Field scouting is the most important activity on the farm, as it provides farmers with information about the crops’ state and potential problems. It is an opportunity to preserve the crop, preventing diseases, weeds, and pest spread. Thus, farmers can detect and eliminate crop threats before damage is done. Today, agrarians can significantly increase scouting effectiveness on your farm with the mobile app for crop scouting and other technological innovations.
Crop scouting basics
Scouting patterns
It is necessary to build a scheme that should consider the area of the fields and landscape features to conduct scouting operations effectively. Several scout templates can be used on different farms. Depending on the type of issue, other sampling models are used. For example, looking for pests that are evenly distributed across a field involves sampling from points that are also evenly distributed across the site, avoiding edges and areas with soil problems. The same applies to weeds, each of which has features associated with the place and conditions of distribution.
Previous field history
Historical records are essential. It is necessary to have information about the legal location of the farmland, previous crops, fertility and nutrients, herbicides used, pests, diseases, and yields. Having this information will help identify crop problems and evaluate the effectiveness of control methods.
Getting started
Scouting is essential at every stage of crop development, from preparation for sowing to the moment of harvest. At all stages of growth, it is recommended to note the crops’ date, growth stage, and condition. The information on the pests and applied herbicides will also be helpful for planning and effective decision-making.
Weed scouting
Farmers should examine their fields for weeds before sowing and at all further development stages. Scouting information helps you choose the best means for effective weed control. It is necessary to calculate the number of each type of weed per square meter and the stage of development of weeds. Samples should also be taken from areas with soil problems.
Disease scouting
Pathogens and various environmental factors can cause crop diseases. It is essential to determine the cause of the disease to understand how to deal with it. Identification of the illness occurs with the help of reference materials or with the involvement of an expert. Checking crops for various diseases should include observing roots, leaves, pods/baskets, and stems.
Insect scouting
Farmers can check the insects and diseases at the same time. To engage in their identification, as in the case of other threats to harvest, should be before sowing. It is crucial to determine what potential problems you have to deal with. It is necessary to correctly estimate the number of harmful insects to assess the need and profitability of spraying.
Why use satellite field scouting?
Satellite monitoring significantly expands the opportunities for farmers. Remote sensing technologies allow you to control all changes in the fields and respond to them on time. Satellite monitoring is especially beneficial for large farms where the accuracy of personal scouting may be declining. The implementation of satellite technologies helps to increase yields due to timely detection of potential problems and identifying plant needs at all stages of development.
Final thoughts
Scouting helps to manage crops effectively and increase yields. Field scouting is critical for the early detection of various crop threats and potential problems. The effectiveness of this procedure largely depends on the skills and knowledge of crop biology. In addition, the scouting scheme used and knowledge of pests, weeds, and diseases are also important.