Precision farming can help farmers cut input costs and reduce pollution.
First, the variability of crop input needs within a field is assessed, including fertilizer, chemicals and seeding rates. The variability is mapped, and then managed within the field by varying the rates of input applications. According to Dick Wolkowski, an extension specialist and soils scientist at UW-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, both farmers and the environment benefit from information gathered through the SSM process. Up until now they haven't had tools to manage it. While developed for the battlefield, GPS can also work on the back 40.