ARS | Publication request: PRECISION FARMING, MYTH OR REALITY: A CASE STUDY IN MISSISSIPPI COTTON FIELDS

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 3, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: For several years, interest in precision farming concepts has remained at high levels. At present, however, the total amount of acreage managed by these concepts remains small. We anticipate that each year, the amount of cropland managed by this paradigm will increase. If this increase is to be sustained, there are several limitations and constraints that must be addressed or solved. One important issue is the need to manage the information necessary for implementing precision agriculture practices. A related consideration is the need to establish the correct linkages between diverse sources of information that are required and the equipment necessary to apply site-specific practices. It is anticipated that simulation models and other styles of decision support systems will play a key role in this task. Performing the research that discovers these relationships and demonstrates their reliability is another major challenge. Discovery of these guidelines will require close cooperation between extension, industrial, production and research sectors of the agricultural enterprise.