Addressing Soil Acidity in Chickpeas

Penagcon Pty Ltd

Bellata, NSW

Introduction: In 2016, James Miller from Penagcon, a team of forward-thinking agronomists based near Bellata, NSW, reflected on the challenges and successes of the past year. One significant issue they faced was soil acidity affecting their chickpea crops. By leveraging Satamap, they were able to identify and address this problem effectively.

Challenge: Soil acidity was negatively impacting chickpea production, leading to lower crop yields and overall field performance. Traditional methods of identifying and managing soil acidity were not providing the comprehensive insights needed for effective intervention.

Solution: James Miller and his team began using Satamap in April 2015 to gain a new perspective on crop production. They aimed to compare Satamap images with previous yield maps and paddock histories to identify correlations and problem areas.

Implementation:

1. Initial Reservations:

   • James was initially interested in seeing how well Satamap images would correlate with NDVI data and previous yield maps.

2. Meeting Expectations:

   • Satamap images from the 2015 season and previous years (2013 and 2014) correlated well with field performance characteristics and yield maps, validating the tool's effectiveness.

3. Usage in Business:

   • The team used Satamap images to evaluate crop performance, identify problem areas, and scrutinize field trials. The images highlighted issues such as sodicity, salinity, acidity, weed activity, missed strips in spraying and planting, varietal differences, and compaction.

4. Adding Value:

   • Satamap added an extra dimension to field scouting and crop management, helping the team address production differences and optimize their systems for maximum performance.

5. Continued Use:

   • The team continued to use Satamap, referencing 2015 images with yield maps to produce variable rate application maps for soil ameliorants like lime and gypsum. They identified consistently lower-performing sections of the field, confirmed the need for lime through grid soil sampling, and planned variable rate lime applications to address pH deficiencies and excess nutrient solubility (Al and Mn).

Satamap image captured 05 August 2015, showing effects of soil acidity in chickpeas.

Results:

• Improved Identification: Satamap helped identify areas affected by soil acidity, allowing for targeted interventions.

• Enhanced Crop Management: The tool provided valuable insights for evaluating crop performance and addressing various soil issues.

• Optimized Interventions: Variable rate lime applications based on Satamap data improved soil pH and nutrient solubility, leading to better crop yields.

Conclusion: James Miller and the Penagcon team successfully used Satamap to tackle soil acidity in their chickpea fields. By integrating advanced satellite imagery with traditional agronomic practices, they were able to make informed decisions, optimize interventions, and enhance overall crop performance. Satamap proved to be an invaluable tool in their quest for better farming outcomes.