7 tools to dominate precision farming

Global Positioning System (GPS) devices 

GPS is a key technology used in Precision Agriculture, as GPS provides accurate location information that can be used to map fields, monitor the movement of equipment in real-time, and target specific areas that require attention. GPS can be used to guide planting equipment to precisely plant seeds at the correct depth and spacing, improving crop yields. 

Drones 

Drones can be used to fly over crops and capture images that can be used to scout for potential problems such as disease, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies. This enables farmers to quickly identify and address potential issues. They can even be equipped with spray nozzles that can be used to precisely apply fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides to crops. There is also a drone that can test the soil for moisture and nutrition levels. 

Soil sensors 

Soil sensors can be used to measure soil moisture levels in real-time. This information can be used to optimise irrigation practices, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time. Reducing the amount of water wasted. They measure nutrient levels in the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This reduces unnecessary usage of fertilisers, while ensuring that crops receive the right amount of nutrients at the right time.  

Weather stations 

Weather stations can be used to measure evapotranspiration (ET) rates, which can help farmers determine how much water to apply to their crops. By collecting data on temperature, humidity, and wind speed, weather stations can calculate ET rates, enabling farmers to make more informed decisions about irrigation practices. The humidity can increase the likelihood of fungal diseases and higher temperatures allow for pests to thrive.  

Automated irrigation system 

Automated irrigation systems can reduce water waste by ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time. The monitoring of soil moisture levels and weather conditions, allows these systems to optimise irrigation practices, reducing the risk of over-watering or under-watering. Using automated irrigation systems will reduce labour costs by eliminating the need for manual watering. Manual watering can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, plus with the current labour shortages, the more that can be automated the better. 

Robotic systems 

Planting and seeding 

Robotic systems can be used to automate the planting and seeding process. These systems can be programmed to plant seeds at the right depth and spacing, ensuring optimal crop growth and yield. There have been recent advancements in driverless tractors, which will save farmers thousands in labour, at a time where it is hard to get people to work on a farm.  

Harvesting 

Similar to planting and seeding, harvesting robots are reducing labour costs and improving efficiency. These systems can be programmed to identify ripe fruits or vegetables and harvest them at the right time, ensuring maximum yield. 

Weed control 

One of the biggest issues farmers have with growing crops, weeds can quickly overrun a field if not maintained properly. Weeds will compete for the nutrients in the soil, which will lower the farm’s yield. There are robots that are equipped with sensors that identify weeds, ignores valid crops, and apply herbicides in a targeted manner. 

Mobile apps 

All the above are great advancements in the future of farming, but the fundamental running of the business requires software to manage it. Using separate applications for each device makes it harder to maintain, and more likely to miss crucial data. Mobile farm management software applications allow farmers to connect all their devices, stock, and reports, available in their pocket.  

How can these devices work together?  

Having some or all of these devices is a step towards a better future for farming and agriculture; for profitability, and sustainability. The final piece would be to have each device in contact with each other, to fully automate even more processes. LiveFarmer farm management software UK utilises PHP 8 to bring in more connectivity. With the latest version of PHP, you can build APIs for virtually any program! Get in touch for a demo today!