Precision Agriculture Technicians


Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources > Precision Agriculture Technicians > Overview
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Precision Agriculture Technicians

Precision Agriculture Technicians - Overview

Precision agriculture technicians use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) to improve agricultural practices.

Precision agriculture technicians make farming more efficient. They use data from technology such as GIS and GPS to advise farmers on how to manage crops. They make recommendations to farmers and agricultural engineers about watering, planting, and pesticide application.

Technicians rely on data and mapping from GIS and GPS. These kinds of maps give information. Examples include where pests are or what areas need water. They can also give information about soil type, the best kinds of fertilizers to use, the types of weeds in fields, and what kinds of crops to plant.

Technicians advise farmers on crop selection. For example, they tell farmers if planting corn would be better for the soil than growing cotton. Their data can help farmers reduce the amount of chemicals they use. Technicians also improve weed identification and automatic spraying systems. Combined with these and other green farming practices, precision agriculture lowers the impact on the land.

Precision agriculture technicians must know about agriculture and GIS and GPS. They also need to know soil and crop science. To find and test data, they use sophisticated computer software. Technicians must also be knowledgeable about changes in farming laws and how they impact the environment.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.