MD HRIDOY

DEPARTMENT OF CSE
ID 315212050
 COMPUTERS
IN AGRICULTURE
OBJECTIVE 1: DESCRIBE SOME GENERAL
APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS IN AGRIBUSINESS
MANAGEMENT.

 Anticipated Problem: How can agribusiness managers

use computers effectively?

 I. Computers are important tools for agribusiness

managers. They can be used to gather important
information and aid in the analysis and management of
the relevant information. Computers are used by
agribusinesses for the following applications:
OBJECTIVE 1 CONT.

 A. Access to information

 1. Computer networks allow businesses to access a

wealth of information that can influence business
decisions.
 2. Such information includes market prices, educational
materials, government reports, and weather forecasts.
OBJECTIVE 1 CONT.

 B. Financial records

 1. Accounting systems aid in

keeping accurate financial records.
 2. Accurate financial records allow
managers to make good decisions.
 3. Such financial records include
income statements, budgets, tax
reports, and other pertinent
information relevant to lenders and
government agencies.
OBJECTIVE 1 CONT.
 C. Marketing

 1. Marketing considerations must be taken

into account by agribusinesses.
 2. Computers assist in keeping track of
customers, what they order, and when they
order it. This information assists managers in
putting resources to the best possible use.
OBJECTIVE 1 CONT.

 D. Inventory management

 1. Inventory management is a system for keeping track of

business assets.
 2. Computers are used to simplify inventory management.
They allow for quick updating so that records are current.
OBJECTIVE 2: EXPLAIN GENERAL COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS BY PRODUCERS IN THE MAJOR
SEGMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

 Anticipated Problem: How do agricultural producers use

computers effectively?

 II. Agricultural producers have come to depend on

computers as important management tools. Computers
are used by producers in the following major areas of
agriculture:
OBJECTIVE 2 CONT.

 A. Animal science

 1. Animal agriculture is a sophisticated business that

must be managed effectively.
 2. Animal producers use computers to manage breeding
records, ration evaluations, health records,
environmental control, and other uses.
OBJECTIVE 2 CONT.

 B. Plant science

 1. Computers enable crop producers to keep track of

plant fertility and growing conditions.
 2. They can also be used in monitoring costs and inputs
for a crop during the growing season.
 3. Computer systems are used to regulate greenhouse
environments and to adjust fertilization rates.
OBJECTIVE 2 CONT.

 C. Machinery management

 1. Computers aid producers in monitoring the use and

condition of machinery.
 2. Such information allows managers to make decisions
on how to best use the machinery.
OBJECTIVE 3: DISCUSS THE USE OF COMPUTERS
IN SITE-SPECIFIC CROP MANAGEMENT.

 Anticipated Problem: How are computers applied to site-

specific crop management?

 III. Site-specific crop management (SSCM) involves the

use of computer technology to apply the correct amounts
of appropriate inputs to crops, to apply those amounts to
specific locations, and to apply the inputs in a cost-
effective manner. Specific uses of computer technology
in plant production include:
OBJECTIVE 3 CONT.

 A. Precision farming

 1. Precision farming uses cropping

practices that improve yields based
on the needs of the land.
 2. Computers are used in dividing
fields into small areas based on
information collected with satellites.
Computer-controlled equipment is
used to apply needed inputs and to
record yields for each small area
within a field.
OBJECTIVE 3 CONT.

 B. Remote sensing

 1. Remote sensing involves gathering and recording data

from great distances. Most remote sensors are located on
satellites that orbit the earth.
 2. Producers use remote sensing to forecast the weather,
locate natural resources, and detect crop diseases.
OBJECTIVE 3 CONT.

 C. Geographic information systems (GIS)

 1. Geographic information systems (GIS) use computers to partition fields

into grids and then map the grids for physical attributes. Individual maps
are developed for fertility, pesticide residues, soil type and texture, and
many other attributes.
 2. Computers are also used in layering the individual maps. Layering
combines the data from different maps. It gives a site-specific picture of
the field. The maps are saved in computer databases that are loaded onto
computers in machinery. Operators view the maps and apply appropriate
inputs.
OBJECTIVE 3 CONT.

 D. Global positioning system (GPS)

 1. Global positioning system (GPS) is a system

of satellites orbiting the earth at very high
altitudes. Computers, contained in handheld
receivers, determine positions on the earth by
measuring the distance from a group of
satellites in space. The satellites serve as
reference points. When distances are known
from four satellites, a single point can be
defined on the earth’s surface. The fourth
satellite is used for error correction.
 2. Theoretically, a position on the earth can be
defined using three satellites. In trigonometry,
this theory is referred to as triangulation.
OBJECTIVE 3 CONT.

 E. Variable rate technology (VRT)

 1. Variable rate technology (VRT) involves customizing the

rate of application of inputs in a field without stopping.
 2. Computers located on equipment are used to determine
exact field locations and appropriate inputs for each location.
THANKS