It’s no secret that precision technology is saving farmers both money and time in the fields, but it wasn’t very long ago that the term “precision agriculture” was new to the scene. Starting with some basic precision ag technology, such as light bar guidance, to more advanced technologies, including autosteer and telematics, this equipment has helped growers increase operational efficiency through greater accuracy with planting and spray applications.

What is precision agriculture?

Precision agriculture is the use of technology to help manage in-field variability. While today’s precision ag uses more advanced technologies like satellites and computer software, early precision ag was simple. There are many components that make up precision agriculture, so it can’t be defined as just one type of technology. Some of the different pieces of precision ag include field mapping, data collecting, soil sampling and variable rate control. Precision ag utilizes a variety of different pieces to determine how to get the most efficient yield out of the field.

Important Precision Advances

The spray application sector has relied heavily on precision agriculture technology to advance the efficiency of applications. As the technology advances, it continues to assist applicators make the most out of their applications. Here are a few of the major technologies that have been beneficial to spray applicators:

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

GPS has helped to quickly advance the possibilities in precision agriculture and has made other technologies, such as automatic steering control, a reality. GPS guidance systems allow applicators to identify which areas of the field have already been sprayed, which in turn cuts down on problems associated with under or over application. Data logging, including chemical records and application rates in the field, became part of the norm.

Automatic Steering Control and Automatic Boom Section Shut-Off

With the advancements of GPS guidance, the ability to use automatic steering control also became possible. This system allows the operator to set up an A|B line as guidance for the system to follow.

Automatic Rate Controller

Working in conjunction with a flow meter , control valve and speed sensor , the automatic rate controller allows the applicator to control the application rate by specifying the desired rate. The system calculates necessary adjustments needed to stay on target.

Automatic Boom Height Leveling

With the option of two different styles, automatic boom height leveling helps protect booms from costly damage and helps prevent driver fatigue. The simpler boom height leveling option uses a gauge wheel to determine the ground height; however, the other option involves the use of ultrasonic sensors that read the height of the boom off the ground or off the crop canopy.

Why has precision agriculture become so wide spread?

The ability to cut down on input costs while increasing yields, makes precision agriculture desirable to a grower. Additionally, some form of precision agriculture can be used on just about any size of farm to help improve operation efficiency. As the size of farms grows, the automation of many newer, precision technologies allows for more accuracy.

What’s the future for precision agriculture?

Two increasingly popular topics in precision agriculture include the use of telematics and drones. Telematics is a technology that allows for wireless data transfer, remote diagnostics and remote dealer support to name a few of the available features. Trimble and Raven both offer a telematics system to growers. Trimble’s is called Connected Farm, and Raven’s is Slingshot. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are currently being tested at universities to see whether the UAVs can be used safely in national airspace. The drones can help farmers determine changes in water content, plant health and pesticide dispersal in fields, according to researchers at The Ohio State University in an AgWeb.com article.