To this end, research is being conducted to reevaluate and expand our understanding of crop response to include factors beyond a single soil test measurement. As well as developing knowledge and understanding of scope and scale of testing, research is also being conducted to develop alternative methods of monitoring fields. The concept of remote sensing is something that is practiced to a limited extent in agriculture through techniques like aerial infrared photography. Many tools to begin farming in a way that addresses field variability to improve both environmental and economic impacts are either in place or nearly so. By applying materials when, where, and at what rate they are required, economic gains occur from improvements in yield and quality plus any associated cost reduction.
Environmental gains occur through reducing the potential of off-target application.
Some aspects of precision agriculture are ready for certain crops. Yield monitoring and variable rate fertilizer applications are providing benefits. However, to increase the gains that this technology has to offer, research is needed to develop ways to apply the technology to the fields. Research lags far behind application technologies, and needs to be developed quickly. This page has been accessed times since April 24, 1998.