The Ukrlandfarming Group, one of the leading Ukrainian agricultural producers, widely employs soil surveys in its operations. These surveys are used to create agronomic field maps to assess the overall soil condition, yield potential, and develop an effective fertilization system.

 

**Figure 1: Example of Agronomic Soil Mapping**

 

Soil analysis is a crucial process that determines the chemical composition, structure, and physical properties of the soil. The primary types of soil analysis conducted by the company include:

- **Agronomic Analysis**: Determines the content of key plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The soil's acidity level (pH) is also assessed.

- **Mechanical Analysis (Granulometric Composition)**: Identifies the ratio of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, affecting its water permeability and retention capacity, influencing productive moisture reserves. It also helps predict wear rates of equipment components based on the soil-climatic zone of their use and fuel consumption during agricultural operations.

- **Organic Matter Analysis**: Evaluates the amount of organic material in the soil, which provides nutrients for plants, improves soil structure, and informs the optimal application of plant protection products based on the levels of organic compounds in the soil.

Results typically remain relevant for 3-5 years but may vary depending on fertilizer use, soil management changes, or climatic conditions, thus requiring constant updates.

For 2024, a survey of 130,000 hectares was planned. Two specialized vehicles with automated samplers were purchased, and two teams of drivers and lab technicians were formed to work directly in the fields.

**Figure 2: Example of Soil Sampling Task for an Area of 160.22 Hectares**

Sampling is conducted according to pre-prepared maps, with GPS markers placed across the fields in a 10-hectare grid. Upon reaching the sampling location, the technician views their geolocation, field outline, and the number of samples needed on a tablet. Each sampling sector shows the sequence number and coordinates of each sample, which are later marked on labels.

Soil analysis is carried out in our agronomic laboratory, which meets all established standards, is technically competent, and equipped with new accredited equipment. Physical property and chemical composition analyses are conducted according to the DSTU methodology, considering soil characteristics.

Results are interpreted at the central office using maps and comparisons with previous survey rounds. To date, 75% of the planned samples have been collected, and the surveys will cover the entire planned area after the harvest.