SOYL newsletter February 2017
1. 2017 season begins with first imagery online
The first imagery for the 2017 variable rate nitrogen season is now online. With first applications underway, the fundamentals of looking at growth through the winter and analysing crop appearance is vital to ensure correct rates.
Calibrated images of Leaf Area Index (LAI) went live on 17th February, enabling growers to see how their crops look before putting on that first dose. Crop uptake of nitrogen from the soil can be seen from LAI maps which also allow growers to see where leaching may have occurred or mineralisation has been better, which is useful for planning in this season and the seasons ahead.
Using imagery is simple on the SOYLsense variable rate nitrogen website. Growers just need to select farm, crop, variety or field and then view the images available. The easy to use timeline allows scrolling back to earlier images to compare growth history and see the effect of the variable rate nitrogen applications.
The SOYLsense website now includes a filename allocation feature and for those using the iSOYL app, product names now appear when selecting the field for application, making it easier to pick the correct task.
To find out more and register for SOYLsense, call 01635 204190 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cropping plans with crop, variety, field names and drilling dates should be sent to the same email address.
2. iSOYL version 4.5 now available
The iSOYL application controller app has received an additional update this month in time for spring fertiliser and drilling applications.
As part of SOYL’s continued efforts to develop effective products and services for growers, the app has been updated to include a dynamic legend button which shows on the work screen when a map is visible. This button alters the legend or colour of the maps to a 10-scale band proportioned by rates to be applied. This will help to distinguish between application rates, especially those quite close in value.
This feature has been developed through valuable feedback from customers. Growers are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas with SOYL to help to develop solutions for use in the field.
The updated iSOYL app is free to download on the App Store.
iSOYL streamlines the management of precision crop production techniques, using an in-cab iPad to handle variable rate maps, applications and storage of as–applied information. New users will require an iSOYL kit, priced at £495, which provides a user licence and everything needed to get iSOYL up and running.
For more information, please speak to your local area manager or call 01635 204190.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to tAs the new3. Manage variation with MySOYL
Variation in a field can be managed in a number of ways, but checking crop performance using a yield map after the season ends is key to making more informed decisions. Making arrangements for this now will be one less thing to think about come harvest time.
SOYL’s MySOYL yield map hosting service allows growers to see their yield maps online and compare them with previous years. Performance maps can be created to show trends in yield and identify any issues relating to nutrient levels, soil type, establishment maps or seed rates which may be affecting yield. Up to eight windows can be viewed at the same time, with clear indicators of comparisons by year or area.
MySOYL yield is part of the gold MySOYL package, which costs just £350 per year. As well as processing and managing yield data, this package gives unlimited access to the SOYL seed rate calculator tool, inclusive upload capability from the iSOYLscout field scouting app and ability to view nutrient maps, soil type and conductivity data. Growers already using bronze or silver MySOYL packages can upgrade to gold.
For more details, please contact the SOYL office on 01635 204190 or speak to your local area manager.
4. Winter workshops prove successful across the UK
From Dingwall in the north of Scotland to Canterbury in Kent, over 700 growers attended the latest round of SOYL’s Winter Workshops. Held at 16 locations since November, the final event took place this month.
Those attending were able to learn more about how precision techniques can benefit farming and the latest developments in SOYL’s services, from spring barley variable rate nitrogen trials and variable depth cultivation, which shows significant opportunities to save fuel costs, to online tools such as MySOYL.
The Winter Workshops have already been confirmed for winter 2017 and details of venues will be announced this summer. To be notified, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your interest.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @SOYLprecision for regular updates on soils, nutrients, machinery and GPS.
To subscribe to future issues of SOYL news please click here.
