SOYL Newsletter December 2015
1. New and improved MySOYL variable rate nitrogen moduleIn advance of the first variable rate nitrogen applications with SOYLsense in February, the mySOYL nitrogen module has been developed to improve its effiency and user experience. Benefits of the tool now include:
- Ability to view satellite imagery and create variable rate nitrogen recommendations quickly and easily
- Increased compatibility with tablet devices and internet browsers
- Easy creation of Gatekeeper files to support nitrogen record keeping
- New statistics behind the Leaf Area Index maps to improve the representation of variation within each field.
Training for the website is currently available as part of this season's SOYL Academy sessions. User guides will also be sent to customers in January and regular email bulletins will offer handy tips and advice. SOYL's expert nitrogen team is on hand to provide support and guidance too, as well as completing recommendations on request.
SOYL will continue to add new tools and features to the system to help growers' day to day tasks run smoothly. If you have any suggestions, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more details or any queries, please call the team on 01635 204198.
2. Growers recommend SOYL Academy sessions
Over 150 growers have attended the new SOYL Academy sessions at sites across the UK this winter to learn more about the innovative technology released by SOYL over the last year. These sessions mark the beginning of a twelve month programme which aims to help growers and operators perfect their precision crop production techniques through training days and discussion lead meetings.Growers that have already attended a session have praised SOYL Academy for providing a personal and interactive environment which allows them to be involved as well as improving their understanding of precision techniques and benefits.
With small groups, the events have an informal and relaxed atmosphere which encourages conversation around topics of personal interest. iPads are also provided to give growers the opportunity to explore and experiment with some of the tools available, including:
- Creating variable rate seed plans using MySOYL
- Viewing satellite imagery and producing variable rate nitrogen plans using the new SOYLsense website
- Managing application data with iSOYL
- Electronic record keeping with MySOYL and Gatekeeper.
For full details of future events and to book your free place, visit SOYL's events page or call 01635 204190.
3. Submit cropping plans now to get the most out of SOYLsense
The first satellite image for SOYLsense users will be available at the end of January. It's important that any growers applying nitrogen variably with SOYLsense send an up to date cropping plan so that the SOYLsense team can create accurate recommendations. The plans need to include crop, variety and drilling date for each field as each combination will need to be treated differently to get the most out of SOYLsense and make sure nitrogen is only applied where it is needed.Send your existing plan to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or request a pre-populated electronic or paper plan by calling 01635 204198.
To learn more about how applying nitrogen variably with SOYLsense can benefit your business, contact SOYL on 01635 204190.
4. Meet Gemma Wingfield
"I joined SOYL as part of the PK mapping team in 2011. This was a great place to start as I was immediately talking to growers, working with SOYL area managers and collaborating with the PK recommendations team.I now work in the logistics team which manages bookings for the nutrient management and variable rate seed services. My days are mostly spent processing customer bookings efficiently to make sure growers receive a high level of service within the timescale that they expect.
I also liaise with our sampling and scanning teams that are located throughout the UK and I'm currently preparing and co-ordinating bookings for our Deep Nitrogen service. This identifies the Soil Nitrogen Service (SNS) index for a farm block and quantifies how much nitrogen is available to the crop. This is essential for farms that regularly apply organic manures as it monitors the build up of nitrogen over the years; the analysis can be used as a base for each field’s application and justification for the balance of nitrogen to be applied.
As well as my main role in PK bookings I'm a fire warden and first aider for SOYL and manage all of our charity activities. SOYL’s nominated charity is Naomi House and Jacksplace Children’s Hospice which offers expert care to 300 life limited and threatened young people from the south of England. So far we've raised almost a thousand pounds which is an incredible effort from the team. Carrying out these extra tasks means I get to know colleagues well and learn more about the business too. Combined with my day to day tasks, I have a unique role at SOYL that I really enjoy."
Christmas wishes from SOYL
Thank you for your support and custom in 2015. We wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
