By Scout Nelson
A significant advancement in agricultural research has been achieved with the development of the Soil Sample Planning Organizer Tool (SSPOT), a collaborative effort between a scientist from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This innovative web-based application is designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of soil sampling, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.
SSPOT, accessible at https://sspot.scinet.usda.gov, offers a user-friendly interface that supports both researchers and producers in making informed decisions about soil sampling.
According to Trenton Franz, a professor of hydrogeophysics at UNL, "Every project aiming to understand soil variability across a field faces the challenge of deciding the number and location of soil samples to take. SSPOT addresses these challenges by providing tailored recommendations based on specific project goals and geographic conditions."
The tool incorporates advanced algorithms developed by Franz and further refined with the assistance of consultant Ben Cook and the support of Esri, inc., a leader in geographic information system technology. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and its Partnership for Data Innovations have rigorously tested and refined SSPOT, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world agricultural settings.
Effective soil management is more crucial than ever due to the varying climate and the need to monitor agricultural impacts on carbon footprints. SSPOT helps land managers and researchers by optimizing the placement of soil samples to thoroughly assess soil health and productivity factors like pH levels, nutrient variability, and organic soil carbon.
SSPOT’s functionalities include two "optimizer" algorithms that users can employ to determine the best locations for soil samples within their Area of Interest (AOI). These algorithms utilize the USDA's Soil Survey Geographic Database and allow for customizable grid settings to maximize the comprehensiveness and efficiency of soil sampling.
Virginia Jin, a research leader with the ARS Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, praised SSPOT as a tool that "can push forward the advancement of research for the benefit of croplands, grazing lands, and forestry."
With its launch, SSPOT is set to become an essential tool in the arsenal of agricultural professionals seeking to implement precise and effective soil management strategies.
Photo Credit:nebraska-extenstion
Categories: Nebraska, Equipment & Machinery, General