FKZ: 0339740/2
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Information Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in arable farming. The combination of new sensors, on-board computers, electronically-controlled machinery, standardised interfaces and both privately and publicly available databases will provide the basis for comprehensive information-driven plant production. An essential technical component for this is Precision Farming, an umbrella term for new production and management techniques in crop production. Precision Farming (or Precision Agriculture) is based on the use of location and crop-monitoring data in the decision-making process.
Using the techniques of Precision Farming it will be possible to carry out part-field specific, location-adjusted crop production, which is ecologically sound and makes more efficient use of resources while simultaneously offering a potential for increased economic returns. The technologies of Precision Farming also offer the possibility for the reinvigoration of rural areas through the supply of demanding tasks and attractive jobs in farming and agricultural services. Furthermore, Precision Farming offers particular potential for the improvement of information flow between the elements of the food supply-chain.
The aims of the multidisciplinary research-project preagro II were derived from an analysis of the research requirements in this complex domain. These aims include the development of concepts, methods and tools for the management of information-driven plant production, the integration of these within the food supply-chain, the identification and advancement of the necessary scientific underpinning and the development of technical interfaces and standards. Additional to this is the development of methods for documentation of the quality of the production-process and analysis of the effects of Precision Farming, particularly those concerning sustainability. These goals will be achieved when the complexity of Precision Farming is reduced such that it is effective and manageable at a farm level.
Information-driven plant production is therefore a significant advance in 'good farming practice' for crop production using modern techniques. It offers support for every form of arable farming and can be considered an important foundation for the development of sustainable agricultural land use.