Their research breakthroughs may soon allow farmers to develop maps that show how much money they make or lose in any spot on their farms, as well as recommend ways to fix problem areas. Scientists at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station are working to develop, perfect and test precision farming equipment, software and methods that use Global Positioning System satellites to map soil types, disease or insect problems, nutrient and water application, yields and profit. Special sensors attached to harvesters fitted with GPS locators gather the information. Computer software links the yield data with specific spots in the fields. Farmers can then use other software to create the maps.
Yield mapping is a key component to precision farming.
It enables farmers to see the results of their management practices. This research is made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Space Research Improving Freshness of Your Grocer's Food A University of Wisconsin-Madison innovation that helped plants thrive in outer space is now headed to grocery stores, extending the freshness of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. Engineer Marc Anderson built and patented technology that can rid enclosed spaces of ethylene, a chemical naturally produced by plants which, in high concentrations, causes spoilage. The technology uses a form of titanium dioxide as a catalyst to break down ethylene into the harmless byproducts of carbon dioxide and water vapor.