The promise of precision agriculture

Abstract

There has been extensive coverage in the farm media recently of a revolution that has been in the making for a number of years-precision agriculture. Emerging technologies and innovation are driving its development and continuing to evolve, promising to have a lasting impact on the agricultural indmtry. Precision agriculture has developed to the point where those tied to agriculture (growers, industry, universities, and governmental agencies) have an opportunity to help direct a more efficient system of agricultural production and at the same time promote an improved land stewardship. Although its potential impact cannot be clearly measured at this time, many current educational, research, and environmental programs may need to be reviewed with these new technologies in mind. Best Management Practices will eventually need to be rewritten. For many, sustainable agriculture, soil quality, and integrated crop management will take on a greater meaning. However, with the monetary restraints of many university and agency programs, and the expense to industry of creating and implementing these technologies, there is a greater need for cooperation in overseeing precision agriculture's development and wise use. It is hoped that any environmental shortcomings of our current system, which places its foundation in the Green …