ( K ), which are fundamental to plant growth . The system ’ s ability to offer detailed insights into soil nutrient levels enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertiliser application , thereby optimising crop yield and reducing environmental impact .
The soil data collected by the system is visually represented on a computer screen , displaying a detailed map that correlates with the actual geographic location of the surveyed area . This visual representation allows end-users to easily identify variations in soil fertility across different parts of their fields , facilitating targeted and efficient soil management practices .
The system operates using machinery such as tractors , which are capable of navigating agricultural fields with an attached soil sensor . This sensor measures soil electrical conductivity at one-second intervals . Each measurement is precisely geotagged using GPS . The soil electrical conductivity and GPS data are transmitted to a data logger , which then sends the information to a rugged laptop . The SoilProp © software processes this data to generate a detailed map displaying soil nutrient information .
This technology was specifically developed to aid farmers , particularly those managing paddy fields , by providing critical insights that allow for the precise application of nutrients . By supplying fertilisers in the right quantities , at the optimal times , and in the exact locations where they are needed , farmers can ensure that the nutrients are fully utilised by the crops . This targeted fertilisation process not only enhances crop yield by ensuring that the plants receive adequate nutrients for growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability by preventing overfertilisation .
16 VOL 99 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024