Precision Agriculture '99

Precision agriculture in the management of arable and horticultural crops is a high-profile topic within the agricultural industry worldwide. It recognises within-field spatial variability in soil, crop and environmental factors. Its thrust is the targeting of inputs to field crops according to very locally determined requirements. The subsequent optimised and/or reduced use of inputs such as agrochemicals and fertilisers leads to reduced environmental impact and improved returns for...
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Precision agriculture in the management of arable and horticultural crops is a high-profile topic within the agricultural industry worldwide. It recognises within-field spatial variability in soil, crop and environmental factors. Its thrust is the targeting of inputs to field crops according to very locally determined requirements. The subsequent optimised and/or reduced use of inputs such as agrochemicals and fertilisers leads to reduced environmental impact and improved returns for the farmer. The concept, however, has been technology-led, with interpretation of spatial variability and the necessary understanding of soil science, crop science and agronomy on a site-specific basis very much less developed. Much research is at present underway to provide a firm scientific basis for the concept and its implementation in production agriculture.These Proceedings of the Second European Conference of Precision Agriculture, published on behalf of the Society of Chemical Industry, London, comprise over 90 papers (987 pages), all of which have been refereed by two scientific assessors. They offer a unique source of reference for researchers and professionals in the agricultural and plant sciences.