Abstract

The Geospatial Revolution in Agriculture
Track: Agriculture
Authors: Matteo Luccio, Matt Ball

Precision agriculture uses GIS, GPS, remote sensing, local sensors, and variable rate sprayers and irrigation systems to match the amounts of inputs (seed, water, fertilizer, pesticide, etc.) to variations in the soil, so as to reduce inputs and increase yields. Adoption of precision agriculture is growing rapidly and revolutionizing farming in the United States. What are its challenges, costs, benefits, and prospects? What is the role of GIS and other geospatial technologies?