Leading AI-powered solutions provider, Agmatix recently announced a partnership with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical and agricultural solutions companies, to develop a cutting-edge digital solution aimed at detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode. The SCN, a microscopic roundworm, is one of the most destructive pests affecting soybean crops, causing annual losses estimated at $1.5 billion in the United States alone. Traditional methods of detection and management have proven inadequate, often failing to identify infestations until they have already caused significant damage. However, this groundbreaking partnership is set to change the landscape of soybean farming with the development of an innovative AI-driven detection tool.
Soybean cyst nematodes are notoriously difficult to detect, infecting the roots of soybean plants and feeding on the plant’s nutrients and causing stunted growth, discoloration, and reduced yields. The nematodes can remain in the soil for years, waiting for a suitable host, making them a persistent threat to soybean crops. Traditional detection methods, such as soil sampling and mid-season root digs, are labor-intensive and often not widely adopted due to their complexity and cost. The impact of SCN is not limited to economic losses, it also complicates the management of other soil-borne diseases, such as brown stem rot and sudden death syndrome. The widespread presence of SCN in major soybean-producing regions, including over 80% of fields in Illinois, underscores the urgency of developing effective management strategies.
In response to this challenge, Agmatix and BASF have joined forces through BASF’s AgroStart platform, an open innovation and partnership initiative designed to foster collaboration and innovation in agriculture. At the heart of this partnership is Agmatix’s advanced AI technology engine, Axiom, which transforms vast amounts of raw agronomic data into highly standardized and enriched datasets. This rigorous data process enables the development of a robust machine-learning model capable of detecting and predicting SCN infestations with unprecedented accuracy and scalability. The collaboration combines Agmatix’s AI expertise with BASF’s deep knowledge of seed and crop protection solutions, creating a scalable and user-friendly digital tool that integrates seamlessly with existing farm management practices. This tool provides growers with near real-time SCN risk assessments, allowing them to tailor their pest management strategies effectively and prevent significant yield losses.
The AI-driven detection tool developed by Agmatix and BASF represents a significant leap forward in digital agriculture. By leveraging high-quality data, the tool can predict SCN activity before it becomes visibly damaging, empowering farmers to intervene early and prevent substantial economic losses. This proactive approach not only enhances crop protection but also improves farm productivity by optimizing resource allocation and reducing the environmental impact of farming practices. Dr. Shai Sela, Chief Scientist at Agmatix, emphasizes the critical role of data quality in AI models, stating that by harmonizing and enriching SCN field trial data, the platform ensures consistent and reliable outputs regardless of regional or environmental conditions. This novel approach dramatically increases the model’s predictive power, providing actionable insights directly to growers.
The partnership between Agmatix and BASF is poised to transform the soybean farming landscape in several ways. First, through enhanced crop protection. By providing early warnings of SCN infestations, farmers can adopt targeted management strategies, such as using resistant soybean varieties or rotating crops with non-hosts, to mitigate yield losses. Also, the integration of AI-driven insights into existing farm management practices enables farmers to make data-backed decisions, optimizing resource use and reducing waste. Additionally, by reducing the need for broad-spectrum pesticides and promoting more targeted pest management, this technology supports more sustainable agricultural practices. All of this provides the potential to reduce annual losses by billions of dollars which can significantly improve the economic viability of soybean farming, benefiting both farmers and the broader agricultural industry.
The collaboration between Agmatix and BASF not only addresses the immediate challenge of SCN but also sets the stage for future innovations in digital agriculture. By demonstrating how advanced analytics can drive on-farm decision-making and improve agronomic outcomes, this partnership paves the way for broader applications of AI in crop protection and management. As agriculture continues to evolve, integrating technology with traditional practices will become increasingly crucial for meeting global food demands sustainably. (Source: globalagtechinitiative, fareasternag)
