SoilOptix

Soil sensing and mapping technology

Description

SoilOptix® is a precision soil mapping system that couples non‐contact passive gamma spectroscopy with strategic soil sampling and software analytics to deliver high‐definition maps of 25+ soil properties. Typical surveys provide ~335+ data points per acre (≈827/ha), turning spatial variability into actionable layers for pH, texture, CEC, macro/micronutrients, bulk density, and plant‐available water. Outputs are GIS/VRA‐ready (CSV/SHP) and integrate with farm platforms to support site‐specific management.

Technology

  • Big data
  • Cloud
  • Desktop/web-based application
  • GIS
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Sensor
  • Remote sensing

The technology uses a vehicle-mounted passive gamma-ray spectrometer (~60 cm above ground) scanning ~12 m swaths at ~20 km/h to sense natural geological emissions. Spectral “count rate” data is ground-truthed with laboratory soil samples and processed via predictive mapping and GIS to generate high- definition layers (e.g. pH, texture, CEC, macro/micronutrients, bulk density, plant- available water). Outputs are delivered as SHP/CSV via a web portal/API and integrate with platforms such as Climate FieldView and GeoPard for VR prescriptions and analytics.

Target

  • Private sector
  • Farm advisors
  • Large size farms

SoilOptix does not typically sell direct to every farmer. Instead, its model involves partnering with private sector service providers, ag-input and agribusiness firms, and agronomy consultancies. These companies integrate SoilOptix mapping/data into their advisory, retail, or input supply services, often under their own brands or in combination with other digital agriculture platforms. The network of providers is active in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Business model

The solution is available to farmers through a worldwide provider network on a fee-for-service basis for scanning and laboratory analysis, with access to processed maps and APIs via the customer portal. See “business model” section for more details.

Impact

The overall aim is to raise productivity and resilience while reducing environmental pressures by enabling precise, site -specific soil and input management. These capabilities underpin input optimization and reduce nutrient losses relevant to food security and rural development.

Partners

A&L Canada Laboratories; CENGN; Climate FieldView; GeoPard Agriculture; Niagara College; Ontario Centre of Innovation; Syngenta (country subsidiaries); Wilbur- Ellis Company;; John Deere Operations Center, Nutrien, H L Hutchinsons, and more.

Four Betters

  • Better environment
  • Better production
  • Better life
  • Better nutrition

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 2: Zero hunger
  • SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • SDG 13: Climate action
  • SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
  • SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • SDG 15: Life on land
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
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