Precision agriculture (PA) is a set of methods and technologies that help producers understand their crop area in a more complete way.
In this way, PA helps farmers optimize their practices, thereby increasing their yield.
In short, precision agriculture is understood as a new methodology for managing crops, knowing here that crops are not uniform.
Sounds complex? In fact, you will see that in practice there are several ways to implement precision agriculture, especially with the use of new technologies.
We have prepared comprehensive content for you to understand how to apply the concepts of precision agriculture. In this article you will find answers to questions such as:
What is precision agriculture and what is it used for?
What are the benefits of AP?
How does precision agriculture help crop productivity?
What are the main tools and technologies used in AP?
What factors are taken into account, such as productivity, soil, infestations, pests and diseases.
Read on to see how TOTVS technologies for Agro can help you. Shall we go there?
What is Precision Agriculture (PA)?
Precision Agriculture (PA) is a relatively new belgium whatsapp data concept in Brazil that emerged from a philosophy of agricultural management that is guided by accurate information and precise data for decision making that can increase productivity and yield.
As its name suggests, it is the most accurate way to monitor agricultural activities by using advanced technologies and data collected in the reference geographical areas.
This production system is widely adopted by farmers in other countries, known internationally as Precision Agriculture , Precision Farming or Site-Specific Crop Management.
When it first emerged, precision agriculture was intended to be an information management system.
With technological advances in referencing and positioning, such as sensors and GPS systems, the concept has expanded and spread to several countries with large agricultural producers.
Other techniques and concepts emerge from precision agriculture, such as the application of inputs at variable rates and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
To understand what precision agriculture is, it is necessary to interpret it as a different way of treating crops. This concept considers that crops are not uniform.
What does this mean? Basically, each area on your land is different from the others. In other words, the AP becomes a way of managing the productive field meter by meter, taking into account the soil, temperature, relief, native vegetation, etc.
That is why efficient management systems, as well as other technological innovations, are necessary so that you can better enjoy your production.
Main stages and processes of precision agriculture
In general, precision agriculture is divided into three main stages: data collection , management planning and localized application of inputs :
Data collection: stage that gathers the information and characteristics of each productive area;
Management planning: consists of evaluating production factors and their variations to develop an agricultural management strategy, how to create input use maps and a diagnosis of each crop area;
Application of inputs: represents a step of application and automatic control of inputs, according to the data and planning of the previous steps, with the implementation part using technologies.
What is precision agriculture for?
Precision agriculture aims to make life easier and modern for producers by using machines and technologies that allow them to control plantation areas with greater precision.
But, in general, there are several needs of the farmer that precision agriculture can help with.
AP can be applied at different stages of plantation production, such as fertilization, planting, fumigation and harvesting processes.
But beyond farming, precision agriculture is also important for broader analyses such as soil quality, pest control, machine management, process management, and even assistance in budget management, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing profitability.
The great difference with AP is that it provides farmers with the ability to make decisions based on accurate information about what is happening in the field in real time.
Another important point is that this management system does not consider the entire agro-industrial property as a uniform field.
The idea is to have precise data in the meter-by-meter analysis of each productive area.
With this mapping, it is possible to identify optimizations according to the needs of each area.
Another of AP's objectives is to generate greater productivity and quality, but at the same time seek to reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability at all stages.