Take a Look at Agronomic Data

With the environmental sensors installed, we can collect and calculate some valuable agronomic data.  To view this on the graph, select the agronomic data drop down menu at the top of the graph.

Select the data you want to view and then "update data" to change the graph.

The first one we will look at is the daily moisture change.  This shows how much water is being added or leaving the soil profile.  Red bars indicate the crop using water and will get bigger as the season progresses and the crops draw more water.  Green bars show water being added from irrigation or in this case, rain.

Next we will look at daily reference ET or evapotranspiration.  Evapotranspiration is the process of water being transferred from the ground to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration from the plants.  This is a calculated value taken from data collected by the Airmar® weather station and the pyranometer.  This information can be used for determining irrigation schedules.

This graph shows the growing degree days which is also a calculated value that uses heat units measured by the weather station.  This information can be used for estimating crop maturity.

This last image shows data from the rain gauge as well as the line graph from the moisture probe.  By looking at the rain data in this way, you can see how much water it takes to recharge the soil at different depths.  You can see in the graph below that 1/4 inch rains aren't soaking in much past the 8 inch depth.  In this soil, it took a 1"+ rain to register a change in moisture at the 40" depth.  At this point in the growth stage that may not be as important as later on when the roots have reached that depth, but that water can move up in the profile.  Later in the season we will see that water level draw down as the crops reach that depth or begin to pull it up in the profile.  

This data can also be valuable for irrigation management.  You would probably find that it is more efficient to apply more water at greater intervals than putting on a 1/4" and only soaking in 4-8" more frequently.  

The rain gauge can also be used to check pivot output.  If you are trying to apply 1" of water, you can check the rain gauge and see how it is actually performing.

You can study this data for yourself by logging into Tractor Central's demo Field Connect with the following username and password:

Username: tractorcentraldemo

Password: tractor1 

Contact us for more information by using the contact form on the right side of this page or calling one of our 10 locations.