SOYLsense, the variable rate nitrogen service, takes another step forward in December with the launch of two additional satellites to the constellation. These new satellites work at an improved resolution of 22 metres and provide at least 45 image possibilities every month - more than one acquisition per day.
Simon Griffin, SOYL's Technical Manager, explains, "In 2008 we were able to provide in excess of 95% of required images. The new satellites will allow us to exceed this and acquire more images, more often."
He continues, "The beauty of SOYLsense is that it is improving every year as new and more sophisticated satellites are launched. Looking at the satellite launch plans for the coming years I can really see the day when all farms will use satellite acquired imagery to improve the efficiency of decision making."
During 2008 over 90% of customers saw improved yields using SOYLsense and over 95% plan to use the service again in 2009.
The graph below shows the increasing average benefit per hectare to customers from 2004 to 2007.
We have strengthened the SOYLsense office team with the appointment of a new co-ordinator, Wayne Postle. Wayne is a trained agronomist who joins us with years of experience using satellite imagery in Australia. He will be working with Simon Griffin and the SOYLsense administration team to increase the speed and efficiency of image and application map processing.