“Before we started working with AgriLab, we faced the challenge of soil variability. Within a single field, we could see differences in soil colour, which in turn led to significant variations in yield…”
“During the analysis, we identified medium- and low-productivity soils that were insufficiently supplied with nutrients. We also found more pronounced adverse soil properties, including mild to moderate acidity and sodicity.”
“We plan to fully transition to precision farming, which is why we turned to AgriLab. This year, we have already collected soil samples and received the results. We have also developed maps based on management zones, allowing us to apply fertilizers exactly where they are needed and in the right amounts. The same applies to chemical soil amendments for liming. Thanks to AgriLab’s recommendations and productivity zone maps, we can now not only apply fertilizers and soil amendments, but also carry out variable-rate seeding, taking into account specific soil conditions.”
“I believe several factors have contributed to this, including the efforts of my team and AgriLab specialists. For example, we had never managed to achieve a corn yield of 12 tonnes per hectare on a dry matter basis. We usually harvested 9–10 tonnes, but never 12. I had also never achieved a malting barley yield of 8 tonnes per hectare before, but this year we reached exactly that result.”
“By analyzing the fertilizer programs used by other farms in our region, we found that we use 20–30% less fertilizer while following AgriLab’s recommendations. In an era of rapidly advancing digital technologies, we want to receive data in convenient formats that can be used for further analysis, for example, by comparing soil fertility maps with yield maps.
This year, we plan to conduct a repeat soil analysis to assess the changes over the past five years. We look forward to the results and hope to further improve our farming practices.”
“We achieved an additional 10% increase in wheat and sugar beet yields compared with the long-term average, while saving more than $73 per hectare on fertilizers — all while maintaining, and in some cases even improving, product quality.”
“In 2023, Poltava-Sad introduced variable seeding rates combined with localized, banded variable-rate application of liquid nitrogen and compound fertilizers. Soil analysis and variable-rate application maps were developed using a new algorithm from AgriLab.
The results were impressive. Already at the ear formation stage, the corn plants showed uniform ear structure and high yield potential across the entire field. The only difference was the number of ears, depending on the different productivity zones.
We achieved an additional 14% increase in corn yield, while also saving approximately $20 per hectare on starter NPK fertilizers and UAN-32 liquid nitrogen fertilizer.”
“We had conducted point-based soil analyses before, but AgriLab was the first to carry out a comprehensive analysis across all of the farm’s fields: first across all our land in Boryspil District, and the following year in Chernihiv Region as well,” recalls Oleh Bykin. “The results gave us a clear understanding of the conditions across our fields. In addition, we were able to precisely plan fertilizer applications for each crop in the rotation. We know which fertilizer to apply, exactly where to apply it, and in what quantity. Overall, having information about the potential of each field and fertilizer recommendations is, first and foremost, about optimizing fertilizer application.”
According to the soil analysis conducted by AgriLab, we found that not the entire field area required liming. Moreover, application rates on the field areas requiring lime ranged from 150 kg/ha to 4 t/ha. This allowed us to reduce liming costs wherever possible.
“Four years ago, we started looking for a laboratory and partners who could carry out all the necessary soil analyses to a high standard and, in addition, provide recommendations on fertilizer application. We tried working with different providers to determine whom we should continue working with. When it came to soil characteristics, they all produced broadly similar results, but their fertilizer recommendations often differed.
We decided to test these recommendations. We selected two highly variable areas totaling 2,000 hectares at two farms. In terms of their characteristics, these areas were considered relatively low-yielding. On good land, everything is fairly straightforward — soil fertility can compensate for problems in potentially challenging areas. But poorer soils, especially where rainfall is also limited, reveal all these differences very clearly.
It turned out that the specialists at AgriLab were the most experienced and precise in this regard. Their laboratory analyses showed that the fields varied significantly in terms of both potassium and phosphorus content and soil acidity. The laboratory developed a comprehensive system specifying what should be applied and where on the trial fields. Moreover, this fertilization system differed fundamentally from what the farms had traditionally been using. In particular, they suggested reducing fertilizer application rates. At the same time, they recommended paying attention to liming and applying zinc — an element that many people simply overlook or do not consider at all.”
“Working without agro-diagnostics is like driving a powerful car without headlights at night. You need that ‘flashlight’ to make all that power and speed meaningful; otherwise, you simply cannot see where you are going. The service is reasonably priced, and there is ongoing support as well.
For example, we decided to apply zinc sulfate after realizing that we were not achieving the desired results with chelated zinc. How do you dissolve zinc sulfate? Practically no one had tried it, so there was no one we could turn to for advice. But an AgriLab specialist came to the farm and explained at what temperatures and how we could prepare it, when we could apply it, and everything else we needed to know.”
“The turning point in our cooperation came after we harvested sunflower,” says Mykola Oleksandrovych. “We were targeting 3.5 t/ha, so on part of the field we fertilized according to our own technology, applying 40 kg of nitrogen, while on the rest, following AgriLab’s recommendation, we applied nothing. In the end, we harvested 3.5 t/ha from both areas. So even then, after their recommendations had proven successful more than once, AgriLab earned our complete trust.”
“We had previously worked with another agricultural consulting company. We compared their recommendations with those from AgriLab, looked at the harvest results, and drew some broader conclusions. So we decided to continue working with AgriLab.”
“‘I first heard about AgriLab at one of the seminars,’ recalls Hryhorii Plichko. ‘I was interested in the fact that the soil analysis was conducted outside Ukraine, because there had been cases at various farms where domestic laboratories provided analysis results that did not correspond to reality. When I learned that high-quality analysis could be performed at a laboratory in the United States, I immediately decided to start working with AgriLab.
At that time, variable-rate fertilizer application was a key issue for me. I understood that this step would help me save resources and achieve consistently high yields. Previously, we calculated fertilizer requirements based on the crop’s needs and the planned yield, rather than applying fertilizers based on an accurate understanding of the soil’s actual requirements.’”
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“For the past three years, we have been using variable-rate fertilizer application and seeding based on maps that we develop through continuous monitoring of soil analyses conducted by AgriLab, with whom we have been working productively. We systematically work with leading soil analysis laboratories and, as I mentioned, over the past few years we have introduced nutrient application through the irrigation system using injector systems. We now apply fertilizers to our fields through irrigation equipment — this method provides more effective crop nutrition.”
“Fertilizers are expensive, yet people apply them without knowing whether they are actually needed. We need to keep moving toward better decisions! After the agro-diagnostics, I now know that my fields have sufficient potassium, so I can save on that, while phosphorus and nitrogen need to be applied at higher rates.
If you have soil analysis data, know what you planted and how many nutrients the crop removes, you can calculate how much fertilizer needs to be applied. AgriLab conducted agro-diagnostics, and now I know exactly what the nutrient situation is across my fields. I know what to apply and how much.
We need to monitor soil fertility indicators. I have conducted agro-diagnostics now, and I will repeat the analysis in a few years. Then we will be able to see whether we have improved the indicators or made them worse. Naturally, we want to improve them!”
“It’s a very interesting and challenging endeavor, but also a highly profitable one today. In any case, if you do everything properly, on time, and to a high standard, you will achieve significant gains. You always need to look ahead and stay focused on results, because results can only be achieved when the resources we have are used as efficiently as possible.”
“One of the reasons we turned to AgriLab was not only its significantly greater practical experience in soil chemical analysis and research, but also the fact that the company collects soil samples itself, following a proper sampling methodology. AgriLab conducted the first comprehensive agro-diagnostics of our land bank in 2014. We used the recommendations provided for four years. Experience has shown that when weather conditions are favourable and, above all, there is sufficient moisture, following AgriLab’s recommendations allowed us to achieve our planned yields. This demonstrates the quality of the service provided by the company.”
“Our company has been using the soil sampling unit for three years now. It has performed excellently and worked reliably throughout the season, despite the dust and high temperatures during sampling. It is practical to use and easy to set up — it is ready for operation within just a few minutes. Over three years of use, there have only been minor repairs, such as replacing a few bolts.”
“We traveled to the United States. I also took part in an agricultural tour in Canada, where I spoke with local farmers. We saw how they operate, and when I returned home, we decided to modernize our machinery fleet and immediately switch to precision farming technologies… Under conventional farming practices, gross revenue per hectare is UAH 30,000–32,000. Today, by using precision farming technologies, we can achieve UAH 45,000 per hectare.”
“Automated soil samplers with GPS-referenced sampling points are essential for soil agrochemical surveys conducted according to modern standards and, in particular, for implementing precision farming technologies. AgriLab soil samplers are already used by a number of agricultural holdings, as well as by companies providing soil survey services. To date, AgriLab is the only company to have used its own automated soil samplers to collect more than 100,000 samples using various sampling technologies, making it possible to digitize the spatial distribution of different soil properties across approximately 1 million hectares.”
“We gave AgriLab the most problematic fields for analysis — those where we experience the greatest fluctuations in yield. AgriLab conducted soil agro-diagnostics and provided recommendations on fertilizer application, including liming. After receiving the recommendations, we had a day of discussion: we gathered our agronomists and went through all the details because AgriLab’s specialists recommended changing fertilizer rates — increasing some and reducing others. So, we had some debates. Ultimately, we decided to follow AgriLab’s recommendations. They have practical production experience, and when we asked them questions, we received answers that were not generic or simply taken from something they had heard or read in books. You can tell that AgriLab’s specialists understand production processes, grasp the situation, and take the economic aspect into account.”
“So, we conducted an analysis of the soil in AgriLab. The results were quite expected: the soil is in good condition. And in relation to pH – the average level, not sour, and humus are provided at a good level … Of course, spend money to find out that you have more or less and so is all good – a little pity. But we got recommendations for a fertilizer system for our crops. They used them. And about 12% of the resources – saved! “.
“Soil – this is not a human body, where we treated something and have a result. The field is huge and it’s technically difficult to correct something. But the correct choice of averaging is based on these data. AgriLab, when it makes an averaging counts on a point – at one pH of 4.5 in another – 6.5. Accordingly, different availability of nutrition elements. Therefore, we must first count on each point, and then make averaging”.
“We counted the economic efficiency of agro-diagnostics by comparing costs and profits with past years, when fertilization was introduced at the average rate, regardless of the field data. Nowadays, we combine the crops needs with the nutritional content of the soil and add only what is not enough. This allows to get the maximum yield at optimum costs”
“In order for the company to work efficiently, every process, including the targeted use of equipment and fuel, must be monitored. So we decided to install GPS technology. AgriLab specialists quickly completed the required work. “
“After analyzing the soil, we redistribute mineral fertilizers between the fields: we make them more rational, we do not place where it is not necessary, and where necessary – increase the norm. Compared to previous years, when the coverage of the analysis was not so great, the use of fertilizers decreased. The advice given by AgriLab to the power supply system is quite logical; they can be carried out without excessive fertilizer standards, and given that production should be primarily cost-effective. Here, even at the stage of calculations, we see that the cost of fertilizer – within the limits of the norm, and the results of yield yields meet our expectations. So, having introduced fertilizers according to the recommendations, we got the harvest that was planned … Nutrition system is just one of the elements of the cultivation system. But the element is very important: about 40% of the cost of culture is precisely on the cost of the nutrition system. Therefore, it depends on how it is planned and realized. By the way, we purchased fertilizers before we got the results of agrodiagnostics. Therefore, tons of 300 ammophos from the volume that we planned to make remained the next year. At the same time they did not feel the deficit of the elements or the decline in yield”.
“Soil analysis is an investment. Those who do not make it will eventually face a constantly growing competition: the rent increases, so the land needs more efficient use for maximum profitability. If this does not happen, then it will be difficult to make time demands, and agrarians who do not develop in modern innovation directions will be uncompetitive. The soils we treat are variegated. Therefore, the question of the implementation of precision farming is relevant to us. His first step was a comprehensive agrodiagnostics. The next step, which we will do, knowing the composition of the soils, is the selection of technologies for making precisely those substances that require a specific field of the field.”
“Today, we are satisfied with the cooperation with AgriLab: fast response, the quality of the analysis, the presentation of results…The received information helped to decide on the feasibility of investments and the conclusion of a lease agreement for land plots”.
“After implementation of AgriLab’s recommendations we managed to save about 20% of the resources. We began to input fewer fertilizers. For example, the results of the analysis showed that we have enough potassium in the soil, but we have introduced potassium fertilizers before”
“As a result of AgriLab’s comprehensive agro-diagnostics, we received recommendations for growing corn, soybeans, sunflower, wheat. For example, the analysis data showed that nitrogen was disastrous in the soil. So, we introduced that norm of nitrogen and other elements that were recommended. In the plans of the economy to continue work on additional lands under development 2016-2017 year. “
“This year we have used the maps received from AgriLab earlier. For example, we are now introducing an organic fertilizers according it. And we put it on that field, which, according to the analysis, needs it. Today we are scattering ammophos specifically to a field that has an insufficient level of phosphorus availability. That is, the analysis is an instrument for a several years. I would recommend to farmers to do a systematic analysis – in 2-3 years”.
“The average spring barley yield this year was 4.4 t/ha. For a year like this, that is quite good. As for soybeans, we harvested 2.3 t/ha. This is despite the fact that farms across our region harvested only 1.3–1.5 t/ha this season. At our farm, thanks to AgriLab’s recommendations, we applied exactly the fertilizers and rates that were needed — neither too much nor too little. This was one of the factors behind these yields. Of course, compared with last year, which was more favourable in terms of both rainfall and temperatures, this year’s harvest was lower. However, compared with other farms, we achieved one of the best yields this year. And the fertilization system developed based on soil analysis played an important role in this.”
“The main argument “why do we need it” is that, in order to make the best decision, we must be guided by precise calculations, that will allow us to optimize and reduce costs. The principle of “average temperature in the ward” is out of date and goes back to the past. We know what we need to do, when and how much. And this became possible only due to the full analysis of the soil, the history of temperatures and precipitation, a new approach to the differentiated fertilizer application, etc. “
“Agrochemical analysis allowed us to prepare the soil for planting and develop an effective nutrition system…Unfortunately, we had a shameful experience of cooperation with some laboratories, the results of which did not correspond to reality. In the end, they began to work with Agrilab, which conducted an analysis in a partner laboratory in the United States. Accuracy of their results we are sure”.
5 heterogeneous zones with different level of nitrogen supply were identified according to the results of analyzes. These data allowed us to use the differential fertilizer application and avoid unnecessary costs for unproductive areas. The results are noteworthy: crop growth ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 t / ha. But this is just the beginning.
“We found out which nutrient are in the deficit, and which are enough for asparagus. In our fertilizer system, we increased the proportion of phosphate fertilizers and magnesium. Also we used quite a lot of organic fertilizers, which are necessarily for asparagus. Although were recommended to applicate 100 t / ha, we increased this rate to 160 t / ha with a prospect for 3-4 years. In general, the analysis of the soil was successful for agronomy, as well as for economy. In the end, after taking into account all of AgriLab ‘s recommendations, 95% of the asparagus crops have taken root and its great”.
We have observed yields inequality in our fields – there were more sprouts on one fields and were less on the others, but I would like to get better results and to understand the causes of heterogeneities”
“Previously, we spent about €/ha 98 on soybean fertilization. After field expertise, became obviously, that we need to correct the nutrient ratio according to recommendations. So, we saved €/ha 14. We got the optimal formula of compound fertilizers, specifically for our field, which allowed to significantly save resources. The profitability of production increased”
“One of the results – is what we need to use less of potassium fertilizer on our fields. Now we can make fertilizer more precisely, based on derived indicators of nutrients. In 2016 were investigated the rest of 339 hectares, that completely covered our needs. Thanks to it, the growing crops on the farm was more cost-effective and profitable, and the return per hectare of arable land – has increased. So our company is satisfied with the work of “AgriLab.” I hope to continue our cooperation with them in the future“
“As a result of our collaboration, we have formulated a strategic vision of further actions for the next 2 years. So we are fully satisfied with the work of «AgriLab», as the company professionals have done every phase of services very responsibly – beginning from soil sampling and ending the creation of maps and providing of recommendations. We like everything: the quality of the work, promptness of professionals and presentation of submitted documents.
The «AgriLab» – this is a company that I will recommend to my colleagues for 100%. Keep it up – you’re on the right way!”
“According to recommendation’s, identical feeding systems for array fields was changed on customized solutions for each field. The actual winter wheat croppage showed that planned yield under analysis was calculated with an accuracy of + -100-200 in kg / ha. We’ll calculate the economic efficiency. Winter wheat yield plan was realized and in some fields – overfulfilled with significantly lower costs for feeding system due to optimization. This is the obvious result!”
“Application rates of nitrogen fertilizer for top dressing of winter wheat have been optimized according to the results of analysis, and in most cases they have been significantly reduced. Due to the compilation of such calculations, in 2015 we saved about 2 million UAH for corn and 700 thousand UAH for winter wheat.”
“Today we can say, that due to the held work in our cluster was reduced costs for fertilizers about 10-15%. Count on our area and you will find that it is significant funds!”
“We compared the results of hybrid yield crops using classical fertilizing technology with the received results with following of recommendations on fertilizing given by Agrilab. The yield difference was more than 5 kg per hectare in favor of the last one.
Thus, the profitability of production was clearly in favor of the usage of agrochemical diagnosis and appropriate recommendations of Agrilab because it allowed using of fertilizers efficiently and realizing the potential of corn.”
“During the growing season we had less than 80 mm of rainfall. So we could not follow the recommendations fully, because of harsh weather conditions. At the same time due to analysis we optimized crop supplying. Before that we had a weighted average approach to this issue. Basing on the results of the survey, we carried out a differentiated application of fertilizers on each field. I am sure that if the optimal weather conditions were optimal, we would receive a significant increase of yields”.
З іншого боку склалася структура організації сприяє підготовки і реалізації системи навчання кадрів, відповідає нагальним потребам. Ідейні міркування вищого порядку, а також постійний кількісний ріст і сфера нашої активності тягне за собою процес впровадження і модернізації форм розвитку. Постійне інформаційно-пропагандистське забезпечення нашої діяльності є цікавий експеримент перевірки позицій, займаних учасниками щодо поставлених завдань. Ідейні міркування вищого порядку, а також початок повсякденної роботи по формуванню позиції в значній мірі обумовлює створення істотних фінансових і адміністративних умов.З іншого боку склалася структура організації сприяє підготовки і реалізації системи навчання кадрів, відповідає нагальним потребам. Ідейні міркування вищого порядку, а також постійний кількісний ріст і сфера нашої активності тягне за собою процес впровадження і модернізації форм розвитку. Товариші! постійне інформаційно-пропагандистське забезпечення нашої діяльності є цікавий експеримент перевірки позицій, займаних учасниками щодо поставлених завдань. Ідейні міркування вищого порядку, а також початок повсякденної роботи по формуванню позиції в значній мірі обумовлює створення істотних фінансових і адміністративних умов.
