Into the field with satellite maps in your pocket

The new FieldScout app from BioScope provides up-to-date insight into the growth of the crop on a plot. Farmer Jan Wijnen uses the app to monitor developments in the field. He likes to go through the crop with the satellite maps in his pocket and adapt cultivation actions to the information.

Until recently, Wijnen used BioScope's satellite maps on the computer, but by using the FieldScout app for the mobile phone, it is possible to react much more directly to differences in field and crop. How practical the app works is best seen when the farmer drives or walks through the fields with his phone in hand. He can see his own position and can also link it to the working width of the fertilizer spreader or sprayer.

But it starts with looking at the differences and analyzing the causes behind them, says Wijnen. "Because additional spreading or adjusting the dose of the sprayer only works if the difference is due to the availability of nitrogen or other minerals, or due to a difference in disease pressure or weed growth."

Understanding Information
First of all, it is good to understand the information on the card. On the biomass map, for example, color differences show where the average values ​​on the plot are and where they are above and below that average. Wijnen points to the scale that is visible under the card. "There you can see whether the spread is, for example, between 50 and 150% or rather between 83 and 114%. With small differences, you need to control less."

The satellite makes a recording every few days, provided there is not too much cloud above the plot. With a small difference, Wijnen follows the cards over a longer period. "Sometimes a difference becomes greater during the growing season. Then you can make adjustments with crop care. Sometimes the crop itself is able to catch up and sometimes you have to intervene."

Taking time
According to Wijnen, you should take the time to study the cards. "They say that precision farming saves time, but you have to spend time on it first to gain more insight. You can't see everything while walking in a field. You can see more on the tractor, but a lot more with the satellite. Study the maps and visit the places in the crop. Don't just look from the headland, but see where the biggest differences are."

Making task cards is possible, but sometimes takes a lot of time, says Wijnen. "You can also decide to include the app with crop care. From the tractor you can immediately make some pluses and minuses to the dosage, taking into account the most obvious cause of the growth differences."

Click here for more information about the app and the maps.