PRECISION FARMING SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE AGRICULTURE

Sustainable agricultural systems combine the latest research findings with traditional farming knowledge. Precision technologies are particularly important in the field of sustainable agriculture, as they allow growers to assess in detail the heterogeneity of the area under cultivation, and to determine precise responses which are adapted to local conditions. At the same time, it is widely known that at present, the use of precision technology in agriculture is largely restricted to the targeted, industrial-scale application of pesticides and fertilizers.

Nevertheless, the technology has a much wider range of applicability, allowing for greater sustainability and competitiveness, especially in combination with the latest sensors and machine-learning programs. For instance, it can be very effective in the early detection of harmful deviations (e.g. plant protection problems) and thus for prevention rather than curative treatments. In addition, it offers very significant opportunities to improve the efficiency of animal husbandry (e.g. in implementing more individualized, preventative veterinary interventions).