Precision Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service defines precision agriculture as an information- and technology-based, site-specific management system that uses one or more sources of data—soils, crops, nutrients, pests, moisture or yield—to optimize production inputs according to the capability of the land.

In other words, it’s a method of helping you recognize the variable crop and soil characteristics of each portion of your field in order to apply inputs precisely and only where needed.

The basic components of an economically and environmentally successful precision agriculture practice include

• Geo-spatial background data to identify problems and opportunities in the field

• An organized recordkeeping system

• An analysis and determination process 

• Specialized implementation equipment 

• And an evaluation and revision process

Precision agriculture—or site-specific management—requires sophisticated equipment and advanced techniques. Equipment, methods and technology usually include

• Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for precise, spatial reference of field characteristics

• GPS equipment guidance systems like auto-steer, light bar directional guidance, differential GPS, wide-area augmentation and real-time kinematic

• Mapping software—Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—for analysis and display of collected data

• Grid soil sampling to systematically map field attributes and determine input application rates for VRT-equipped machines

• Management zones to identify areas within a field that respond to production practices in a similar way

• Machines equipped with Variable Rate Technology (VRT) to control input application rates according to location in the field

• And a yield mapping system to track the position of the harvester, measure harvest and identify areas of variable yield

In a precision agriculture practice, economical and environmental benefits come from

• Improved site selection and solutions that make the most of productive land 

• Increased size or scope of operations without increased labor costs

• Reduced or targeted application of nutrients, pesticides and irrigation water 

• Reduced soil compaction and erosion

• Improved soil and water quality

• And identification of land that should be taken out of production 

For more detailed information on precision agricultural practices, check our sources.

• Agricultural Production Management: Information Technology Management 
  (USDA Economic Research Service)                                                

• Precision Agriculture: NCRS Support for Emerging Technology
  (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)                                                

• and Precision Farming: A New Approach to Crop Management
  (Texas Agricultural Extension Service)                                                            

And be sure to visit

• South Dakota State University: Precision Agriculture

• SDView for a first-hand look at satellite remote-sensing data and technologies at work in South Dakota

• and Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium’s AgParc for access to imagery and data, training sessions and research into new applications for remote-sensing to benefit agriculture and the environment