Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Clearly, there is a need for more comprehensive field-scale research to investigate the
environmental impacts of variable rate technology.
4.6 SUMMARY
Precision agriculture as a new farming strategy is gradually changing the way farm-
ers manage their fields. Some technologies developed for precision agriculture have
become standard practice in agriculture. Yield monitoring is a good example and is
probably the single most widely used precision agriculture technology. Yield mon-
itors have become standard or optional equipment in new harvesters from many
manufacturers. Farmers use yield monitor data not only for variable rate applica-
tion, but also for evaluating different management practices and identifying prob-
lem areas. Although real-time soil sensors have evolved drastically in the past two
decades, continuing breakthroughs are the key to cheaper and more reliable soil
data collection. Because of the time and cost involved in ground-based soil and crop
sensors, airborne and high-resolution satellite imaging systems have gained interest
for mapping crop growth variability. Remote sensing imagery obtained during the
growing season has potential not only for after-season management, but also for
within-season management.
Developing accurate site-specific recommendation input maps remains a great
challenge. Variable rate fertilizer recommendations for each cell or management
zone are based on the same guide developed for whole field management. More
research is needed to develop improved site-specific recommendation algorithms.
Variable rate technology has been developed mainly for seed, fertilizer, and pesti-
cide applications. This technology is also being developed for variable-depth plant-
ing, tillage, manure, and water application. Variable rate application can be both
profitable and environmentally beneficial for fields with large variability in crop
yield and soil nutrients and for fields with patched weeds and isolated disease infec-
tions. However, variable rate application may not be suitable or necessary for fields
with little soil and crop growth variability.
Precision agriculture continues to evolve, and it has reached a level that allows
a farmer to measure, analyze, and manage within-field variability that could not
be automatically managed before. Although precision agriculture involves a great
deal of technologies and requires additional investments of money and time, it can
be practiced at various levels depending on the resources and technology services
available to the farmer. If practiced properly, precision agriculture can increase farm
profitability and minimize adverse environmental impacts, thus improving the long-
term sustainability of production agriculture.
DISCLAIMER
Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the pur-
poses of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or
endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
