NCERA_OLD180: Site-Specific Crop Management
Statement of Issues and Justification
The concept of site-specific crop management (SSCM), commonly known as precision agriculture (PA), holds significant potential for agriculture in the North Central Region of the United States, and the world. The process of applying innovative technologies and principles to identify and manage spatial and temporal variability in crop production is both a promising and challenging scientific enterprise.Interest in SSCM continues to build in the agricultural community as producers view SSCM as an avenue to improve profitability in an increasingly global economy and reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts of their operations. As a prominent member of the equipment industry states, From an industry perspective, site specific technology is being adopted at an ever increasing rate, as judged by the success of companies like ours in supplying equipment that growers and custom applicators can use for this purpose (Rudolph). A recent survey concludes: some dealers offer almost every type of precision service that is available (Whipker and Ackridge). They report that three-quarters of the respondents use precision agriculture in some way. The adoption of the SSCM concept brings very significant changes in farm practices and use of information technologies.
SSCM is a broad-based concept, drawing on the expertise and experience of a number of disciplines. NCERA-180 members and participants represent crop, soil, and weed sciences; entomology, plant pathology, agricultural engineering, applied economics, spatial statisticians, and rural sociology. NCERA-180 provides a critical linkage for multi-disciplinary communication and interaction among the scientists conducting research, education, and extension activities. NCERA-180 encourages industry representation to maintain an open and realistic discussion. Annual meetings provide a forum for in-depth discussion and analysis of new research developments and coordination of present and future multi-state projects.
Today's agricultural scientists must be concerned with the training of scientists for tomorrow. Communication and coordination of relevant materials that can be used in the curriculum of our universities is an on-going responsibility of NCERA-180 members. The courses at individual colleges and universities tend to focus on the research experiences and expertise of the instructors. This committee works to broaden the learning experience for the students.
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