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Running head: AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS
Benefits of Agriculture Global Positioning System Technology
Nicole K. Yoder
University of Illinois - Springfield
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 1
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to identify the main benefits to using Global Positioning Systems,
Geographical Information Systems, and other guidance technologies from an agricultural stand-
point. The major focus of this paper is to identify the relationship between using these systems
and technologies and how they positively impact the environment through conservation as well
as the farmer’s profitability. There is a direct relationship between using these systems and
conserving resources which helps to sustain the environment and benefit the farmer’s bottom
line. This research provides important information as to why farmers consider adopting these
systems. The future growth, opportunities, benefits, profits, and concerns are addressed in this
paper to better understand the reason for the increased adoption of these technology systems.
Keywords: Agriculture, Benefits, Conservation, Farming, GIS (Geographical Information
Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems), Opportunities, Precision, Technology
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 2
Introduction
The use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology in agriculture not only benefits
the profitability of farms but also the environment through conservation. This paper, discusses
how the technological advancements with precision farming effect the environment through
conservation and impact the farmer’s bottom line. This research was completed through the
disciplines of business and conservation/environmental studies to show the direct relationship
between the use and adoption of agriculture Global Positioning System technologies and the
positive correlation to environmental sustainability and impacts on the farmer’s profits. The
adoption and interest of agriculture guidance systems are on the rise and don’t look to be slowing
down anytime soon. A look will be taken into the future of these technology systems and the
improvements being made. With the introduction of controversial systems for future use in the
field of agriculture such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, it is important to look at and discuss the
benefits of using these technologies. Unlike in the beginning days of farming when most
activities were performed by hand, technology has changed the game in agriculture allowing
most farming practices to be performed more efficiently and correctly. The precision that comes
with using these systems allows for conservation, less overlap and waste of materials leading to
reduced run-off, improved water quality and better management practices by needing less money
spent on wasted resources.
There are some concerns regarding the change in practice and costs of adopting these
new systems, but the research provided and stated benefits help to highlight the key features that
will positively impact farms of any size. This paper will provide solid research of the benefits of
precision agriculture in relation to business and conservation/environmental impacts for farmers
looking to adopt this new technology.
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 3
This research paper was performed as a literary search derived from agricultural
publications and scholarly reviews as an undergraduate research project. This research was
performed over a semester long period.
A Look Ahead
Agriculture is an ever changing field with continuous advancements further improving
the productivity and efficiency of farming practices. With the help of new systems and
improvements to old systems, farming has doubled its productivity from previous years. Where
“typically, 80-foot spacing in a field was considered well tiled” the use and help of Global
Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Unmanned aerial
Vehicles (UAV) have allowed growers to move to “40-foot spacing to increase drainage and
improve overall yields” (Johnson, 2012). The new technology advancements being used in fields
today allow for such precise farming and planting providing growers with the ability to double
their output. The ability to improve overall yields by improving tillage in fields “was brought
about by yield maps that show advantages to more drainage” which is another new feature of
improved technology equipment (Johnson). According to Dr. Harold Reetz, the growing
population and increased standard of living “will require doubling of production in the next two
to three decades” (2013). What this means for growers is that “everywhere there is now one ear
of corn growing will require two ears, every soybean plant will need to double the number of
flowers that survive to form a pod and every head of wheat will need to become two” (Reetz,
2013).
With this growing need for increased crop production, the use of new technologies,
systems, and programs will significantly improve the odds of this happening. The new
advancements being introduced into the agriculture world are needed and are starting to make a
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 4
valuable impact within the field. Dr. Harold Reetz stated in his article that “doubling use of
resources is not going to be possible” (2013). Tillable acreage will stay constant at best, and
likely will be reduced due to urban sprawl. “Water resources are declining in many areas,
nutrient supplies are becoming more expensive and less plentiful. But improved genetics, and
improved practices to manage the crops will help reduce waste” (Reetz, 2013). This is very
important information when thinking about the advancements of technology and why they are
improving the way they are. There have been many approaches to improving crop performance
and increasing efficiency in the fields such as “yield mapping, georeferenced soil sampling,
remote sensing, GIS data management, and VRT,” Variable Rate Technology, “have had limited
success” (Dobermann, Blackmore, Cook, & Adamchuk, 2004). Dr. Reetz noted that future
precision farming (PF) could include approaches such as data acquisition, decision-making,
actions in real-time, sensors, simulation models, and guidance in technologies (2013). One of
the biggest technology advancements accepted into agriculture and making huge strides is Global
Positioning Systems which are being introduced in a variety of forms in various technology
applications. “-Global Positioning System (GPS) has been one of the driving forces for PF and
has also created new opportunities for vehicle guidance in agriculture” (Dobermann, Blackmore,
Cook, & Adamchuk, 2004). Dabove P Manzino has looked into the uses and adoption of
systems such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems
(GNSS), and Global Information Systems (GIS) and how they “can help farmers become more
efficient, reduce their use of chemicals, and increase crop yields”. The future of agriculture has
benefitted by GPS systems where “several tools to help farmers based on GPS equipment were
developed in order to make them more productive and efficient in their activities” (Manzino).
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 5
With the vast amount of benefits that can come from using Global Positioning Systems,
agriculture will continue to see a rise in the utilization of these technology options. In reference
to the article, Adoption and Use of Precision Agriculture Technologies by Practitioners, data
from 2010 was charted showing the current use of precision technology in agriculture, including
GPS, and the future growth and potential of adoption.
(Winstead, Norwood, Griffin, Runge, Adrian, Fulton, & Kelton, 2010.)
Global Positing Systems are growing rapidly in many fields and is expanding to multiple
devices for use. In an article titled GPS: 25 Years and Still Growing, it states “from now-
ubiquitous consumer devices such as smartphones and tablets to highly precise commercial grade
guidance systems for precision farming as well as many other industries, GPS adoption has
increased exponentially” (Grassi, 2014a). The expansion of Global Positioning Systems in more
common devices allows for easier use and access for farmers leading to a better understanding of
AGRICULTURE GPS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS 6
the systems and willingness to adopt them. “Moving forward, with the adoption of variable-rate
technologies and other precision technology that requires higher accuracy positioning, we see
customers wanting broader access to higher accuracy GPS corrections” which means we “-will
also see larger Real Time Kinematic, RTK, networks with easier access for end user customers”
(Grassi, 2014a). Having the ability to connect GPS technologies with modern day, easy to utilize
devices will really help with the growth of these technologies as the interest and concerns of
customers about these technologies are being recognized.
Global Positioning Systems have become a major part of where agriculture is today and
how farming techniques have improved. The future will see continuous improvements in
technology related and connected to Global Positioning Systems. The Vice President of Yuma
