Modern farms are actively using technology to achieve greater efficiency in crop care and higher yields. Combining software and hardware, growers keep abreast of all events in the fields and troubleshoot problems before damage occurs. The use of radar vegetation index, for example, helps detect problem areas and provide the necessary conditions for crops.
The software gives farmers control over livestock and crops. As a result, they can receive, allowing them to get a larger harvest and, accordingly, income. More technically advanced farms are also created through the use of various sensors. They are used both for livestock and for fields to obtain data on soil moisture and other aspects of vital importance to plants.
The right software for your farm can significantly facilitate the activities of all those involved in agribusiness. For example, farmers are often burdened with tedious paperwork that takes a lot of time and effort. However, the software can significantly reduce the time spent and make all farm management operations clear and transparent.
The proper farming software supports all crops and various types of production. Besides, it has to support all agricultural activities. Keeping track of weather conditions and identifying potential crop threats is also an important component. It’s crucial because frost, hail, flooding, or drought can cause severe damage to crops. Tracking and analyzing the weather conditions in the field is essential to ensure timely crop protection.
The Internet of Things and Remote Sensing offers many opportunities for farmers. However, do not forget about compatibility with other programs already used. It is also important to customize the software for a specific production process so that it helps solve problems.
Best Features in Farming Software
It is good to know what options are on the market to make the right choice of software for your farm. Here we will talk about the features that bring the most benefits to farms and transform agriculture.
Satellite Monitoring
Satellites have many uses. They provide data anyway, but what kind of data? Satellite data is a collection of millions of pixels related to distance on Earth. Technology in this area continues to evolve to provide higher resolution imagery.
Concerning the temporal measure of satellite data, there are several options. Landsat satellites, for example, orbit the Earth every 16 days. With these satellites, you can assess a specific change approximately once every two weeks. Land use data and other products using satellite data are generated once a year.
Satellite images are also used for remote sensing. This process compares satellite and terrestrial data, such as data from weather stations or soil samples. Remote sensing provides the ability to assess conditions at different spatial scales. Furthermore, it’s an excellent option for conditions assessment in areas where ground measurements have not been taken or cannot be taken at all.
Agriculture is one of the primary consumers of remote sensing data. Remote sensing provides farmers with data converted into production estimates. It is a crucial part of modern farming, as this data is the basis for making effective decisions regarding resource allocation, including fertilization and irrigation. Remote sensing also compares soil organic carbon estimates on earth with satellite imagery. This process is beneficial in assessing changes in carbon stocks over time while minimizing the cost of sampling on the ground.
Weather Analytics
Data is the essential component of smart monitoring, as almost all decisions are based on it. It concerns both forecasting extreme weather conditions and regular forecasts of weather in the fields that affect crops. Thanks to IoT weather stations and the use of AI to collect data and predict weather conditions, agribusiness has access to the storage and processing of countless datasets. The data provides farmers with awareness and preparedness for changes in the weather.
The most critical data for farming are rainfall, temperature, wind, atmospheric pressure, and humidity data. All this data can be collected into a single platform for weather monitoring that can be used from any device. Farmers will be able to make the most effective decisions by tracking crucial data with a customizable dashboard.
Customized Water Application
Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s fresh water supply. Water scarcity suggests that farmers should be more conscious about the use of this valuable resource. Farmer software can help with this. It’s all about sensors that collect information about soil and air moisture. This technology makes it possible to save water by determining the time and intensity of irrigation. It saves water and improves the quality of crops, as evidenced by the experience of one Portuguese farmers’ association.
Complete Farm Management System
Choosing farming software can be a challenging task. How do you know if the software is complete? It must contain certain things.
Farm management improves overall productivity. Users should be able to keep in touch with the entire team. It is also essential to see seeding plans, track inventory, and manage equipment records.
Precision agronomy allows you to increase your yield. You should be provided with information on soil testing, as well as individual maps of fields for planting, fertilizing, and applying chemicals.
Farmers are also interested in increasing income, which means that the platform requires a tailor-made marketing plan and market analysis. Farmers also need independent advice.
The FMS provides access to large amounts of data. Therefore, integration with other software products is vital to automate data collection. Furthermore, the proper software cooperates with reliable service providers and understands agriculture, namely its problems and needs.
One of the most critical points is ownership of the data. The FMS must provide transparent information about who owns the data.
What to Consider When Selecting a Farm Software
Mobile App Support lets you work anytime, anywhere. It is an excellent opportunity to stay up-to-date with developments in the fields and has constant access to your notes and reports.
Compatibility With Other Software is definitely worth your consideration. Communication with other applications and programs allows you to get the maximum effect and benefit.
Cost dramatically influences the choice of farming software. The manufacturer should offer different pricing levels. Don’t overpay for features you won’t be using.
Security is a priority. Your data is a value that should be yours only. The software system and infrastructure must ensure the security of the data. Regular backups and SSL encrypted connections save your data and mental health.