search.noResults

search.searching

saml.title
dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
PHOTO: HERBERT WIGGERMAN PHOTO: HANS PRINSEN


PRECISION AGRICULTURE ▶▶▶


Precision agriculture reduces climate gas emissions


BY TAMME VAN DER WAL A


griculture is very much affected by the effects of climate change, with more extremes and changing pat- terns in temperatures and rainfall ag-


ricultural practices need to adapt. The changing climate also offers new opportunities. For exam- ple, the introduction of crops at higher latitudes than was previously feasible (Scottish vineyards). Or by having longer seasons and higher yields. But more importantly, climate change imposes a lot of risks to common cultivation practices. Dry and wet spells both negatively impact yields and can cause crop losses. Excess rainfall also im- pacts workability. Heat waves can have a reduc- ing or devastating effect on crops. Farmers must strengthen themselves against these climate changes, often at great costs. In- vestments are needed in better drainage and irrigation, crop protection and soil protection. Climate change can impact food security and change long established and optimised region- al production chains. It might even send the cultural heritage of generations of farmers in affected regions in to the history books.


Scientists focus on productivity and profit In a recent study called ‘Precision agriculture technologies positively contributing to GHG emissions mitigation, farm productivity and economics’, all available literature on precision agriculture was reviewed on the impact of precision agricultural measures on climate, environment and farm economy. The review revealed that most scientists were focusing on productivity and the economic benefit of pre- cision agriculture. Environmental and climate mitigation effects were often only mentioned through reduction of inputs achieved. Recent- ly, more scientific attention is given specially to the climate effect of precision agriculture tech- nologies. The study identified that precision agriculture techniques have a positive contri- bution to greenhouse gas reduction.


12


Improved fertiliser, soil and water management can significantly reduce climate gas emissions, while maintaining similar yields and reduce production costs. A typical win-win. But reports show low levels of adoption of precision farming. What can be done to mainstream precision farming?


Nutrient and water management have a direct contribution, in particular the so-called Variable Rate Technology for nutrient applica- tion because of the lowered N2


O emissions.


Although results vary between soils and weather conditions during application, varia- ble rate application can reduce fertiliser use by 10-30% while maintaining the same pro- ductivity. Besides the reduction in costs, here is a very important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


Adoption levels unknown Meeting the climate goals of the Paris Agree- ment requires many, preferably all, farmers to work with precision agriculture technology. The European Commission could think of stimulating the uptake, for instance by


rewarding smart farmers through the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy, the system of agricultural subsidies to farmers). This could reach all farmers in the EU and thus provide a huge contribution to the reduction of green- house gas emissions as well as preserving soil organic carbon. Unfortunately, neither the adoption levels, motives or barriers for farmers to adopt are known. Structural surveys measuring the adoption of precision agriculture are scarce. In the United States Purdue University makes an annual assessment of sales and usage of preci- sion agriculture. This US study also collects opinions of farmers, dealers and contractors. But similar structural adoption surveys are missed in Europe. From personal communica- tion with different machine manufacturers we


Tamme van der Wal is a Data Intensive Applications researcher at Wageningen University & Research, and partner at Aerovision.


▶ FUTURE FARMING | 25 May 2018


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52