Is precision agriculture the solution to the diminishing workforce

To define precision agriculture, is a little reductive, as it is an ever-growing field of integrating technology. Precision agriculture offers a less wasteful, and more profitable way to grow crops. Which can be achieved through the use of GPS-guided planting equipment, soil analysis tools, and other high-tech solutions. 

What are the benefits of precision agriculture? 

Some of the potential benefits of precision agriculture include reduced input costs, improved crop yields, better resource management, and reduced environmental impacts. Year on year you will accumulate valuable data. With this data from previous growing seasons and other sources, farmers can make more informed decisions about when and where to plant, which can lead to higher crop yields. 

Examples of precision agriculture tools 

Soil sensors with GPS tracking 

Soil is the most important asset on a farm. Horticulturalists need good, healthy soil, in order to maximise the crop yield. Giving automatic up-to-date data on the nutrition in the soil, the water levels, and what is lacking, farmers can better use resources. Limiting the use of irrigation, fertiliser, and pesticides, can have a dramatic effect on the over cost of the crops. 

Arial imagery and flyover crop walks 

You can learn more about drones in farming from this article, but in essence you can use aerial imagery and remote sensing to map out fields. Identifying areas that may require more attention, such as areas with pests or disease. 

Machine learning algorithms  

When a job is completed, the data is still stored in your farm management software. Live Farmer enables growers and farmers to use data analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyse crop growth and yield data. Which will help make more accurate predictions about future crop production. 

Autonomous vehicles 

Autonomous farm vehicles are becoming more and more possible with advancements in the sector. You can use autonomous vehicles, like tractors, to perform tasks such as weeding, planting, watering, and harvesting crops. The Autonomous farm vehicle uses sensors and GPS to navigate around a field as efficiently as possible. The key benefit to autonomous farming machinery, is with tasks such as weeding and packing.  

Smart farming  

Using smart farming technologies, such as smart greenhouses and hydroponic systems, to optimise growing conditions and maximise crop yields. With vertical farming, smart greenhouses and hydroponics are being used more and more. Especially where spaces are at a premium. Precision agriculture IoT solutions, internet of things, are seemingly endless, as every mundane task is given to machines.