Mr Aidan Sinnott1, Mr Victor Bonekamp2
1VRT Solutions, Esperance, Australia, 2University of Wagenin, Wageningen, Netherlands
Biography:
Aidan Sinnott has an BSc Hons in Analytical Science from DCU and has over 10 years’ experience working in precision agriculture in Western Australia. He is the director of VRT Solutions, formed in 2018, specialising in proximal soil mapping (EM and gamma radiometrics). The company has a wide ranging portfolio of clients that extend across the diverse landscapes of WA. Building knowledge and providing soil and plant solutions through data-driven strategies, VRT Solutions is focussed on contributing to sustainable and efficient farming practices, paving the way for well managed agricultural landscapes, minimising risk and maximising opportunities.
Abstract:
The project focuses on the innovative development of high-resolution geophysical models tailored for Western Australian soils, emphasizing their pivotal role in transforming agricultural methodologies. The privately funded research integrates the use of high resolution proximally sensed electromagnetic (EM) and gamma radiometrics (GR) surveying techniques. This integration facilitates precise agricultural input management, budget optimization, and risk mitigation, marking a significant leap forward in agro-technological applications.
The study elaborates on the methodical acquisition and nuanced application of detailed EM, GR, elevation data and other co-variates, across extensive agricultural landscapes in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. It highlights a noteworthy correlation between soil carbon levels and a combination of geophysical measurements, showcasing the model's capability in predicting soil properties with accuracy greater than that of currently available national or state models. The outcomes of this research underscore the transformative potential of geophysical models in improving soil management practices, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural development and enabling more informed decision-making for stakeholders in the region.