ONG EIK HOOI 143239KHONG CHI CHUNG 143417TOU CHEN SAN 143163LIM JIA CHOON 143249LEE JUAN YIH 143215

PRT 2008 : Agriculture and Man

PRECISION AGRICULTURE

INTRODUCTIONPrecision agriculture is an integrated information- and production-based farming system that is designed to increase long term, site-specific and whole farm production efficiency, productivity and profitability while minimizing unintended impacts on wildlife and the environment.

It's about doing the right thing, in the right place, in the right way, at the right time.

It requires the use of new technologies like GPS(satelites) and GIS.

Precision Farming Concept

To be successful, comprehensive precision agriculture relies on

KEY TO SUCCESS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

MANAGEMENT

COMPONENTS OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Yield Monitors It enables a producer to measure yield and grain moisture in a

field using crop yield measuring devices installed on harvesting equipment.

Global Positioning System (GPS) Its’ satellites broadcast signals that allow GPS receivers to

calculate their position.

GIS SoftwareGeographical information system consists

of a computer software data base system used to input, store, retrieve, analyze, and display, in map like form, spatially referenced geographical information for more detailed analysis of fields.

Data Integrated Through a Geographical Information System

Field Scouting It allow the producer to identify and record the location of problem or

events that will affect production including soil differences, insect

infestations, fertility deficiencies and weed problems.

Computer Hardware and Software Computer support is required to analyze the data

collected by yield monitor and GPS, and supply it to you in usable format – such as maps, graphs, charts or reports.

Example of Computer Software

Water Management Precision irrigation is a form of water management in precision

agriculture. In precision irrigation, zone in the field that are irrigated with differing amounts and frequencies must be identified.

Variable Rate Technology It is the implementation of gathered information and

decisions for site specific agriculture. It consists of the machines and systems for applying a desired rate of crop production materials at a specific time and a specific location.

BENEFITS OF PRECISIONAGRICULTURE

Optimising Production Efficiency Optimising Quality Minimising Environmental Impact Minimising Risk Information To Act On

Optimising Production Efficiency

The identification of variability in yield potential may offer possibilities to optimise production quantity at each site or within each “zone” using differential management.

Optimising QualityWith the advancement of technology, focus on optimising quality of yield is possible. Nutrient management and soil management can produce yield of high quality.

Minimising Environmental Impact

Pesticide application, using principles of integrated pest management (IPM), has the potential to minimise environmental impact by reduce pesticide usage .

Pest populations are mapped and prescriptions determined. Rate information is sent to the control system and the sprayer responds by changing application rates.

Minimising Risk

At the farm level, precision farming information can be used to improve variety choice, crop rotation, and other agronomic practices that reduce risk.

As well, information no crop growth during the season can help you make more informed market decision.

Information To Act On

Short term-improved ability to diagnose crop production problems

Long term-data can be collected and

analyzed over time, providing you with the opportunity to evaluate the effects of various management practices on

yield.

PRECISION AGRICULTURE IN MALAYSIA

Precision farming component in Malaysia and agencies involvement:

Soil Mapping (UPM/DOA)Yield Mapping (UPM/ MARDI/DOA/MACRES)Rice Advance Technology (MARDI/DOA)Remote Sensing (MACRES)GIS Analysis (MACRES/UPM) IADP(Farmers)Nutrient Management (MARDI/MACRES)Variable Rate Technology (MARDI/MACRES) Integrated Pest & Weed Management (DOA/MACRES)Water Management (JPS/UPM)

CONCLUSIONPrecision agriculture is a comprehensive

system designed to optimize production.

Using the key elements of information, technology, and management, precision agriculture can be used to increase production efficiency, improve product quality, improve the efficiency of crop chemical use, conserve energy, and protect the environment.