A newly unveiled soil intelligence platform from CropX delivers a first-of-its-kind combination of cloud-based ag analytics software and advanced soil sensor technology for U.S. farmers.
Knowing that farmers continue to seek higher yields while trying to reduce water use and fertilization and energy costs, CropX’s easy-to-use soil sensors and intelligence platform integrate with top irrigation systems to let farmers know if or when specific parts of a field need to be watered and how much water they need — via any smartphone, tablet or computer. In fact, recent Beck’s Practical Farm Research reports found that CropX-based irrigation produced 16 to 24 percent more yield compared to manual irrigation.
The enhancements to CropX’s ag analytics software platform provide customers:
- The new ”Field Drawing” capability, which ensures the platform automatically knows important information about a newly installed sensor and the soil it is in based on USDA data;
- Immediate anomaly detection that alerts farmers when there might be an issue, such as unusual changes in moisture due to a pipe failure;
- Expansive insights by individual sensors, fields or zones — from current moisture to fill and drainage points;
- The integration of weather data, including three-day evapotranspiration (ET) forecasts;
- A painless registration process that allows farmers to instantly access data from newly installed sensors without mapping a field;
- And more control over how often sensors send data and who can access data with the addition of transmission and user setting options.
“CropX soil moisture sensors are super easy to install compared to others in the industry,” noted Jason Rodgers of Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. “In addition, the company’s tech support has been great, and the ability to view data allows us to make decisions quickly.”
CropX, an Israeli company that also has offices in California, offers three versions of its unique spiral soil sensor, which all deliver more accurate readings than traditional soil sensors by eliminating soil disruption and preventing preferential flow. Adding to the capabilities of the CropX Basic Sensor, the CropX Pro Sensor and the CropX Deep Sensor now offer:
- Global ease of use thanks to expanded compatibility with worldwide cellular systems;
- Increased sensor longevity based on the addition of a USB-compatible rechargeable battery pack;
- Satellite communication capabilities—an industry first;
- Better cloud data connectivity via a faster, self-selecting internal modem that automatically connects the sensor to the cellular service with the most powerful signal;
- And the ability to measure electrical conductivity (EC) salt concentration in the soil as a first step into smart fertilization management.
CropX sensors are generally available for $600 for the Basic Sensor, $699 for the Pro Sensor, and $899 for the Deep Sensor, with an annual subscription fee starting at $275 per sensor.
