BMP 8.- Use of modern technologies for applications (Precision Agriculture)

Precision Agriculture makes use of technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS), sensor satellites, aerial images, and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess and understand variations in-field and accordingly deliver precise application of inputs.

Precision agriculture helps optimise the sustainable use of pesticides through – for example – the avoidance of application overlaps. This supports the avoidance of unnecessary application which bringing benefits such as reduced costs and increased efficiency.

 


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  • Management target
  • Sustainability Indicators

DIRECT:

21.- Optimised agrochemical use (PPP)

22.- Obtaining better applications efficiency

INDIRECT:

1.- Enhancement of Agro-biodiversity (enhance Habitats for birds; enhance soil fauna; increase fauna over the soil and edaphic fauna; enhance landscape diversity; provide ecosystem services such as pollination of crops, opportunities for recreation, …)

2.- Positive impact on soil structure

5.- Avoidance of soil compaction

7.- Improvement of water quality

9.- Enhancement of soil fertility (soil productivity)

10.- Avoidance of contamination (local and diffuse)

12.- Reduction of GHG levels

1.- EBITDA

Technologies can improve the adjustment in doses applied, which can have an influence in the economics of the farm.

2.- EBITDA/labour unit

Technologies can improve the adjustment in doses applied, which can have an influence in the economics of the farm.

3.- Production costs

Technologies can improve the adjustment in doses applied, which can have an influence in the economics of the farm.

4.- Yield/ha UAA

The adjustment of the dose of PPPs can have an influence in yields.

5.- Yield/ ha main fodder area

The adjustment of the dose of PPPs can have an influence in yields.

7.- Effectiveness working time

By the use of modern technologies, applications can be more comfortable and faster, what will lead to the need of less working hours.

8.- SI – Satisfaction Index

The implementation of this BMP could have a positive influence on the farmer’s perception.

13.- NPK balance

Modern technologies will allow the application of different doses of fertilizers, depending on the needs for each part of the farm. This will have an effect on the value of this indicator.

14.- Energy balance

The use of modern technologies can have an influence on the oil consumption and, consequently, can affect this indicator.

17.- Arable land use efficiency

Yields can be affected by the implementation of this BMP. Consequently, it will also have an influence on this indicator, because calculations for this indicator are based on yields.

21.- Biodiversity structures (nests, hives, spider webs, etc.) – habitats

The use of modern technologies will improve biodiversity, due to its higher application efficiency.

22.- NO3 level – boreholes and wells

If the dose of fertilizers is adjusted to the needs of each part of the farm, the risk of lixiviation and runoff of NO3 will diminish.

23.- NO3 level – rivers

If the dose of fertilizers is adjusted to the needs of each part of the farm, the risk of lixiviation and runoff of NO3 will diminish.

24.- Use of PPPs in some farms close to water streams

This indicator is influenced by the dose of application, which can be modified by the use of modern technologies.

25.- GHG level

The total amount of inputs used on the farm is taken into account in the calculation of this indicator. This amount will, probably, change if modern technologies are implemented.