“Adopting Precision Agriculture involves high initial costs, such as purchasing sensors, drones, GPS systems…”
Renzo Negrini is a M.Sc. and Ph.D. student in precision agriculture at the University of Minnesota, specializing in on-farm experimentation and plant nutrition.
Negrini was awarded by the International Society for Precision Agriculture as one of the top 10 postgraduate researchers in the world.
AgriBrasilis – How has Precision Agriculture (PA) transformed the science of plant nutrition?
Renzo Negrini – Precision agriculture has revolutionized plant nutrition by detailing the variability within the different parts of the farm, allowing different areas to receive nutrients in the exact necessary amount, adjusting nutrient doses optimally, providing increased yields and profitability, while reducing environmental damages caused by poor application.
Field data from the farms, combined with technologies such as sensors, satellites and drones, enable accurate diagnoses. With Precision Agriculture, each m2 is managed uniquely. Furthermore, large-scale on-farm experiments integrated with artificial intelligence and modeling, can predict specific responses, transforming plant nutrition from a generalist approach to a personalized solution.
AgriBrasilis – In what ways is it possible to predict the nutritional needs of corn and soybeans with Artificial Intelligence?
Renzo Negrini – Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows you to integrate data from genetics, management, environment, and remote sensing to estimate the nutritional needs of corn and soybeans. Vegetation indices derived from remote sensing images are a great way to get an initial idea of nutritional demand, as well as the responses of the corn and soybean plants to the nutrients applied during the season. Machine learning models identify historical patterns, calculating accurate nutrient recommendations that maximize yields and sustainability. AI can also show us the factors that are most impacting the plant’s response to the nutrients.
AgriBrasilis – What are the costs of adopting this technology?
Renzo Negrini – Adopting Precision Agriculture involves high initial costs, such as purchasing sensors, drones, GPS systems and analysis software. Small and medium-sized farmers, in particular, may encounter investment barriers. However, the economic return pays off over time due to the efficient use of inputs and increased yields. Tax incentives and support programs should be encouraged to facilitate the adoption of these technologies, especially for smaller operations, promoting environmental and sustainable benefits. Even so Precision Agriculture solutions are becoming more accessible to society. This is the trend right now.
AgriBrasilis – How far can PA revolutionize farming?
Renzo Negrini – Precision Agriculture has the potential to transform agriculture by maximizing resource efficiency and reducing waste, making us understand farm variables much better. The integration of real-time data and AI allows for agile decisions, adapted to every meter of the farms. Furthermore, this creates opportunities for continuous experimentation and learning, improving management practices with each harvest.
Precision Agriculture promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental footprint and increasing food security, boosting food production with fewer resources. However, for all these gains to be possible and maximized, on-farm research is necessary. With it, we can adapt the demands and ideas as much as possible to the farmers and rural consultant. It is the best way to develop and test practical, productive, profitable and sustainable solutions for society.
AgriBrasilis – What are the limitations for the adoption of PA?
Renzo Negrini – Precision Agriculture faces limitations such as high initial costs and the need for infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas, but the biggest bottleneck, in my opinion, is the lack of knowledge about the general concepts of Precision Agriculture and, mainly, about how to use the available tools. In addition, data interpretation requires technical knowledge to generate effective decisions, requiring training and qualification. Working with Precision Agriculture requires a high level of localized knowledge about technologies and agriculture in general. Government incentives and supportive policies can help overcome these barriers and encourage widespread adoption of Precision Agriculture.
AgriBrasilis – What changes in the context of Precision Agriculture for tropical regions?
Renzo Negrini – Tropical agriculture requires adaptation of the Precision Agriculture technologies, considering acidic soils, high climate variability and greater pest pressure. Tools created for temperate soils need adjustments for tropical soils, and monitoring needs to be dynamic to respond quickly to climate change. In Brazil, regional diversity and the specific needs of local ecosystems require flexible technologies. This opens up a strategic opportunity for Brazil to develop tropical solutions and stand out globally as a leader in adapted agricultural innovation.
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