Precision agriculture has been widely used by producers. Certainly this modality has grown more and more, especially with regard to small properties.
But to understand better, it is necessary to know what this technology does and what is its importance for the agricultural sector. With that in mind, in this article, we are going to talk a little more about this subject. Follow:
What is precision agriculture?
As already mentioned, it is a technology used by producers to facilitate the management of their rural properties.
Basically, we are talking about a method that collects data and analyzes it in order to understand the variability of the soil and also the climate. In this way, it is possible to optimize the work.
With this information in hand, producers and managers can make decisions more consciously.
One of the main objectives of this technique is to increase the efficiency of field management.
After all, with it it is possible to know how fertile a certain area of the property is.
How is precision agriculture done?
First, the mapping of the area to be worked is done. After that, the producer has access to some information about the harvest and compaction.
Precision agriculture allows a complete mapping of the property and can also be used by small rural producers.
In this way, it is worth remembering that this data can be obtained through satellite images, drones or sensors. In any case, the photos manage to capture relevant information for the next steps.
It is from this data collection that management is properly planned and based.
A well-done precision agriculture can bring several positive results for producers.
What can she do?
Precision agriculture consists of a series of mappings and surveys of the property that help the farmer.
Watch some of them:
- Mapping of places where there is possible infestation of pests and where it will be necessary to carry out spraying;
- Soil mapping where irrigation will be indicated;
- Verification in which a fertilizer should be applied;
- Survey of all degraded areas;
- Productivity estimation;
- Automation of machinery and equipment.
System advantages
There are several benefits in precision agriculture and it can also be used in small rural properties.
Let’s talk about some of them:
Increased productivity
Productivity grows a lot, as precision agriculture is able to evaluate each piece of land and how much it can generate good results.
The producer can have access to information about each plot and with that it is possible to know which one needs more attention.
This is because the data informs which one has already been irrigated and which one still needs spraying, for example. In this way, time is optimized, as the producer already knows what must be done.
No waste of inputs
This advantage comes from the same logic as the previous one. After all, with precision agriculture it is possible to know which areas will need more care on the rural property.
So, naturally, it is possible to save on inputs. The producer will avoid excessive spending on fertilizers and pesticides, for example.
By being able to know which plot needs irrigation or not, it will be possible to save on water.
Environment
Another important benefit is related to the environment. When a soil receives too much water or fertilizer, it naturally becomes damaged.
The use of new technologies helps, for example, to control soil irrigation, avoiding waste.
With precision agriculture, the manager will only use what is needed for each piece of land.
The environment will be preserved by saving water and also by the soil that will not be damaged.
More safety
This is a safer way to make decisions, after all, with the right information, the chances of errors decrease considerably.
financial economy
Financial economy is essential to increase the profitability of agricultural production. With the economy of inputs, you automatically save money.
GPS precision agriculture
One of the ways to carry out precision agriculture on your property is through the GPS (Global Position System). In this way, it is possible to receive geographic coordinates through soil grid sampling.
It is also feasible to prepare fertility maps from the information collected from each point. It is worth mentioning that machines and equipment usually have a GPS in their composition.
small properties
In fact, studies confirm that small properties, when working with precision agriculture, end up having a greater return in terms of productivity.
Because of this, many producers have sought this technique, as it is a more effective way of achieving optimal decision making.
What are the precision agriculture tools and what is the investment?
It is important to emphasize that all technologies used in agricultural production can be part of precision agriculture.
Many people end up thinking that only the GPS and the drone can be considered part of this technique, but this is wrong.
Even in small rural properties, it is possible to use drones and GPS to collect more accurate information.
Precision agriculture encompasses everything that is done to improve management technique.
In this sense, see some of the technologies and concepts used: sensors, drones (to collect images), fertilizer distribution machines and other inputs, autopilot, light bar, among others.
With each passing day, precision agriculture ends up gaining new technologies for the benefit of agriculture.
Sensors and platforms receive new updates and allow work to become increasingly accurate and efficient.
Pricing
Small properties are often afraid to involve technology in their management, as they believe that it is a high investment. But it is important to note that this is not something concrete.
Not everyone knows, but there is the possibility of working with precision agriculture for free. Satellites are available for images to be used free of charge.
In addition, there are other free tools that can be used without fear.
Most systems and applications are paid. But, it is necessary that you define what your possibilities are before defining your choice.
The ideal is to make a report of the property’s finances and only then decide if it is worth investing.
Get to know one free app which helps small farmers organize their technical information on their properties:
Source: Ricardo Wegrzynovski.
Conclusion
Therefore, precision agriculture is a set of tools that serves to assist the producer and collaborate with decision making. Adherence to this system must be well thought out.
The important thing is to understand that technology comes to add and facilitate the country’s agricultural processes.
In the case of small properties, this technology, if well applied, can condition the rational use of inputs.
After all, by optimizing the productive potential of crops and the competitiveness of the agricultural producer, providing better environmental quality.
Did you like this article? By the way, did you know that agriculture is entering what is called the third wave of innovation? Check out this post too.
