Epagri Soil System provides soil information in SC

The Epagri/Ciram team developed the Epagri Soil System, which aims to retrieve, harmonize and integrate soil data into a single and secure digital base. Epagri continually produces a series of information about soils in Santa Catarina, which are stored in spreadsheets on computers. Now they will be gathered in this repository, for use by professionals.  

The system has two access levels, one free for any user, which allows viewing and consultation of metadata. Restricted access is intended for Epagri researchers, who will also be able to insert and download data, in addition to viewing it. The stored information can meet the demands of researchers, extension workers, students and managers.

The repository contains information about the properties of the analyzed soil, such as class, pH and amounts of carbon, sand, silt, clay, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, among others. At the free access level, basic metadata information and the location on the SC map will be available, in addition to the contact of the Epagri professional who entered them. Therefore, anyone who needs them can request them from the responsible technician.

Simplified communication

Access to the system via the internet facilitates visualization of the data, the responsible technicians and the mapped regions. “It ensures that users use the data in its entirety, gives visibility to the data produced and works as a tool in planning new research projects and Epagri rural extension actions that use soil data”, explains Elisângela Benedet da Silva, researcher from Epagri/Ciram and one of the creators of the proposal. She also remembers that technology simplifies communication and integration between users.

The data loaded into the system follows an established standard. The solution also allows storage on a spatio-temporal scale. Currently, 1134 soil sampling points are available, totaling 2296 diagnostic horizons in 104 municipalities in Santa Catarina. Elisângela emphasizes that the system requires continuity and is constantly developing and being fed, as new data is produced.

“A large volume of soil data has been produced at Epagri over the years. Called ‘legacies’, they are part of the collection produced in projects and represent a wide range of information about the soils of the state of Santa Catarina” describes the Epagri researcher. The level of detail and quality of data varies between different sources.

The system was developed by the soil research and information technology teams at Epagri/Ciram. A primer was available for download, with the aim of guiding users.

Learn about the system by accessing here.