Global Navigation Satellite System in Precision Agricultures
Applications of GNSS in Precision Agriculture
Satellite-based localization solutions have become quite mature, and the GNSS receivers have found numerous applications in agriculture. These receivers are a key part of precision agriculture technologies, as position information is a prerequisite for site-specific crop management. However, not all tasks that need to be performed in precision agriculture need the same level of positioning accuracy. Some precision agriculture operations, such as yield monitoring, soil sampling, or variable rate applications, can be performed using submeter accuracy differential GPS (DGPS), as errors below 1 m are acceptable for these applications. Other tasks like mechanical intra-row weed control, thinning of crop plants, precise planting, or autonomous navigation within tight rows demand decimeter- or even centimeter-level accuracy. A solution to this demanding requirement can be found in real-time kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS), which was discussed earlier.
Precision Field Mapping
One of the fundamental applications of GNSS in precision farming is precision field mapping. High-precision GPS receivers enable farmers to map their fields, creating accurate geospatial data layers precisely.
Yield Monitoring
Yield monitoring has been significantly improved through the use of GNSS in PA. GNSS receivers integrated with yield monitoring systems precisely measure and map crop yields across the field. The ability to continuously monitor and map yield at harvest and observe its spatial variability is a key step in implementing site-specific crop management, i.e., variable rate application.
Variable Rate Application
By accurately mapping soil fertility, moisture levels, and crop health, GNSS receiver-guided machines can apply inputs precisely to meet the requirements of each specific area. This improves crop uniformity and reduces costs associated with over-application.
Autonomous Driving
GNSS plays a crucial role in the development and operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery in agriculture. Tractors, drones, and other farm equipment equipped with GNSS receivers can navigate fields with high precision, following predefined paths.
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