The content of this page was supplied by Russ Baxley (K-State Agricultural Education Student).
Photos were supplied by the Agricultural Research Service at the USDA
Introduction
Precision Agriculture is an emerging and rapidly changing technology. Knowledge of this technology is becoming critical for agriculture-oriented individuals. Because this technology is changing so quickly, resources are sometimes difficult to find. The purpose of this project is to assimilate some of the many resources so more time can be spent preparing to teach the topic rather than searching for information. While few lessons in precision agriculture are available for teachers, the information included will allow resourceful teachers of all ages to compile information and create lessons. All of the listed resources are hyperlinks so simply clicking on them will access the sites.
I. Informational Resources
II. Lesson Plans
III. Manufacturers & Distributors (all are hyperlinks)
IV. Handheld GPS Units
Handheld Manufacturers
|
Handheld GPS Comparison Charts |
|
|
V. Websites
VI. Books & Publications
- Precision Agriculture (Hardcover); by Terry Brase; ISBN: 140188105X(the following are hyperlinks)
- Sensors in Agriculture," From the Ground Up Agronomy News, Cooperative Extension, Colorado State University. A primer on sensors for precision agriculture.
- "Turning Small Snapshots Into A Bigger Picture for Sustainability," CSREES. Keynote address about new sustainability sciences and future research priorities.
- Precision Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A precision agriculture research partnership between NASA and university scientists.
- Precision Farming Journals, CSREES. A listing of scientific journals about the application of precision farming to agriculture and related disciplines.
- Precision Farming Links, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Iowa State University. Precision agriculture tools, mapping software, and more.
- Precision Forestry Cooperative, University of Washington, College of Forest Resources. Forest production, management, and manufacturing research and much more.
|
VII. Other Web Resources:
The following information is from http://precision.agri.umn.edu/links.shtml
Academic
Academic Abroad
Centers, Research Facilities, and Other Links Pages
Precision Farming Equipment
- Beeline Technologies: Autosteering systems
- Claas Omaha LLC - LEXION: Yield mapping activation for Lexion combines
- Cultiva Inc.: Guidance systems, GPS receivers and other precision ag accessories
- Field Star (AGCO Limited): GPS and GIS technologies - check out their precision ag section
- John Deere Ag Management Solutions: Useful interactive feature that shows how their equipment works.
- Landmark Guidance: Mapping software, LED screen displays and autosteering
- Micro-Trak Systems, Inc: Guidance systems, DGPS receivers, yield monitors and other precision ag accessories
- Mid-Tech - Spraying Systems Co.: Electronic rate controllers, lightbar guidance, DGPS receivers, direct injection systems and field management software
- Outback Guidance - RHS, Inc. : Guidance systems
- Raven Industries: Assisted steering systems, GPS and application control systems
- Rawson Control Systems, Inc.: Precision GPS variable rate drive products, hydraulic controls and speed reducers
- Satloc, LLC: Aerial and ground-based swath guidance systems for precision agriculture, including new autosteer system (PDF file)
- Spectrum Technologies, Inc.: Weather & environmental monitoring, nutrient management tools, integrated pest management tools and soil moisture & quality measurement
- Trimble Navigation Limited: GPS receivers, software and other precision ag accessories
|
Precision Agriculture Software
- Farm Works Software: Providing farm management software for home computers and PDA's
- MapShots, Inc.: Providing crop management software for farmers, crop consultants and crop input retailers
- SST Software: Provides a useful interactive feature that walks you through a product used for PDA's here
|
Global Positioning Services
Aerial Photography
- DigitalGlobe: High-resolution satellite imagery used to detect crop and soil types, moisture content, stress and damage
|
Crop Application Systems
Map Resources
- Google Maps and Satellite
Have students type in a street address in the Google Maps search box; once the address is located, have them choose "satellite" to get a view of the address from space. Students can also pan around and see other features in the area. Students can even create a URL to link directly to the satellite location.
- Earth.google.comVery interesting and fun way to view anywhere on earth.
- National Atlas of the USA -
http://nationalatlas.gov/
Create and Print maps with layers
- TerraServer
- http://www.terraserver.microsoft.com
The TerraServer-USA Web site is one of the world's largest online databases, providing free public access to a vast data store of maps and aerial photographs of the United States.
- J-Track 3D
- http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/JTrack/3D/JTrack3D.html
NASA Database of over 500 Satellites
- U.S. Geological Survey
http://www.usgs.gov/education/
Educational Resources for teachers and students
- Xpeditions@nationalgeographic
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/
Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards—and to thousands of ideas,
tools, and interactive adventures that bring them to life.
|
Activities to Introduce students to Precision Agriculture and GPS/GIS Systems
- Field scouting with GPS units.
- Students can utilize hand-held GPS units to map a small field.Fertilizer or production recommendations can be performed
- Manual land area (acreage) measurements can be verified by GPS
- GPS Scavenger hunts
- Finding waypoints and transfer them to a computer
|
|
