Description
Land Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) is a digital platform that supports land managers in identifying soils, assessing land potential, and monitoring soil and vegetation conditions. Through mobile and web-based tools, users can collect field data, identify soil types, access climate information, and track land management activities. The solution supports evidence-based land-use decisions and sustainable land management across diverse agro-ecological contexts.
Technology
LandPKS is accessible through a mobile app (Android/iOS) connected to cloud-based databases and models, integrating GPS and GIS to deliver soil identification (SoilID), land capability classification, vegetation monitoring, and access to climate data. LandPKS also has a web data portal for storage and visualization.
Target
LandPKS can support farmers, ranchers, extension advisors, researchers, and public agencies by enabling soil identification, rangeland monitoring, and land management records. LandPKS recorded over 30 000 user “Sites” globally and surpassed 10 000 installs on Google Play, indicating active adoption among land stewards including smallholders and rural communities.
Business model
LandPKS is provided as a fully free digital solution. Users can download and use the mobile application and access the associated web-based data portal without fees. Initially funded by USAID, development and maintenance are led by public research institutions in collaboration with partners, with funding provided through public and research programmes.
Impact
LandPKS aims to improve access to field-level information on soils, vegetation, and land management by enabling users to collect and analyze geo-referenced data directly in the field.
Partners
USAID; University of Colorado Boulder; New Mexico State University; Bureau of Land Management; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research; The Nature Conservancy; Tech Matters
Four Betters
Better environment
