Precision Ag 11/03/09 4:08:46 PM
Precision farming or precision agriculture is an agricultural concept relying on the existence of in-field variability. It requires the use of new technologies, such as global positioning (GPS), sensors, satelites or aerial images, and information management tools (GIS) to assess and understand variations. Collected information may be used to more precisely evaluate optimum sowing density, estimate fertilizers and other input needs, and to more accurately predict crop yields. It seeks to avoid applying inflexible practices to a crop, regardless of local soil/climate conditions, and may help to better assess local situations of disease or lodging.
This practice allows the farmer to vary the rate of fertilizer across the field according to the need identified by GPS guided grid sampling. Precision Ag may be used to improve a field or a farm management from several perspectives:
- agronomical perspective: adjustment of cultural practices to take into account the real needs of the crop (e.g.,better fertilization management)
- technical perspective: better time management at the farm level (e.g., planning of agricultural activity)
- environmental perspective: reduction of agricultural impacts (better estimation of crop nitrogen needs implying limitation of nitrogen run-off)
- economical perspective: increase of the output and/or reduction of the input, increase of efficiency (e.g., lower cost of nitrogen fertilization practice)
Other benefits for the farmer may be to help him set a history of his/her farm practices and results, to help him in his decision making and traceability requirements (as increasingly required in developed countries).
Custom Application
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Precise application of crop protection products is a highly technical, heavily regulated venture. Christian County FS has made the investment in custom application equipment and people to serve our customers. Our Agronomy team will work with you to find the best plan for your farming operation.
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