It has been recognized that the vital function of soil is its support for food production. Food availability relies on the soil. Healthy living soil is, therefore, a crucial ally to food security and nutrition.

It is imperative to take soil health into consideration for a shortage of any one of the 15 nutrients required for plant growth can limit crop yield. With a global population that is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, compounded by competition for land and water resources and the impact of climate change, our current and future food security hinges on our ability to increase yields and food quality using the soils that are already under production today. By 2050, agricultural production must increase by 60 percent globally – and by almost 100 percent in developing countries – in order to meet food demand alone (according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN).

Sustainable soil management is one such way out which could produce up to 58 percent more food (FAO, UN). Soil testing is one of the effective approaches to soil management. It is well recognized as a sound scientific tool to assess the inherent power of soil to supply plant nutrients. And a smart integrated soil information system that consolidates the soil testing information is a great source that informs policies, interventions, and recommendations.This is of key importance to all major players of the food industry, starting from the farmer to the institutional growers to government bodies.

The Soil Information System is an integrated, centralized information system that consolidates all the data starting from the survey, sample soil testing and analysis to final output generation for soil mapping and recommendation. It also facilitates effective monitoring through easy access to information.

The following describes the process flow of the system:

CSM has developed the centralized soil information system which forms an essential part of its agri suite. This system is not only beneficial as a tool for improving the quality of the crop but it helps in increasing the output of the low producing areas and optimizing use of water & fertilizer.
Form Designing & Surveyor Tagging

Form Designing & Surveyor Tagging

The process starts with the system facilitating in designing the survey forms with predefined questions with a dynamic application while tagging the surveyor and also the assigned location from where the soil sample needs to be collected.

Collection of Data & Sample Soil

Collection of Data & Sample Soil

The survey data is collected and filled in a form in the mobile app. The soil sample collected is tagged with a unique identity code for future archiving, reference and retest. The system captures the real-time longitude and latitude of the location from where the sample is collected, to calculate the deviation from the assigned location.

Soil Archival Management

Soil Archival Management

The system facilitates in maintaining the record of the soil archives and helps in tracking the history of transaction of a soil sample taken for retesting.

Lab Testing & Analysis of Soil

Lab Testing & Analysis of Soil

The tests of the sample soil help analyze the soil type found in the specific area and provide information on different soil parameters like PH level, texture, structure and various elements and compounds.

Report Analysis & Simplification

Report Analysis & Simplification

The soil scientists,develop simplified recommendations consisting of region-specific soil maps and lab data using the most sophisticated tools techniques available, including machine learning algorithm using R scripts and Knime.

Recommendation

Recommendation

The recommendation is prepared under two different parameters one is soil fertility status and the other is region specific fertilization suitable for the soil. These soil informations are accessed through a website and an application by the concerned stakeholders like farmers, extension workers and interested individuals.

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