Precision agriculture – ZEN AGRO PC

Today the agriculture, apart from the production of cheap, safe and quality products, should contribute also in the protection of environment minimizing the negative effects of agricultural production.

Precision Agriculture constitutes a production system of agricultural products that supports end- users’ decisions to apply production factors according to the real needs of the crop in time and space.

The primary aim of precision agriculture is to ensure profitability, efficiency, and sustainability while protecting the environment.

Precision agriculture combines the methodology with the technology. It provides more precise information on planting, crop growth and production and soil protection with the use of technology. The precision agriculture can include the following elements:

The Variable rate technology (VRT) that enables the variable application of inputs and allows producers to control the amount of inputs they apply in a specific location. The basic components of this technology include a computer, software, a controller and a differential global positioning system (DGPS).

GPS soil sampling for testing a field’s soil reveals available nutrients, pH level, and a range of other data that is important for making informed and profitable decisions. In essence, soil sampling allows growers to consider productivity differences within a field and formulate a plan that takes these differences into account. Collection and sampling services that are worth the effort will allow the data to be used for input for variable rate applications for optimizing seeding and fertilizer.

Computer-based applications which can be used to create precise farm plans, field maps, crop scouting and yield maps. This, in turn, allows for the more precise application of inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thus helping to reduce expenses, produce higher yields and create a more environmentally-friendly operation. The challenge with these software systems is they sometimes deliver a narrow value that doesn’t allow data to be used for making bigger farm decisions, especially with the support of an expert. Another concern with many software applications is poor user interfaces, and the inability to integrate the information they provide with other data sources to enrich and show significant value to farmers.

Remote sensing technology that can be an invaluable tool for monitoring and managing land, water and other resources. It can help determine everything from what factors may be stressing a crop at a specific point in time to estimating the amount of moisture in the soil. This data enriches decision-making on the farm and can come from several sources including drones and satellites.