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Enhanced crop yields through water penetration: Agriculture irrigation service platform provides key advantages

Known for the “best potatoes in the world,” the state of Idaho generates approximately $4 billion in annual agricultural revenue (according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2017). The crop basin surrounding the Snake River has a diverse range of agricultural commodities and specialized crops, including a burgeoning livestock portfolio. The area generates approximately 29 percent of potato production in the U.S. The success of these yields relies heavily on the effectiveness of scalable farming practices, soil chemistry, and maximization of water resources.

The Snake River Valley basin has recently fallen victim to outdated farm practices resulting in runoff management issues and variable soil chemistry. Agricultural runoff has resulted in regional source water concerns, contributing to challenging soil conditions and therefore lower crop yields in recent years. The need for effective chemical injection to mitigate these source water concerns is an ongoing issue.

To overcome these challenges, agricultural trailblazer Crop Production Services Inc. (CPS) partnered with leading Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions firm AMI Global to provide customized technology to farmers of the Snake River Valley basin.

CPS, a subsidiary of Agrium Inc., is focused on providing technology to the agricultural sector that minimizes environmental impact while also boosting effective growing methods. AMI Global specializes in IIoT systems focused on fluid management applications. By coupling the regional needs of CPS’ clientele with AMI Global’s customized IIoT technology, an effective solution was created that addressed soil adsorption issues and water penetration. More specifically, the effective collaboration between of CPS and AMI Global’s IIoT solutions reduced site runoff challenges, maximized water penetration, and saved farmers’ operational dollars stemming from rising energy, water use, and labor costs.

Customization is key for solving various problems

The maximization of agricultural crop yields continues to rely on a mix of science and technology, historical knowledge, and effective labor. At the heart of the Snake River Valley basin, this ongoing convergence abounds. Maintenance of soil chemistry, technical labor requirements (manual pH adjustments and ongoing field monitoring) at multiple farming sites, and large irrigation footprints creating stress on the regional source water are all factors that impact crop yields and operational costs.