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Tiny Bytes

Words of wisdom and experience in the precision agriculture field.

8.5 Tiny Bytes: On the Root of a Drive

We tackle a common technical prescription writing question in this Tiny Byte: what does it mean to place a prescription on the root of a drive and why does it matter. Understanding this simple concept can solve many frustrating issues when loading prescriptions onto different monitors.

• The "root" of a drive is the main directory—the blank space you see when first opening the drive
• Different farm equipment requires prescription files in specific locations
•  Page 203 of the 2025 ADMS User Manual lists out where prescriptions need to be saved on different monitors
• Some monitors require files directly on the root (no folders)
• The slash (/) in file paths just indicates folder structure
• Never use special characters in file or folder names—stick to letters, numbers, and dashes
• Proper file placement ensures controllers can find and use your prescription files
https://gktechinc.com/

7.5 Tiny Bytes: From Bits to Petabytes: Understanding Computer Storage

We explore the fundamentals of digital storage and how it powers precision agriculture, covering basic bytes to the massive petabyte servers at GK Technology that store agricultural imagery and data.

• A byte equals eight binary bits and typically represents a single character or piece of data in computer language
• Digital storage units progress from kilobytes (thousand) to megabytes (million) to gigabytes (billion) to terabytes (trillion) to petabytes (thousand terabytes)
• GK Technology's Halstead office maintains a petabyte of storage containing agricultural data for most of the United States and three Canadian provinces
• Storage includes shapefile formats, NAIP imagery, Lidar data, and two satellite libraries: Landsat (30m resolution back to 1984) and Sentinel (10m resolution from 2016)
• Precision ag software users access this massive data repository when creating drainage maps or automated management zones
• Higher resolution imagery like drone photos requires significantly more storage space, creating challenges for agricultural data management
https://gktechinc.com/

6.5 Tiny Bytes: Plant Tissue Testing 101

Plant tissue testing offers farmers and consultants valuable insight into crop nutrient status and helps diagnose field issues when properly conducted. We explain the science behind tissue testing and share practical tips for getting actionable results.

• Tissue testing can help to evaluate nutrient status to understand crop health at various growth stages
• Troubleshoot field issues by comparing samples from healthy and problematic areas
• It is important to sample the correct plant part according to the crop's growth stage
• Mobile nutrients show deficiency in lower leaves while immobile nutrients affect upper leaves first
• Remember to remove soil contamination from samples, especially when checking iron levels
• Tissue tests can help to identify the problem while soil tests help determine corrective actions
• Have a specific goal in mind before collecting tissue samples
• Take both tissue and soil samples when diagnosing nutrient deficiencies

4.5 Tiny Bytes: Field Boundaries, the Cookie cutters of Precision Ag

Field boundaries serve as the digital cookie cutters of precision agriculture, defining where field operations begin and end for optimal resource management. Understanding their purpose and creation methods allows consultants and growers to implement more precise applications and better predict input needs.

• Boundaries determine where equipment turns on and off during field operations
• Accurate boundaries help predict input requirements and prevent waste
• Vector files (typically shape files) define the digital representation of field boundaries
• Water management requires different boundary considerations than nutrient management
• Creating boundaries can be done through driven collection with RTK-enabled vehicles
• Drawing boundaries in GIS software requires well georeferenced backgrounds like NAIP imagery
• Common Land Units (CLUs) provide a starting point but often lack precision
• Moving vertices allows for refinement of boundary polygons
• Accurate boundaries serve as the foundation for all precision agriculture mapping

Connect with GK Technology for all your precision agriculture needs - we have a map and an app for that!
https://gktechinc.com/

3.5 Tiny Bytes: Understanding Plant Nutrient Mobility

Awareness of nutrient mobility in plants drastically improves in-field diagnosis of crop issues. In this episode, we dive deep into plant nutrient mobility and how nutrient mobility impacts visual symptoms in the field.
• Discussion on the concept of nutrient mobility 
• Insights into mobile vs. immobile nutrient deficiencies 
• Importance of tissue testing for accurate diagnoses
Relatively immobile nutrients (symptoms will appear on newest leaf tissue): S, Zn, Fe, Cu, B, Ca, Mn, Mo, Ni
Relatively mobile nutrients (symptoms will appear on oldest leaf tissue): N, P, K, Mg
Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on social media!
Cover art diagram courtesy of the 4R Plant Nutrition Manual, IPNI 2012 (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identifying_nutrient_deficiency_symptoms_in_field_crops)

3.5 Tiny Bytes: Understanding Plant Nutrient Mobility

Awareness of nutrient mobility in plants drastically improves in-field diagnosis of crop issues. In this episode, we dive deep into plant nutrient mobility and how nutrient mobility impacts visual symptoms in the field.
• Discussion on the concept of nutrient mobility 
• Insights into mobile vs. immobile nutrient deficiencies 
• Importance of tissue testing for accurate diagnoses
Relatively immobile nutrients (symptoms will appear on newest leaf tissue): S, Zn, Fe, Cu, B, Ca, Mn, Mo, Ni
Relatively mobile nutrients (symptoms will appear on oldest leaf tissue): N, P, K, Mg
Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on social media!
Cover art diagram courtesy of the 4R Plant Nutrition Manual, IPNI 2012 (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identifying_nutrient_deficiency_symptoms_in_field_crops)

2.5 Tiny Bytes: Plant Nutrients and How They Move (or Don't) in the Soil

Jodi and Sarah explore the crucial distinction between mobile and non-mobile nutrients in soil. Understanding how these nutrients behave not only aids in effective soil sampling but also enhances soil fertility management, providing fertilizer users with the knowledge they need to maximize returns on their fertilizer dollars. 
They cover
• Mobile vs. non-mobile nutrients
• Nutrient behavior based on soil charge 
• Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and nutrient adhesion 
• Sampling strategies for mobile vs. non-mobile nutrients 

1.5 Tiny Bytes: Check Out GK Technology's Imagery Library

Jodi and Sarah talk about what's available in GK Technology's expansive imagery library.  The library offers subscribers access to Landsat, Sentinel, NAIP, and Lidar data layers.

They discuss further...
• Significance of multi-layer data in agriculture 
• GK Technology's robust imagery library 
• Different types of imagery available and their resolutions 
• Importance of ongoing updates to data for accuracy 
• Discussion on the geographical coverage of data
• Emphasis on accessible resources for all agricultural practitioners 

Access data layers easier and faster with GK Technology's imagery library!

Resources on accessing and downloading publicly available GIS data:
https://gktechinc.com/data-links/

ADMS: https://gktechinc.com/adms-product/

0.5 Tiny Bytes: Soil Series

Soil series names hold invaluable information that can inform land use and agricultural practices. Join us as we explore soil series and their characteristics, featuring insights on collecting data, understanding soil maps, and highlighting the significance of favorite series like Fargo and Williams.

• Soil series names relate to specific regions and provide insight into soil characteristics
• The importance of five soil-forming factors in classification
• How to access soil survey data for informed land management decisions
• The relevance of local soil characteristics in agriculture and farming
• Engaging with soil series can lead to deeper insights about land and environmental quality

CLORPT: Climate, organisms, relief, parent material, time

NRCS Web Soil Survey: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

SoilWeb App for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.casoilresourcelab.soilweb&hl=en_US

SoilWeb App for Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soilweb/id354911787

KML of SoilWeb for use in Google Earth: https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soil_web/kml/SoilWeb.kmz

Soil Series Data Explorer (where you can pop in the name of a soil series and get information about that soil): https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/sde/

    Tiny Byte 15: AGS Year in Review

    Join us as we celebrate a year of the Ag Geek Speak podcast. Journey with us through the highlights of our first year, from the launch of the Tiny Bytes segment and launch of the GK Field Mapper app. We extend our heartfelt thanks and holiday wishes, and are eagerly looking forward to bringing you more insightful conversations and fresh content ideas in the new year.

    Google/YouTube Ag Geek Speak Podcast Feed:  https://www.youtube.com/@geektechforag

    Episodes Mentioned:

    • Digging Deep into Soil Science with Professor Emeritus R. Jay Goos: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15610053
    • Digging Deep into Soil Science Part 2 with Professor Emeritus R. Jay Goos: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15691382
    • Darin Johnson and Kelly Sharpe - Pioneering Precision Agriculture https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14357348
    • Darin Johnson and Kelly Sharpe Part 2 - Starting an Ag Software Company https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14452267
    • The Art of Crop Planning with Josh Stutrud Part 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14915489
    • The Art of Crop Planning with Josh Stutrud Part 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/14986112
    • Making Water Flow with Paul Fuller Part 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15071861
    • Making Water Flow with Paul Fuller Part 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15155876
    • From Wilderness to Sky: Clint Streeter's Path to Aerial Imagery Excellence https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15390373
    • Geeking Out About Aerial and Satellite Imagery with Clint Streeter https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15543372
    • The Man Behind the Curtain: Travis Yeik pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16174248
    • Talking AI with The Man Behind the Curtain: Travis Yeik pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16191185
    • Tiny Bytes: Introducing GK Field Mapper: We Have an App for That! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15580930
    • Accounting for Field Variability with Dr. Dave Franzen https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15206650
    • Making Zones Happen with Dr. Dave Franzen https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15314565
    • Reading the Landscape with Dr. Tom DeSutter pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16097130
    • The Science of the Landscape with Dr. Tom DeSutter pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16131402
    • What's in a Soil Test? Getting the Answers with John Breker Pt. 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15772532
    • Potassium, pH, and Precision Soil Sampling: John Breker Pt. 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15854748
    • Tiny Bytes: GNSS? GPS? What's the Difference? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/16178935
    • Tiny Bytes: Raster Monster! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15509080

    GK Field Mapper App:
    Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gkmobile.droid&hl=en_US&pli=1
    App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gk-field-mapper/id6448194019

    We will be back with new episodes in the New Year!

    Tiny Byte 14: GNSS? GPS? What's the Difference?

    Our latest episode of Tiny Bytes dives into the fascinating world of satellite navigation. Discover the differences between GPS and GNSS, learn how satellite triangulation ensures precise positioning, and explore the transformative role of differential systems like WAAS and RTK in precision agriculture. With practical insights into multi-system receivers and the science behind satellite signals, this episode equips you with knowledge to navigate both the tech and trivia of satellite systems. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike, tune in to elevate your understanding of the technology guiding our world! 

    GK Technology, Inc.: https://gktechinc.com/

    Tiny Byte 13: Exporting Prescriptions

    It is one thing to have a variable rate map. It is another to have a variable rate map on a controller. In this episode of Tiny Bytes, we dive into the basics of exporting prescriptions.
    In this episode, we talk polygons, polygon count limits, vertices, and file size constraints. Whether you're working with modern systems or legacy equipment, this episode equips you with the basics to help you better understand the prescription making process.
    GK Technology supports farmers by bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and older equipment, ensuring prescriptions are accurately applied across diverse setups. If you’re looking to master the art of precision ag exporting, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to make your beautiful maps work.

    Tiny Byte Shapefile Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15807779

    Tiny Byte 12: Choosing Quality Imagery

    Join Sarah and Jodi as they discuss the role of satellite imagery, its various sources, and how to select quality satellite imagery for use in precision agriculture applications.
    Jodi and Sarah cover NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis and its relationship with crop yield, guiding smarter management of field crops. They share real-world experiences with tools like ADMS and insights into sourcing reliable imagery from platforms like Sentinel, NAIP, and Landsat. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to learn how to overcome challenges like cloud cover and smoke, blend resolutions for more accurate maps, and unlock the secrets to creating actionable zone maps.
    Whether you're a precision ag pro or just starting your journey, this episode delivers practical tips and a fresh perspective on using technology to manage field variability. Tune in and take your crop production to the next level!
    Tiny Bytes Episode 5: Raster Monster! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/15509080
    ADMS https://gktechinc.com/adms-product/ and GK Server access information: https://gktechinc.com/consultants/

    Tiny Byte 11: What is Remote Sensing

    In this episode, Sarah and Jodi explore the incredible technology that allows us to monitor plant health and field conditions from afar. Join us as we venture beyond the field and into the sky, where drones equipped with cutting-edge hyperspectral and thermal imaging sensors provide new insights into crop temperatures and plant species and satellites watch our crops from miles above the earth.

    Tiny Byte 10: The Who, What, Where, and Why of Drain Tile

    Sarah and Jodi discuss drain tile and its ability to manage excess water. Through vivid analogies and expert insights, Sarah helps us understand the historical transformation of drain tiles from traditional clay to modern perforated plastic pipes, while shedding light on how soil texture and organic matter uniquely influence water retention and drainage. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the inherent nature of these soil properties and their pivotal role in effective water management.
    The strategic use of drain tiles can lower water tables and prevent and/or mitigate salinization, a significant hurdle for producers in the upper Northern Great Plains. If you are a farmer or consultant who wants to design your own drain tile plan or have someone help you put together a tile drainage plan, give us a call at GK Technology. GK's ADMS software provides all of the tools you need to design your own tile drainage plan so you can start managing subsoil moisture.

    Tiny Byte 9: What Makes a Shapefile?

    Ever wondered why your shapefiles have more than one file? Discover the critical components that make up a shapefile and why each one is essential for accurate GIS and Precision Agriculture tasks. In this episode, we unpack the mystery behind shapefiles, explaining the roles of the four crucial files: .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj. Learn how these files collaborate to manage geometry, position, attributes, and projections, ensuring your data is complete and functional.

    Say goodbye to shapefile confusion and hello to streamlined GIS tasks with confidence! Tune in to elevate your understanding and application of shapefiles.

    Cover art meme from: https://www.reddit.com/r/gis/comments/1c2dhc0/this_still_happens_to_others_too_right/

    Sound effects in this episode from: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/livechat-129007/ and https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/censor-beep-88052/

    Tiny Byte 8: Choosing the Right Soil Phosphorus Test: Olsen, Bray 1, and Mehlich-3 Methods Unveiled

    In this episode, we unpack the intricacies of soil test phosphorus methods and reveal why not all tests are created equal. We break down the specifics of the Bray 1, Olsen, and Mehlich-3 methods, explaining how they each cater to different soil conditions. Whether you're dealing with acidic, neutral, or calcareous soils, understanding the right test for your soil type can make a difference in your phosphorus fertilizer plan.
    Ever wondered why a single phosphorus test doesn't fit all fields? We highlight the Olsen method's superiority in the northern Great Plains given the region's calcareous soils and weigh the advantages and limitations of the versatile Mehlich-3 method. The episode also delves into the concept of calibration and the essential role of university-led yield trials in developing precise fertilizer guidelines. 

    Tiny Byte 7: Vector it Up!

    In this episode of Tiny Bites, we unravel the complexities of vector files and their indispensable role in geospatial data storage. We break down the fundamentals of vector files, explaining how they use vertices and segments to form points, lines, and polygons, and why this matters to anyone working with geospatial data. 

    We'll take you through practical examples, from creating boundaries and sampling soil to exporting prescription files. By the end of this episode, you'll understand how vector files' infinite coordinate data ensures precision and versatility across various applications, from GIS software to graphic design.

    Tiny Byte 6: Introducing GK Field Mapper: We Have an App for That!

    Discover the power of viewing and collecting data on the go with GK Field Mapper, the cutting-edge mobile GIS tool designed specifically for precision agriculture. In this episode, we delve into how this innovative app, available for both Android and iOS, enables you to view and create GIS files right from your mobile device. Whether you're a soil sampler or a casual GIS map viewer, GK Field Mapper can help streamline your workflow with its user-friendly interface and advanced features.
    We’re excited to introduce this game-changing app to our loyal GK Technology software customers, as it seamlessly integrates with ADMS, utilizing the GK Cloud for rapid data transfer. Customization options, such as altering colors and names of points, lines, and polygons, make this tool incredibly versatile for field applications. Don't miss the chance to enhance your productivity—download the app using the direct link in the podcast notes, and be sure to share your feedback with us. Join us to learn how the GK Field Mapper can make your field operations better!
    GK Field Mapper for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gkmobile.droid&hl=en_US
    GK Field Mapper for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gk-field-mapper/id6448194019

    Tiny Byte 5: Raster Monster

    Raster is term that gets used in precision agriculture all the time.  In this episode, Jodi and Sarah discuss exactly what a Raster is and how is it used in Precision Agriculture and ADMS software. 

    Tiny Byte 4: Grids Versus Zones

    Jodi and Sarah discuss the difference in managing fields with grids and zones. Both of these precision agriculture soil sampling and management systems have a fit in various agronomic and landscape situations. 

    Tiny Byte 3: Trifecta Skills for Successful Precision Agriculture

    Successful precision agriculture programs and consultants must have three important skills.  In this episode of Tiny Bytes, Jodi and Sarah discuss why successful precision agriculture programs and consultants understand 1) Agronomy Knowledge; 2)Software and data analysis skills; and 3) Equipment knowledge.  

    Tiny Byte 2: Why is GPS so important to agriculture?

    On May 10th, 2024, solar storms impacted the GPS signal in our tractors.  This event happened during planting season and when planting conditions were relatively good.  Planters and other farming equipment actually stopped field operations on that day.  This brings up the question: Why is GPS in agriculture so important? Jodi and Sarah tackle the question on this second episode of Tiny Bytes!

    Tiny Byte 1: Solar Flares and Satellites