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T RADE N E W S
PRECISION FARMING - the basic principles
> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Figure 9. Planting with fertiliser and
plant population prescription maps.
In the crop field remote sensing
is used to create a picture of the
cropped field. The purpose of
the map defines the equipment
and sensors to be used. The data
is then processed to create a map
that can be followed up with a field
inspection. A plan of action is then
decided upon and an application
map is created. Examples are
presented in Figures 10 and 11.
END OF SEASON EVALUATION
Step 6. Collecting yield data
during harvesting
At the end of the production season valuable information can be
obtained should the harvester be
equipped with sensors to measure
crop yield. See Figure 12.
Figure 10. Example of fixed wing drone with NDVI images during
canola flowering time.
Figure 11.
Precision
application.
Figure 12. Harvesting data of three successive maize seasons.
18 AUG/SEP 2016
• SENWES Scenario
Step 7. Evaluation
The maps in Figure 12 are an indication of the spatial distribution
of the grain yield in specific areas.
All management information and
climate information are used, in
conjunction with the client, to
determine the reasons for the yield
variations and how these compare
with the pre-season planning.
Adjustments are then made as well
as recommendations for the next
production season.
SUMMARY
The digital era has unending application possibilities which empower
producers to apply precision farming practices. The growing demand
for food which has to be produced
on limited resources, together with
variable climate and socio-economic conditions, are forcing farmers
to fully utilise technology and
science in order to increase crop
production through increased efficiency.