ABSM 424Precision Agriculture Technology
Precision agriculture is a data-based approach to optimize crop production and reduce environmental footprint. This course provides an overview of major concepts in precision agriculture (such as GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and spatial variability) and case studies illustrating decisions and management. In this course, computer processing, data analysis and management, robotics, and other related advancements in technologies will be emphasized to provide necessary technical skills in precision agriculture to students. The first part of the course will cover agricultural machinery combined with GPS such as planters, combines, fertilizer application equipment, and sprayers. Students will learn how to manage these tools efficiently. The second part of the course will emphasize how to manage and analyze field variability data including yield data, soil properties with real-time sensors and create prescriptions based on actual data. The last part of the course will emphasize how precision agriculture technology can benefit a farm's financial sustainability.