Cotton is a unique crop with specific demands for temperature and moisture levels that require attention. Technology that offers layer by layer insights into temperature, moisture, salinity and crop consumption changes the game.
First, the temperature of the soil at planting time is a critical consideration for growers. While this is traditionally estimated by measuring air temperature and calculating DD60 units, it is more useful to know the when the soil has reached a sustained temperature greater than 65 degrees down to about 8 inches. In addition to temperature, water timing is important since freshly germinated seedlings can be damaged by excess soil moisture. While cotton has good tolerance for salinity at certain growth cycles and root depth, drought and increased groundwater pumping in states such as Texas and California has worked to increase soil salinity, which is not being leeched away by rainfall. These stresses mean more diligence in monitoring cotton is critical.
Intelligent Technology Aids Monitoring the Health of Cotton Crops
To maximize yield, successful cotton growers need a reliable and easy to use method for monitoring soil temperature, moisture and salinity. For a complete picture of crop health, soil temperature, moisture and salinity should be monitored at regular intervals to a soil depth that includes the bulk of the crop roots. For cotton, most of the roots are within 3 feet of the soil surface. Depending on soil moisture and physical structure the tap root can extend down to 9 feet, but the laterals will concentrate in the first 3. Cotton growers need to see the effect of the water they are adding at each level. Seeing water uptake layer by layer can give growers an indicator of how deep the roots have penetrated, by which they can gauge the overall vigor of the plants. If they have to irrigate with water that has a high salt content, they want to see the increase in salinity in the soil at each level so they can take measure to mitigate excess salinity where necessary.
All farmers need convenience and tools that save them time. Growers can save time and trips to the field by using cellular-connected services with monitoring devices installed beneath the ground in the field once per season. Then they can remotely monitor their crops on the device of their choice for real-time field information.
A Cell Phone Service for your Cotton Crops
Crophesy™ battery-operated below ground soil moisture probes by AquaSpy® have an intelligent soil and root deciphering algorithm that accurately predicts crop health and yield throughout the cotton growing season.
Crophesy has a unique, pay as you grow service subscription that’s worry and hassle-free. Each subscription includes the Crophesy mobile app, AgSpy software, one wireless battery-powered underground multi–sensor probe, wireless data plan, analytics and reporting. Crophesy hardware is completely integrated and wireless, with no cords or towers required. Installation is as simple as pushing it into the ground and scanning it with the mobile app.
Crophesy’s unique subscription plan gives growers the flexibility and peace of mind to manage the service according to their unique growing environment, crop rotation, and seasonality. Suspend or “hibernate” the subscription in the off-season.
Crophesy Pay-As-You-Grow Service
With Crophesy, cotton growers can use a smartphone, tablet or desktop device to remotely monitor cotton plants and instantly see stats on soil moisture, soil density, salinity, and temperature, as well as water infiltration and consumption. Crophesy 3-, 6- and 12-sensor wireless soil moisture monitoring probes placed throughout fields give growers a broad, field level view with crop-specific insights about soil and crop health. Each sensor represents 4 in/10cm of depth.
Data is automatically interpreted through sophisticated statistical algorithms and then uploaded to the Crophesy Mobile App. Download the Crophesy Mobile App from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Use the app daily to receive notices about where you need to focus your attention.
