Crop management principles
Before you plant

Precision farming

Precision farming - Identifying subsoil constraints
Sensing technologies, including electrical conductivity sensing, electromagnetic induction, and gamma radiometrics are useful in helping to evaluate the location and severity of these subsoil constraints.

Precision farming - What is precision farming?
The use of GPS and data collecting sensors enable within-paddock management of productivity with variable rate technology for fertiliser application, guidance systems for spraying, and weed-tracking sensors.

Precision farming - Application of GPS in farming systems
GPS uses satellite signals to map location within a paddock. GPS is applied for tractor guidance systems, crop monitoring, and mapping of yield, terrain and soil variation. GPS equipment varies in cost, range & accuracy.

Precision farming - Soil compaction and controlled traffic
Soil compaction occurs with machinery or animals on wet soil, causing crop production loss and extra power needs for tillage. Management and use of controlled traffic in the same wheel tracks reduces damage to soil structure and facilitates zero tillage.

Precision farming - Using remote sensing to improve crop management
Images acquired by remote sensing can provide useful insights into current crop growth and vigour, stress presence, and moisture status. Remote sensing fits neatly within a management system that utilises precision farming technologies.

Precision farming - Using VRT in cropping land
Variable Rate Technology allows variable rates of fertiliser application, seeding, chemical application and tillage throughout a single paddock.