In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, precision farming has become an essential practice for farmers who want to balance productivity with responsible environmental management.

One of the most important tools in this transition is SGS Precision Gateway – a powerful digital platform that combines soil science, remote sensing, and agronomic intelligence to provide farmers with actionable insights.

At the heart of this initiative in Southern Africa is SGS NviroCrop, a local leader in precision agriculture services since 2007 and part of the global SGS network since 2011.

Integrated data for smarter decisions

SGS Precision Gateway serves as a central hub where farmers can view, analyse, and utilise a wide range of agronomic data.

Some of the most valuable features include:

High-resolution field mapping: Satellite and drone imagery is linked with GPS data to create maps that show everything from yield variation to crop health.

Soil and nutrient mapping: Farmers can create chemical and physical soil maps, nutrient index maps, and pH profiles to understand the specific needs of each zone within a field.

NDVI monitoring: The platform uses the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to monitor plant health and enables farmers to quickly respond to signs of plant stress, pests, or nutrient deficiencies.

These data sets are integrated to create Variable Rate Technology (VRT) application maps, so that inputs like fertiliser and seed are applied exactly where they are needed – improving yield and reducing waste.

While Precision Gateway provides the digital tools, SGS NviroCrop ensures the local support and field expertise farmers need to successfully implement this technology.

With offices in Potchefstroom, Langebaan, and Johannesburg, as well as a presence in Namibia and Zambia, SGS NviroCrop brings both local insight and international standards to farmers in Southern Africa.

Services include:

GPS-based soil and leaf sampling: Accurate samples – sometimes as deep as 4 metres – are taken to determine soil structure, nutrient levels, and plant health.

GIS mapping and fertiliser recommendations:

Detailed zoning maps are created using GIS technology and directly integrated with precision farming equipment.

Soil classification: Determining soil suitability for various crops helps farmers reduce production risks.

Economic viability studies: These analyses help farmers make investment decisions based on the potential of new or existing land.

Independent agricultural advice: Objective support for planning crop rotation, water management, and integrating new technologies for sustainability.

Cobus Burger, Business Manager of SGS NviroCrop, states: “We are committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By providing precise data and expert advice, we help farmers reduce their environmental impact, use inputs efficiently, and improve the health of their soil and crops.”

Practical application: All on your phone

SGS Precision Gateway is not just a computer programme – it is also available as a mobile application for iOS and Android.

The app enables farmers to make operational decisions in the field, with features like:

  • Logging field observations
  • Photo reporting and expert feedback
  • Updating NDVI and satellite images within 48 hours of acquisition
  • By making this information immediately available, data and insights are transformed into actions that can happen on the spot.

Farming support on demand

One of the most useful tools in Precision Gateway is the Virtual Consultant feature. By sending geo-tagged photos and descriptions of problems in the field, farmers gain access to SGS’s global network of agronomists. These experts deliver fast, targeted advice, whether it’s about pest control, fertiliser adjustments, or irrigation schedules. The world’s experts are literally at your fingertips thanks to this application.

Sustainable and profitable farming

The convergence of SGS NviroCrop’s practical field knowledge and the advanced technology of SGS Precision Gateway offers farmers a complete precision farming solution. With accurate, farm-specific soil data, crop monitoring, and local agronomic support, farmers are empowered to fully realise the potential of every hectare – economically, efficiently, and sustainably.

This means better yields at lower costs. Every drop of diesel, kilogram of fertiliser, and minute of labour contributes to increased productivity and reduced waste through scientific evidence and precise mapping.

As farmers face increasing challenges from climate change, resource constraints, and economic pressure, SGS Precision Gateway and SGS NviroCrop offer a roadmap to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

SGS Precision Gateway, together with SGS NviroCrop, represents the gold standard for precision farming in Southern Africa. By combining advanced technology with reliable local support, farmers get both the tools and the knowledge to farm smarter.

If you want to reduce your input costs, increase your yields, or simply farm more sustainably, SGS is your partner on the road ahead.

For more information, contact SGS NviroCrop at (+27)-18-285-7000 or follow them on Facebook.