March 14, 2016: The first advanced course on “Use of sensors in precision agriculture”, held March 7-12, 2016 in Zaragoza, Spain, attracted many experts from science, consultancy and practice. The course was initiated by Prof. Alex Escolà, University of Lleida, Spain. Leading European experts contributed their scientific knowhow. Substantial input was provided by ATB’s senior scientist Dr. Robin Gebbers.
Precision agriculture, also known as site-specific management, optimizes agricultural production in that it accounts for spatial variation soil and crop within a field. Thus, precision agriculture allocates inputs like fertilizers or water at the right amounts and the right places which eventually leads to a more efficient use of resources and a reduction of environmental impacts.
Sensors play a crucial role in precision agriculture. They are used for assessing soil and crop status, positioning, yield mapping, and monitoring machine performance. Precision agriculture and the appropriate use of sensors have not yet moved into mainstream agricultural management. The complexity and the investment in new equipment inhibit easy adoption. Training in the use of tools and technologies and a deeper analysis of successful implementation can enhance adoption.
The objective of the course was to deliver knowledge about different aspects of sensors, how to use them and how to integrate their data into the decision making process.
The Mediterranean Institute of Zaragoza, a member of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), has hosted the course. The course has attended the interest of more than 200 applicants. From these, 31 were selected as participants. Among them, 29 were senior researchers and managers from administration, companies and universities.
Contact: Dr. Robin Gebbers