The Aquadetect company has launched an innovative service for mapping agricultural soils, with the ongoing backing and support of the Foundation for Agricultural Innovation (FIA). Since 2021, the company has been developing this solution with the aim of providing accurate recognition of the heterogeneities present in agricultural land.
The characteristics addressed by this service include the depth of limiting strata, such as gravel and clay, the depth of the water table, the presence of stony soil and the depth of root development.
In turn, the service developed by Aquadetect has been rigorously validated in the Smartfield experimental field of the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) from the beginning of 2023 to date. During this period, an excellent correlation has been observed between field productivity and the soil mapping carried out. According to Stanley Best, Director of the Precision Agriculture program at INIA, "The value of this study lies in the high precision with which the soil is characterized." Best also highlights that the information provided by this service is essential for correct irrigation management, considering the specific limitations present in each area of the field.
In terms of irrigation management, the Aquadetect service makes it possible to determine the optimal irrigation depth based on soil characteristics and existing root development. This facilitates the definition of the optimal irrigation time and the identification of suitable locations for moisture monitoring, contributing to more efficient use of water.
Purpose in new agricultural plantations
Aquadetect, recognized for its experience in groundwater exploration, is now expanding its offering with this service, offering additional value to new agricultural projects that seek to optimize water use from the start. Daniel Cabrera, CEO of Aquadetect, highlights the potential of this service for the development of new agricultural plantations in the country, especially in the case of cherries and other crops. Cabrera points out that “our proposal quickly and accurately addresses key factors such as soil and water, providing recommendations for irrigation design in accordance with the observed heterogeneities.”
This is how Aquadetect’s new agricultural soil mapping service offers an invaluable tool for evaluating and planning agricultural projects, ensuring maximum efficiency in water use and optimising long-term yields.
