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Automated Precision Soil Sampler
Tech Specs: Falcon Soil Technologies has added two models to its lineup of automated soil sampling systems that promise to bring precision accuracy to a critical task now dominated by error-prone hand sampling. The Model 1000 builds on the success of the 2014 Falcon, with an improved drum and funnel assembly for better soil mixing and sample integrity. An upgraded video camera enhances machine monitoring and an all-new, on-board computer has a remote, easy-to-use operator interface for control from the cab. It also offers the Falcon ServiceLink system for remote diagnostics and software upgrades. The Model 5000 adds a dedicated GPS receiver to track sample routes and individual core locations, a barcode reader for sample integration with GPS locations, plus cloud-based data integration with soil test laboratories and precision ag software, which is in pre-launch testing. It also comes with an enhanced power/electronics/light package that includes a trickle charger, external PC ports and improved lighting.
Compatibility Index: ISOBUS Certified Component
WOW Factor: Unlike error-prone traditional hand sampling used on most farms, the system is designed to quickly collect high-quality samples with precision, consistency, repeatability and efficiency. While based on a durable, simple wheel, the system incorporates GPS, a modern computer interface and cloud communications technology for durability in the field and streamlined operation and data management needed for precision agriculture.
360 Soilscan
Tech Specs: 360 Yield Center’s Soilscan, a real-time, in-field soil testing system, lets farmers pull into a field, sample and analyze nitrate nitrogen (N) and pH levels simultaneously from the same cup to make real-time application decisions — eliminating the time delay that comes from sending samples to a lab. The system also includes a corn N need calculator that allows farmers to build N prescriptions for their field based on yield goals and growth stage of corn. The 360 Yield Patrol field app, a new companion app for iPad and iPhone, helps farmers determine where to pull samples and uses GPS-tagging to track those samples with identification codes. The app also offers in-field and visual scouting capabilities for getting and using even more information from the field for making real-time decisions.
WOW Factor: Never before have farmers been able to get real-time soil nitrate and pH results from their field in minutes to make real N management decisions. The system gives them the power to know how much N is in their field so they can build N prescriptions at the time of application and know they are applying the right amount of N when corn needs it.
