Measuring what Matters – Land Managers’ Intelligence

By 2050, 90% of global soils is projected to be degraded (UN FAO). However soil produces 95% of the world’s food (UN) and sequesters 5 times more carbon than all terrestrial vegetation combined (Csiro). Therefore, taking care of our soils is not a nice to have, but a must have. Governments, farmers and the entire food-supply chain treasure soil as a strategic asset. The new paradigm is to work with the soil to halt degradation, and improve soil health and productivity (Read our series of articles on agricultural practices that can make or break our soil). But where do you start? With measuring what matters to enable land managers’ intelligence!

Soil Intelligence

Understanding is key. It is imperative to dive deep into soil intelligence: the web of micro-organisms and minerals that keeps our soil alive. Instead of looking at the night sky as an infinite stretch of darkness, seeing the complexity of billions of stars, galaxies and planets that make up this intangible mass. Soil is similar: it is not a blanket of dark dirt, but a below-ground microcosmos shaped by millions of creatures and minerals.

Therefore, working with soil requires detailed and accurate knowledge of it, and how this ecosystem reacts and changes because of our actions – from tilling to fertilisers. Traditionally, soil samples are taken from the field. The soil cores are drilled up and sent to the lab for analysis. The results are then extrapolated to be representative for the entire field. Considering the inherent variability of soil, this is only a very small part of the picture. We need more.

Measuring what matters

Detailed and volumetric measurement of soil can guide and optimise practices before any cost is incurred and any seed is planted. It helps to strategize, reduce risks and costs, and protect the environment.

For example, extra nutrients can be provided to a field, but if the pH level isn’t suitable, these nutrients aren’t available for plants. They may even cause negative side effects, such as salination. Or when a crop such as cotton requires a tremendous amount of water to grow, it is critical to know the soil moisture levels before even starting. When the soil moisture is below a certain threshold, it won’t matter how much additional nutrients and/or practice changes are applied, the cotton won’t be able to grow. Knowing these soil indicators from the beginning enhances certainty in a variable and uncertain environment.

From Soil Intelligence to Land Managers’ Intelligence

Moreover, the complex ecosystem of soil requires a systemic approach. Soil health indicators, from soil carbon to texture, NPK and moisture, do not exist in isolation. They influence each other and depend on one another. Highlighting only one would again provide only a very small part of the picture. That is why it is important to measure multiple soil health indicators and characteristics and map them out in relation to one another. Moreover, measurement over time can validate the effectiveness and sustainability of agricultural practices or trigger the need for a change.

That is what we at Carbon Asset Solution call land manager’s intelligence, equipped with accurate and adequate data, farmers know best how to manage their soil. The soil data intelligence solutions that CAS provides can then become a co-pilot that farmers can work with. CAS’ measures and analyses the soil to enable land managers’ intelligence.