During the next decade, there will be more than 1.2 billion new people to feed. And by 2050, world population is expected to exceed nine billion people, up from today's 6.5 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
To feed a growing population, David Zaks, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, says we need increased sustainable and global efforts with precision irrigation, fertilization, mechanization and genetically modified crops that improve yields. "If we are to manage global agriculture sustainably, we need tools and data to make informed decisions, such as geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery, global positioning systems (GPS), real-time kinematic satellite navigation systems and on-the-ground production data."
Collectively, these tools are referred to as precision agriculture or precision farming, which allows closer, more site-specific management strategies affecting crop production.
What are Wisconsin dairy farmers doing?
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This Wisconsin dairy producer is using a GPS to make sure that his tractor goes down defined crop rows.
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Farmers throughout Wisconsin are using GPS to break crop fields into smaller units and keep more accurate information on those units through GIS computer software. Also, GPS allows Wisconsin farmers to locate a certain spot in a particular field—if an area needs special attention or monitoring.
Precision agriculture helps reduce the environmental footprint of modern farming techniques relative to the quantity/quality of food being produced. By using a computer device in a tractor's cab, Wisconsin farmers can plant straighter rows (which increases yields) and control the precise depth and placement of seeds and crop inputs. And through yield monitors, soil sensors and remote sensing, farmers can apply valuable crop nutrients and plant health products at variable rates—right where they're needed, explains Fred Below, University of Illinois crop physiologist.
Some Wisconsin farmers use global positioning software in their tractor cabs as a guide when planting corn. The technology has been used for more than a decade and can cut seed costs alone by 2-3%.
In addition, precision agriculture technology allows farmers to collect and document environmental variables, which can then be used for "greener" management activities and to foster environmental soundness. Through reduced inputs and less soil compaction, Wisconsin farmers carry on their tradition of environmental stewardship.
With GPS, farmers can monitor yields and control wheel traffic to reduce compaction. Farmers can get good yields without abusing soils. Compacted soil reduces water flow and absorption, soil tilth (proper structure and nutrients to grow healthy crops), organic matter (plant food) and worm activity (worms create channels in the soil, which can aid water and air flow, as well as root development).
By placing crop inputs only where they're needed, farmers can reduce expenses. Keeping food production costs low helps consumers, too. On average, people living in the United States spend only 9.6% of their disposable income on food—the lowest in the world. India spends 53%, Venezuela 34%, Italy 26%, Japan 19% and France 16%.