INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS
IMPORTANCE OF PRECISION TECHNOLOGY RATE CONTROL Precision agriculture allows farmers to be more productive, environmentally and economically sustainable, all while utilizing fewer inputs and less labor. Farmers have access to a large suite of technologies that improve efficiency and productivity. Application rate control was one of the earliest advancements in precision agriculture. It gave farmers the ability to dynamically adjust and control application rates for chemicals and fertilizer based on speed. Rate control was a monumental innovation that increased sprayer efficacy. Today, rate control technology recognizes and compensates for machine turning and adjusts the application rate across the boom or toolbar width to ensure uniform and precise application. Introducing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to rate control increased the ability for precision solutions 16
based on immediate location in addition to ground speed. Variable-rate application helps farmers pinpoint fertility applications to enhance highly productive areas in their fields. It gives them the ability to manage input costs to maximize productivity and profits. GPS technology allows Section control to recognize areas of the field that have already been covered or identified as non-application zones to maximize efficiency, reduce inputs, and protect sensitive areas. Operators can use coverage maps from previous applications to identify areas that do not require treatment. Doing so maximizes productivity and gives the operator confidence in their application, especially around waterways and ditches.
MACHINE CONTROL GPS based guidance is utilized worldwide to minimize pass to pass overlap and significantly reduce operator fatigue. Winter Issue 2020
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