Precision Farming
Precision farming means adapting measures to the variability of fields and crops. Within a field, conditions can vary greatly, and this depends on severalfactors. One important element is the soil type - the composition of clay, sand and coarse material and this in turn affects the movement of water in the soil. Other things that affect crop conditions are how well-drained the soil is, the soil's organic matter content, previous years' fertilisation, pH value and the crop's access to various plant nutrients.
There are various measures that can be taken in precision farming. The basis for several of the measures is soil mapping, where soil samples are analysed based on soil type, pH, plant nutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu) and soil organic matter.
P and K applications are adjusted based on analyses of available P and K. Control files are then made for the fertiliser spreader so that more nutrients are applied in areas where P and K availability is low and less in areas with good plant nutrient status. Control files can be made in several different programmes, two examples are markkartering.se and markdata.se. Seed can be varied based on clay content and the higher the clay content, the higher the number of seed to get the same number of shoots/m2. Liming can also be adapted based on pH value, clay content and soil organic matter.
To vary N fertilisation, other data than soil mapping is needed. Several tools are available to calculate the N requirement of the crop, such as N tests or nitrogen stickers. This, combined with satellite images of the biomass of a field, provides a basis for varying N application rates. Maps of biomass, converted from satellite images, are available on Cropsat. On the site, it is also possible to make control files for the fertiliser spreader.
The greater the difference across the field in, for example, clay content, soil content, pH value or nutrient status, the more effect varied inputs of fertiliser, liming and seed will have.
Additional information
Many farmers find the equipment expensive and the technology and programmes for precision farming difficult and cumbersome to use. But developments are moving fast and much equipment is now wireless, making it easier to use. Similarly, software has improved. Advisors and equipment sellers are now also more experienced in precision farming, so there is support and help available in this area.
Climate Farm Demo
Ongoing | 2022-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Serbia