Shevchenko LLC is an example of an agricultural enterprise that actively implements innovations to ensure stability and high efficiency in its operations. Located in Chernihiv Region, the farm manages more than 11,000 hectares of land and operates across areas including Ripky and Horodnia. It grows a variety of crops using modern soil management practices. The farm’s soils include sod-podzolic and gray forest soils, as well as a small proportion of chernozem (5%).
Soils at Shevchenko LLC
Implementing Innovations Through Cooperation with AgriLab
Cooperation with AgriLab began in 2019, when Shevchenko LLC sought assistance in improving its farming practices.
“AgriLab’s main advantage over other companies is its partnership with the modern WARD laboratory in the United States. Another important factor is the convenient, free Agronomist Portal, where all information about the farm is stored. This allows us to analyze data efficiently and access it whenever needed. In addition, the company demonstrates a professional approach and is known for its experienced specialists,” representatives of Shevchenko LLC explain.
“We have noticed a significant difference in approaches and results. Working with AgriLab allows us not only to improve soil conditions but also to increase the efficiency of agricultural operations,” the farm adds.
Changes in Soil Management Practices
Following AgriLab’s recommendations, the farm abandoned conventional ploughing and switched to loosening with fertilizer application. Variable-rate fertilizer application was also introduced, helping improve soil fertility.
“We began paying more attention to soil liming, which helped improve soil acidity levels. Moving away from complex fertilizers and transitioning to precision farming were important steps toward greater efficiency,” the farm explains.
Assessment of corn emergence
Challenges and Achievements
Soil analyses revealed several soil fertility issues, particularly high acidity that continues to increase over time. Deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrients were also identified, requiring adjustments to crop nutrition.
“We discovered that our use of ploughing was leading to unavoidable negative consequences. The solutions proposed by the AgriLab team helped us significantly reduce these problems,” the farm reports.
The transition to precision farming is helping the enterprise reduce the negative effects of ploughing while stabilizing yields and profitability.
Precision farming operations at Shevchenko LLC
Lessons Learned and Strategic Changes
One of the key lessons Shevchenko LLC has learned from this experience is the importance of regular soil diagnostics. This enables the farm to respond promptly to changes and adjust its management strategy. The experience has also reinforced the value and relevance of transitioning to precision farming, placing greater emphasis on building up the soil’s organic matter and humus content, and moving away from complex fertilizers.
“Precision farming gives us a clear understanding of what needs to be done in each field. A field-specific approach allows us to develop management strategies based on real data,” the company explains.
