93659 - Precision Farming Machinery

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on: the choice of technology and operating machines according to the context of application; the management and use of machines and technologies used in precision agriculture; the use of spatial information recorded by the on-board sensors of the machines in order to determine the nature of the spatial variability of the information; the fundamentals of geographic information systems, in combination with global positioning systems, for data acquisition, storage and management, multi-feature data analysis and the characterization of spatial variability, as well as the presentation of results in such a manner that farmers can make well informed decisions. In particular, the student possesses the skills to: organize and conduct scientific analyzes relating to the evaluation of machine processing quality; measure the amounts relating to quality and quantity of agricultural production; recognize the nature of the spatial variability of the measured quantities; manage field collected data and remotely collected data, convert punctual data into spatial data, and analyze georeferenced information relating to environmental and crop characteristics through computerized mapping and spatial database management.

Course contents

Module 1 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture

1. Scope and Definitions of Precision Agriculture
2. Overview of Technologies
3. Historic Perspectives of Precision Agriculture
4. Applications Around the World

Module 2 - Machines used in Precision Agriculture

1. Seeders
2. Sprayers
3. Combines

Module 3 - Global Positioning Systems

1. Global Positioning Overview/How it Works
2. GNSS Systems Around the World
3. Factors Influencing GPS Accuracy
4. GPS Hardware
5. Levels of Accuracy

Module 4 - Differential Correction

1. Principles of Differential Correction
2. Ground-based Correction Systems
3. Space-based Correction System
4. RTK Networks
5. Manual Guidance Systems
6. Autoguidance Systems

Module 5 - Sensors

1. Sensing Platforms—Satellite, UAV, Aerial, Proximal
2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum
3. How Objects Interact with Electromagnetic Energy
4. Active vs. Passive Remote Sensing
5. Spectral, Spatial, and Temporal Resolution
6. Soil Sensors
7. Crop Sensors
8. Weather Sensors

Module 6 - Crop Spatial Variability

1. Yield Monitor Technology for Grain Combines
2. Yield Monitor Technology for Non-grain Crops
3. Calibration of Yield Monitors
4. Data Cleaning
5. Displaying Data/Mapping/Legends
6. Yield Map Interpretation
7. Yield Stability
8. Quality Sensors—Protein, Oil, etc.
9. Pest Spatial Variability

Module 7 - Automation

1. Implement Steering
2. Implement Coordination
3. On the Go vs. Map-based
4. Application Methods
5. VRT Seeding, Planter Unit Controllers Variable Hybrid/Variety Planting
6. VRT Pesticides
7. Spray Boom and Nozzle Control
8. Automatic Boom Leveling

Module 8 - Telematics

1. Telematics Technology
2. CANBUS and ISOBUS technologies
3. Wireless Network Applications
4. Telematics Product Comparisons

Readings/Bibliography

Course material:

• PDF notes provided by the teacher. To aid class learning process, these notes should be printed before each lecture. These notes will be provided with Virtuale service and they will be accessible to those subscribed to the distribution list.
  
• Heege, H. J. (2013). Precision in crop farming: site specific concepts and sensing methods: applications and results. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Whelan, B., & Taylor, J. (2013). Precision agriculture for grain production systems. Csiro publishing.
• Grisso, R. et all., (2005). Precision farming tools series. Freely downloadable at Virginia Tech website
• Shannon, D. K., Clay, D. E., & Kitchen, N. R. (2020). Precision agriculture basics. John Wiley & Sons.

Teaching methods

Lectures in class.

During the course, seminars will be planned and will be held by experts in the field of precision agriculture.

Assessment methods

The course is a module of "Automation of machines, geospatial information and animal housing" together with the course of "Geospatial technologies for agriculture and smart system for animal housing". Consequently, the final assessment will be the average value of the assessment of each course.

The assessment is based on an oral exam where three questions will be asked. The average duration of the exam is 30 minutes. 

The online exam confirmation is mandatory. Considering that is a module, the recording Teacher is Prof. Daniele Torreggiani.

Teaching tools

Lectures in class, and laboratory of water, energy and soil mechanics.

Office hours

See the website of Michele Mattetti