Veris Technologies 3150 Soil EC Mapping System - Operating Instructions - Manual (Page 9)

Pub. # OM17-EC
1-9
Statement of Use
Intended use of the Veris 3150
The Veris 3150 Soil EC Mapping System collects geo-referenced soil electrical conductivity (EC)
measurements as it is pulled across a field by a tractor or an pickup truck. An electronic device
called the Soil EC Surveyor, powered by vehicle’s 12V DC electrical system, generates a small
electrical current, which is transferred into the soil through a pair of rolling electrode coulter disks.
A second pair of disks measures the drop in voltage which is proportional to the electrical
conductivity of soil medium at a given location. Signal response is due primarily to soil texture/grain
size and soil salinity. Clay soils and soils with high salinity levels are highly conductive, while
coarser soils such as sand do not conduct well. Additional weight may need to be added to the
system to insure coulter disks penetrate the soil. Veris Technologies offers weights designed to
mount properly to the system. The system records the data either on its own datalogger, or on a
data recording device such as a laptop computer. Ultimately, the data are displayed in a map
format, and variable applications of crop production materials, such as seed, fertilizer and other
inputs are variably applied to the EC zones delineated on the maps. The 3150 implement includes
a set of wheels which allow it to be raised to cross ditches, irrigation canals, and for loading onto a
trailer for road transport. The 3150 system is designed for use in a farm field, and has no dynamic
movement unless vehicle is pulling it, so guarding around soil engaging components is not needed
and would interfere with field operations. When equipped with road lights and road kit 3150
implement can be safely towed at speeds up to 80km/hr depending on road conditions. Legal road
transportation depends on country, state and municipal regulations. Unit should not be operated
when people are present in the field, as coulter disks are sharp and could cause injury if contact
occurs.
Misuse of the Veris 3150 model
Misuses of the 3150 model include operation with people in area, and pulling the system at an
excessive speed. In field position, this could result in poor data collection and possible overturning
at extremely high speeds and sharp turns. In raised position, the chance of overturning is
increased, as the center of gravity is higher, so care must be taken to keep speeds under 15
km/hr, and less when turning. Other possible misuses include installation of non-factory specified
weights, which may overload the system or lead to additional risk of overturning.
Abnormal use of the Veris 3150 model
Abnormal use of the 3150 model includes using it as a cart for carrying equipment, tools, or
people. Under no circumstances should anyone ride on the implement. Even though the
implement is similar in appearance to a tillage tool, such as a disk harrow, it was not designed for
that usage and should never be used for any purpose other than soil EC data collection.