What is the Slope Layer in FarmLab and how do I use it?
Slope in FarmLab is displayed in decimal degrees and is sourced from the CSIRO: https://data.csiro.au/collection/csiro:5142?q=slope%20australia&_st=keyword&_str=81&_si=3
The slope products were derived from the Smoothed Digital Elevation Model (DEM-S; ANZCW0703014016), which was derived from the 1 second resolution SRTM data acquired by NASA in February 2000. The calculation of slope from DEM-S accounted for the varying spacing between grid points in the geographic projection.
Slope data can be very useful in agriculture for a variety of reasons, including:
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Irrigation: Slope data can help farmers to design and install irrigation systems that are well-suited to their fields. By knowing the slope of the land, farmers can determine where water will naturally flow and where they need to install irrigation systems to ensure that all parts of the field are adequately watered.
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Erosion control: Slope data can also be used to develop erosion control plans. By identifying areas of the field with steep slopes, farmers can implement measures such as terracing, cover crops, or conservation tillage to prevent erosion and maintain soil fertility.
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Crop selection: The slope of the land can affect the type of crops that can be grown successfully. For example, crops that require well-drained soils may not do well on steep slopes where water tends to run off quickly, while crops that require higher water-holding capacity may thrive in areas with lower slopes.
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Machinery operations: Slope data can also be used to determine the feasibility of using certain types of machinery on the land. For example, steep slopes may make it difficult to use heavy machinery for planting or harvesting, and alternative equipment may need to be used instead. This is important when planning soil sampling as sample rigs may be unable to access different areas of the farm.
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Farm design: Slope data can also inform the design and layout of farm buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. By knowing the slope of the land, farmers can design buildings and roads that are stable and safe.
When mapping undulating paddocks we consider the following graph to determine safety and access on farm. By using our stratification tool you can segregate the sloped zones and eliminate the strong sloped areas.
In summary, slope data can be a valuable tool for farmers in designing and managing their agricultural operations. It can help them to make informed decisions about irrigation, erosion control, crop selection, machinery operations, and farm design, which can ultimately lead to more sustainable and profitable agriculture.