Precision
agriculture is typically characterized as a suite of information technologies
used to monitor and manage sub-field spatial variability. Farmers use satellite
technology, computers, and robotics to manage the use of pesticides,
fertilizers, and water more efficiently by tailoring input amounts to the
specific characteristics of the site.
The benefits
of precision agriculture technologies are greatest when field or farm
conditions vary widely and the uniform applications of inputs will result in
production inefficiency. Each location is tested and a site-specific management
plan is designed for individual conditions.
Soil testing and field mapping can be used to identify places in a field where additional nutrient use will increase yield, or where input use can be reduced while maintaining yield. Variable-rate application of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water has the potential to enhance producers’ profits by reducing input costs.
It may also reduce the risk to the environment from agricultural production by tailoring input use and application more closely to ideal plant growth and management needs. In addition, by improving the efficiency of input use, precision farming has the potential to reduce the transport of agricultural chemicals through surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and leaching.
Soil testing and field mapping can be used to identify places in a field where additional nutrient use will increase yield, or where input use can be reduced while maintaining yield. Variable-rate application of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water has the potential to enhance producers’ profits by reducing input costs.
It may also reduce the risk to the environment from agricultural production by tailoring input use and application more closely to ideal plant growth and management needs. In addition, by improving the efficiency of input use, precision farming has the potential to reduce the transport of agricultural chemicals through surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and leaching.
Because the
investment cost is high relative to the value of information received, current
precision farming technologies are not likely to be appropriate for use by
farmers with small holdings in developing countries. The systems could,
however, be of great value for technology development planners, especially in
assessing the productive capacity of natural resources and the appropriate
suite of technologies and practices to sustainably increase production.
For example,
decision makers could use the information derived from remote sensing or soil
mapping to identify areas vulnerable to erosion or deficient in essential soil
nutrients. They then could offer incentives or provide technical assistance to
those areas to encourage the adoption of technologies and practices that would
reduce erosion or increase soil productivity.
