Precision Farming – Concepts and Perspectives

Abstract

The development of technologies in the 20th century led to evolution of precision agriculture concept. Nowadays, precision farming is usually associated with the use of GPS and satellite navigation, GIS, unmanned airplanes and drones, variable rate of application, as well as complex and sophisticated computer systems and software. On the other hand, the main question is related to the profitability and efficiency of these technologies and the opportunities for their adoption. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the most popular concepts of precision farming and to analyze the technical and economic efficiency of different technologies based on literature review. The results indicate that the adoption of precision farming technologies is closely related to the farmer’s perception of and needs for institutional support. The promotion of precision farming under the Common Agricultural Policy is necessary in order to overcome the number of economic and environmental challenges and ensure sustainable development and green growth.

Keywords: inter and intra-field variability, site specific management, innovative technologies and practices.

JEL Classification: Q16, Q55, Q56