Precision farming means a series of strategies and equipment that allow farmers to optimize and increase soil profile and productivity.
Precision in farming is possible due to hi-tech tools like Cellestial Tractor to perform the right intervention, in the right place, at the right time.
Technologies are used to collect the data for decision-making to boost production and implement the necessary actions to achieve this goal.
Since Agriculture 4.0 has gained full thrust, it is the epitome of the precision farming concept. This term refers to all the interconnected tactics that use hi-tech technologies, starting with using data to improve and optimize production.
Advantages of Precision Agriculture
Farmers can target their inputs to specific areas with precision ag tech and practices and apply them uniformly across the entire field. This targeted approach can help farmers save money and increase crop yield and quality.
In addition, precision farming can help farmers monitor their crops more effectively, allowing them to respond to potential problems more quickly and effectively.
Farmers can leverage sensors and mapping tools to apply fertilizers precisely at the right spot. In addition, precision ag technologies can help farmers tailor their irrigation practices, saving water and energy.
Other benefits associated with precision farming are:
- A refined set of cultivation practices
- Elimination of volatility and risk
- Waste management
- Reduced production costs
- Minimum environmental impact
- Optimized use of fertilizers
- Water management with optimized irrigation
- Improved soil health
Components of Precision Farming
The main components of precision farming include information, technology and management!
As technology advances, tech companies have created specific applications on these fundamental principles. As a result, they have brought in technically-advanced solutions for improving yields and profitability.
Here is a list of precision agriculture technologies commonly used by precision ag farmers.
GIS & GPS
GPS and GIS allow farmers to orient their equipment and collect data in real-time for accurate positioning and field management.
Auto-Steer
Auto-steer uses GIS and GPS to guide modern tractors like a Solis Tractor in a uniformly straight line across the field. This allows growers to till, seed, fertilize and harvest their fields precisely.
Variable Rate Technology (VRT)
Variable rate technology enables farmers to apply seeds, fertilizer and other inputs at specific rates across a field.
Remote Sensing
Collecting highly sensitive satellite images to identify crop growth and stress areas and geo-locate those specific points in a field using GPS.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
ML is used to identify and respond to real-time input in farming practices. AI is mostly developed in robotic farm applications like harvesting or weeding machines.
Data Collection and Analytics
Collecting data generated during farm actions and then analyzing that data to reveal deeper insights. This aids in smart farm management decisions.
Yield Monitors
Yield monitors on combines generate yield maps during the harvest period by measuring the harvest collected at precise points. These maps are layered with other precision technology, such as soil maps and VRT maps, to refine farm management decisions for better outcomes.
Challenges involved with precision farming
Precision agriculture has its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is data management. The sheer volume of data collected by precision farming sensors can be overwhelming and difficult to infer.
Another challenge is integrating all the different data sources. There are a lot of different data sets involved, and it can be challenging to get them all to work together.
Finally, precision farming requires a significant investment. The equipment and software can be expensive, and learning how to use them effectively takes time.
Despite these challenges, precision agriculture is becoming increasingly popular in 2023 as farmers strive to contain efficiency and return.
Precision Farming: The Road to Sustainability
With precision agriculture, farmers can achieve the following:
- Identify the best crops and hybrid seeds suitable for a particular location.
- Work only on exactly identified areas to be replanted.
- Take specific actions to provide the optimum level of inputs.
- Save time and cost and minimize the environmental impact.
- Create maps for irrigation schedules and use ideal amounts of water.
- Anticipate pest infestations and diseases and take preventative measures.
- Apply weedicides and pesticides without harming biodiversity.
- Harvest produce when they mature to meet consumer preferences.
Thus, precision sustainable farming is the most advanced farming system that allows for solving both production and global problems.
Final Thoughts
The global precision farming sector is anticipated to reach $12.84 billion by 2026. As a result, stakeholders and farmers are working hand-in-hand to optimize agri-input resources without workload.
Moreover, with climate change impacting farming in a big way, unpredictable natural disasters and the world population growing unabated, precision farming is here to stay.
The data obtained can also be used to provide better information for managing all activities on the farm to scale production.
