AGP 333 - Precision Agriculture Appl.

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open

This course provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming. Topics discussed include Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Variable Rate Technology (VRT). Students will be introduced to the use of each of these tools within the processes of a precision farming system. The course provides hands-on activities in the use of these tools. Discussions will also focus on economic and environmental benefits of precision farming systems.
Competencies

Assess the need and use of precision agriculture in modern crop production
1. List the areas of agriculture where precision agriculture is being used and identify the tools needed
2. Outline the economics of precision agriculture in crop production
3. Predict the future of precision agriculture
Demonstrate proper usage of various precision agriculture hardware technologies
1. Explain how satellites are used in navigation
2. Describe the steps involved in NAVSTAR satellite location
3. Discuss the importance of satellite correction and triangulation
4. Demonstrate the use of handheld GPS units and practice mapping an area
5. Identify various uses of GPS in commercial and agricultural settings
6. Describe the differences between GPS and DGPS
7. Explain the procedure of linking DGPS with a yield monitor
Analyze data utilizing various precision agriculture software technologies
1. Describe the benefits of GIS to agriculture
2. Describe how GIS is used in recordkeeping and management
3. Explain the relationship between GPS and GIS
4. Differentiate between various GIS software packages on the market
5. Differentiate vector and raster data
6. Explain the benefits of VRT
7. Discuss the process of remote sensing and how it is used in precision farming
Incorporate precision agriculture processes for decision making
1. Discuss precision data and how it applies to future production decisions
2. Examine precision data to determine alterations needed in current production
3. Identify the techniques used to enhance maps
Justify the implementation of future precision agriculture technologies
1. Explore the financial investments needed for precision technologies
2. Discover the financial benefits of utilizing precision data
3. Describe techniques required to implement precision technologies
4. Provide justifications for selection of GIS software and GPS receivers
Discover the importance of data storage and security
1. Examine the need for data security in precision farming
2. Explore options to secure and store data

Competencies Revised Date: AY2023