PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture is defined as a land use method aimed at better managing inputs and adapting agricultural practices to optimize yields, while taking into account intra-plot variability. The goal of precision agriculture is not necessarily to standardize a field’s yield, but rather to achieve full potential in each area of the field.

Recognizing the different management zones within fields is the basis of precision agriculture. Yield maps, satellite images, soil type maps, observations and the knowledge of the farmer of the land, for instance, can be used to identify these zones. The combination of all this information helps to subdivide the field into 4 or 5 management zones. The number of zones can be either reduced or increased, depending on the client's needs. Once the number of zones is set, the map can be used for georeferenced soil sampling and to learn more about variability in the field. The zone map can also be used to generate a variable-rate seed map based on the field's potential for uneven yield.

Georeferenced Soil Sampling
GPS coordinates where samples will be taken are located across each zone. Once the samples have been analyzed, it is possible to see the variability in nutrient content within the field. Lime or fertilizer can then be prescribed for each zone and transferred to different variable-rate applicators. The GPS coordinates are saved and the soil samples are taken again at the same sites a few years later, enabling a more accurate monitoring of soil fertility.
Georeferenced Soil Sampling
GPS coordinates where samples will be taken are located across each zone. Once the samples have been analyzed, it is possible to see the variability in nutrient content within the field. Lime or fertilizer can then be prescribed for each zone and transferred to different variable-rate applicators. The GPS coordinates are saved and the soil samples are taken again at the same sites a few years later, enabling a more accurate monitoring of soil fertility.
Satellite Imagery
Satellite images are increasingly accessible and used to remotely monitor the evolution of fields both rapidly and globally. They enable you to target field visits and determine management zones. The AgConnexion digital platform used by the Agrocentre network gives access to at least two satellite images a week for each field during the season. These images enable you to see the crop vegetation index, which is generally highly correlated to the final yield.
This allows you to remotely monitor crop growth—many times throughout the season. If crop growth in a specific area in the field appears to be delayed, the mobile app enables you to go directly to the specific area and take soil and/or leaf samples. Once the samples have been analyzed, a diagnosis is made. Adjustments can be then made the same year with dry or foliar fertilizers, or later in the case of a lime application.
Satellite Imagery
Satellite images are increasingly accessible and used to remotely monitor the evolution of fields both rapidly and globally. They enable you to target field visits and determine management zones. The AgConnexion digital platform used by the Agrocentre network gives access to at least two satellite images a week for each field during the season. These images enable you to see the crop vegetation index, which is generally highly correlated to the final yield. This allows you to remotely monitor crop growth—many times throughout the season. If crop growth in a specific area in the field appears to be delayed, the mobile app enables you to go directly to the specific area and take soil and/or leaf samples. Once the samples have been analyzed, a diagnosis is made. Adjustments can be then made the same year with dry or foliar fertilizers, or later in the case of a lime application.

Yield Maps
The analysis of yield maps is another step in precision agriculture. Yield maps are useful for monitoring yield progress year after year, based on local improvements made in different management zones. They also allow you to see the results of different trials that may be implemented by the producer. AgConnexion can be synchronized with most GPS systems so you can quickly and easily recover historical yield data, as well as data for the current year.
A COMPLETE PRECISION AGRICULTURE SERVICE
The Agrocentre network team is proud to always be up to date on the latest technology and be able to assist clients in precision agriculture. With the integrated AgConnexion solution and our state-of-the-art equipment we can offer you the following:

1

In-season satellite imagery

2

Files for variable-rate seeding

3

Georeferenced soil sampling

4

Files for the application and custom application of lime and variable-rate fertilizers  

5

Zone identification and management

6

Cleaning, reading and interpretation of yield maps

1

In-season satellite imagery

2

Files for variable-rate seeding

3

Georeferenced soil sampling

4

Files for the application and custom application of lime and variable-rate fertilizers 

5

Zone identification and management

6

Cleaning, reading and interpretation of yield maps

We are also extremely active in research and field testing of connected technologies, such as smart traps, spore sensors and weather stations, and are forward-looking with regard to precision application of herbicides using drones or other methods.
Download the leaflet for more information or contact your Agrocentre advisor.
We are also extremely active in research and field testing of connected technologies, such as smart traps, spore sensors and weather stations, and are forward-looking with regard to precision application of herbicides using drones or other methods.
Download the leaflet for more information or contact your Agrocentre advisor.
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