Adoption of precision systems technology in vegetable production

Abstract

The project ‘Adoption of precision systems technology for vegetable production’ generated significant evidence for precision agriculture (PA) implementation in vegetable systems. Given the relatively low adoption and knowledge base of precision agriculture in vegetable production systems; the project sought to engage producers and commercial providers in order to develop underlying spatial management approaches and evidence of crop variability. This involved establishment of key grower led case study sites across Australia for increased adoption of a broad range of PA technology and approaches.
The project significantly increased knowledge and awareness of how PA approaches can be applied to vegetable system using a broad suite of communication products including 12 case studies, 8 factsheets, 4 ‘Youtube’ style videos, 2 webinars and 15 industry magazine articles. The project connected over 900 vegetable industry representatives with the latest application of PA approaches in vegetable systems through 23 face to face extension activities.
The project achieved the development of accurate and reliable yield prediction capabilities from remotely sensed satellite imagery in carrots and sweet corn across the country. Overall accuracy of the forecasted yield were 82% (Tasmania) and 91% (Western Australia) and ranged from 74-99% accuracy.
The project facilitated increased adoption through a collaborative approach to implement a range of PA technologies and practices across a range of vegetable productions systems. These include: crop sensing imagery, yield forecasting from remotely sensed crop imagery, yield and profit/loss mapping, a range of soil mapping technologies, variable rate application, precision drainage technologies and various drone applications.