Precision agriculture is an integrated agricultural management system based on technology and data that enables site-specific applications tailored to each unit of land, taking into account intra-field variability. This approach aims to maximize production efficiency and minimize input usage (such as fertilizer, water, and pesticides) by analyzing in real time the physical and chemical properties of soil, moisture conditions, climatic factors, plant growth stages, and other environmental variables. The core cycle of precision agriculture consists of three main stages: data collection, data analysis and evaluation, and finally, site-specific application.
In this process, data gathered through technologies such as satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), field-deployed sensors, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are processed using specialized software and decision-support systems. Based on the findings from these analyses, agricultural activities such as fertilization, irrigation, seeding, and pest control are carried out with varying quantities, timing, and intensity according to the specific needs of each field section—unlike traditional methods that apply uniform treatments across entire fields.
Core Technologies and Application Areas
Precision agriculture applications are made possible through the integration of a range of advanced technologies.
- Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for Fertilization and Pest Control: Fertilizers and pesticides are applied in precise amounts tailored to the specific needs of different areas within a field, using data from soil analysis sensors or remote sensing. This reduces fertilizer waste and lowers the risk of environmental pollution.
- Data-Driven Irrigation Management: Real-time water requirements of crops are determined using soil moisture sensors and meteorological data. This results in significant water savings compared to conventional irrigation methods and minimizes plant stress.
- Monitoring and Analysis Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): UAVs equipped with multispectral cameras collect high-resolution data on crop health, water stress, disease, and pest infestations. Analyses such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are used to map plant growth conditions.
- Seeding and Harvesting with Automated Steering Systems: GPS-enabled automated systems enable agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters, etc.) to navigate fields with centimeter-level accuracy. This allows for minimal loss of seeds during planting and optimal handling of the harvest.
- Plant Health and Growth Monitoring: Sensors and satellite data enable early detection of plant growth stages, potential nutrient deficiencies, or disease symptoms, facilitating timely intervention.
Advantages
- Reduction in Input Costs: Costs are lowered by using water, fertilizer, pesticides, and fuel only where and in the amounts needed.
- Increase in Yield and Quality: Meeting crop requirements at optimal levels enhances both yield per unit area and product quality.
- Environmentally Friendly Production and Sustainability: Conscious use of chemical inputs prevents contamination of groundwater and soil and helps preserve biodiversity.
- Labor Savings and Increased Efficiency: Automation systems enable agricultural operations to be completed faster and with fewer errors using less human labor.
- Conservation of Soil and Water Resources: Conscious soil management and irrigation techniques preserve soil structure, reduce erosion, and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.
Precision Agriculture in Türkiye
In Türkiye, precision agriculture practices are increasingly being adopted in line with goals to enhance agricultural productivity and protect natural resources. Various research and development, training, and demonstration projects are carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, universities, research institutes, and private sector organizations. These initiatives include technology awareness programs for farmers, hands-on field training, and support for research aimed at developing new agricultural technologies. Institutions such as Agricultural Credit Cooperatives, in particular, conduct informational and support activities to encourage farmers to adopt and finance smart farming technologies.
Challenges Encountered
- High Initial Costs: The high upfront investment required for technologies such as sensors, UAVs, GPS equipment, and specialized software can be a deterrent for small and medium-sized farmers.
- Lack of Technical Expertise and Skilled Personnel: The number of agricultural engineers and farmers with the necessary technical knowledge and equipment to effectively operate these technologies and accurately interpret collected data remains insufficient.
- Inadequate Data Infrastructure and Standardization: A major challenge is the lack of interoperability between devices and software produced by different manufacturers (due to insufficient standardization), as well as weak infrastructure for storing and processing collected data.
- Small and Fragmented Land Holdings: The generally small, fragmented, and dispersed nature of agricultural land in Türkiye makes it difficult to implement precision agriculture technologies in an economically efficient manner.
