Why is real-time Crop Monitoring crucial for decision making?

Real-time Crop Monitoring refers to data regarding crops that is collected and uploaded as soon as anything changes. This can include information such as weather conditions, soil moisture levels, pest or disease outbreaks, and crop growth stages. This information is used by farmers and agricultural professionals to make more informed decisions about crop management, and to improve crop yields. 

Early pests and diseases detection 

The earlier you can identify a problem, the sooner it can be rectified; sometimes even prevented. Crucial for decision making, it can prevent or minimise the spread of harmful organisms that can cause significant damage to crops. Real-time Crop Monitoring gives you the ability to identify signs of disease or infestation early on, and take action to prevent further spread. Implementing pest and disease management strategies such as crop rotation, biological control, and chemical treatments.  

Optimisation of irrigation and fertilisation 

Improve crop yields and quality, while reducing costs and environmental impact. Real-time Crop Monitoring allows you to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust irrigation and fertilisation practices as needed. This includes using precision farming techniques, such as precision irrigation and variable rate fertilisation. By applying the right amount of water and nutrients at the right time, you can improve crop growth and development, reduce water and fertiliser waste, and minimise environmental pollution.  

Identification of areas to invest more in infrastructure and resources 

Real-time Crop Monitoring allows you to identify areas of your farm that are underperforming, and to target investments in infrastructure and resources. This involves investing in new equipment, irrigation systems, or storage facilities, to improving soil quality or drainage. By focusing investment in areas that are most in need, you can improve crop yields, improve crop quality, reduce costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase profitability. 

Better planning and coordination of harvests and transportation 

You can use real-time Crop Monitoring to better coordinate harvests and transportation, reducing spoilage and waste, and increasing efficiency. With access to real-time data, you can plan when to harvest your crops, and how to transport them in a timely manner. This can lead to better prices for the crops, since they will be in better condition when sold. 

Improved food security and supply chain management with Crop Monitoring 

Food security is essentially having enough food to meet the needs of the population, and that it is distributed in an efficient and sustainable way. Real-time crop information can play a key role by enabling you and your business the ability to plan ahead, and make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and marketing their crops. This can help to ensure that there is a steady supply of food, even in the face of weather events or other disruptions.  

Better monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices 

Better monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices is important to protect natural resources, biodiversity and to minimise environmental pollution. Real-time Crop Monitoring will help you to monitor and comply with environmental regulations by providing data on things like soil quality, water usage, and chemical application. This helps ensure you identify areas where you aren’t compliant and take steps to address the issues.