US 12,247,969 B2
Method and system for characterising the soil moisture characteristics of management zones in both time and space, specific to zone-based management for variable rate crop inputs
Jonathan Freeman, Naicam (CA); Corwyn Willness, Naicam (CA); and Derek Rude, Naicam (CA)
Assigned to Croptimistic Technology Inc., Naicam (CA)
Filed by Croptimistic Technology Inc., Naicam (CA)
Filed on Feb. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/170,989.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/318,557, filed on Mar. 10, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0349880 A1, Nov. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. G01N 33/24 (2006.01); G01N 27/04 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 33/246 (2013.01) [G01N 27/04 (2013.01); G01N 33/245 (2024.05)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for determining probe placement location within an agricultural field comprising:
providing a combined elevational and electrical conductivity map of the agricultural field;
using said combined map, grouping regions of the agricultural field with at least one common hydrological characteristic, thereby defining a management map of the agricultural field comprising one or more zones of at least one common hydrological characteristic;
using said management map, determining at least one location for probe placement, according to one or more of the following:
a) a probe is placed at a location which represents a median soil condition for the field;
b) a first probe is placed at a location which represents a driest part of the field and a second probe is placed at a location which represents a wettest part of the field;
c) a probe is placed at a location which represents a median soil condition for a respective zone or group of zones.