Michael Botha Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Working for the School of Natural and Environmental Science, I have gained knowledge and experience using precision Ag equipment, GPS monitoring & scanning devises, including: - Crop Circle & Greensekeer, both of which use infrared and near infrared wavelengths to assess crop health and vigour. - Pasture sensing equipment to determine the amount of DM (dry matter %) - DJI & drone deploy software- Soil mapping utilising EM (electromagnetic induction) to measure soil conductivity. I am also experienced in collecting a range of data in agronomic field trials, including: - A wide in-depth scope in soil science- Hydrology- Determining soil horizons, soil texture and structure- Defining soil characteristics assessing soil moisture, NPK and carbon percentage including pH.- Assisting in Phosphate run off trials with ADAS. I provided technical support on a PhD project in the mitigation of nitrate leaching in conjunction with Northumberland water and Environmental Agency. I was also part of a collaborative, transdisciplinary team conducting an intensive three year potato root zone trial to determine the effects of soil type and moisture content on spatial variation and tuber growth (working closely with McCain’s, Grimme UK and Precision Ag companies). The trial also involved canopy NDVI mapping.

Marine Engineering

National Diploma In Agriculture, Agriculture, General

Activities and Societies: swimming cricket hockey rowingAfter leaving school at sixteen collage was a whole new experience, with a more.