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Sat Nav for Soils – SAC Event Considers how Satellite Technology Might Boost Border Farms Productivity

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N147
Published: 02 Dec 2011

Satellites and soil may not seem to have anything in common, but farmers attending an SAC open event near Jedburgh on Tuesday 13th December will discover how satellite mapping their fields can boost farm productivity.

The event, organised by SAC and hosted by Robert and Jac Neill at Upper Nisbet Farm, is part of the Scottish Government Farming for a Better Climate initiative. It will get down to basics and look at getting the best from farm soils.

Key to success is making the most of soil nutrients. The price of fertilisers is rocketing. Wasting them costs money, pollutes the environment and adds to greenhouse gas emissions. At the SAC event Aidan Monaghan from SOYL will outline how modern computerised technology allows farmers to map their fields, analyse their soils and record crop yields.

Over time the information gathered can be used to automatically “tell” their machinery where to spread fertilisers or sprays, where they aren’t needed and which soils need help and which don’t. The information can even be used to minimise tractor travel and so cut down on fuel bills and another source of polluting emissions. Rod Armour of “Soilessentials” will explain the software and hardware needed.

However while clever technology can make a contribution there are more simple tools that can be equally useful for efficient farming and controlling costs. Andy Hindhaugh, of local company McCreath, Simpson & Prentice, advises the Neills at Upper Nisbet and he will explain the importance of getting the right soil pH and balancing nutrients like phosphate and potash. Meanwhile SAC speakers will explain how to user the free, Scottish Government PLANET nutrient management programme

The Scottish Government has set tough greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for Scotland to meet, including agriculture. Through the Farming for a Better Climate Initiative and its Climate Change Focus Farms, like Upper Nisbet, local farmers are developing ways of cutting greenhouse gasses that also cut costs and maximise farm business efficiency.

Interested farmers are invited to bring a neighbour or friend to the open meeting which starts at 1.30pm on Tuesday 13th December. For more information please contact Moira Gallagher via the details below.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Miss Moira Gallagher
Agricultural Consultant
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Consulting, Greycrook, St Boswells,
Roxburghshire
TD6 0EQ
TelWork 01835 823322
Fax 01835 823525

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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