Precision farming – the way to good harvests / Photo Shutterstock
Ukrainian farmers are increasingly working in a reality where the efficiency of each hectare directly determines the financial result. Rising costs, weather risks, and unstable markets are forcing farmers to switch to data-based field management. That is why precision agriculture is turning from a technological trend into a necessity.
In practice, farmers face soil heterogeneity, overuse of fertilizers, uneven emergence and yield losses in individual areas of the field. It is difficult to solve these problems without a systematic approach, because average indicators “on the farm” no longer work. The head of the Open Agri Club platform Igor Kotsel told journalists of Channel 24 that the introduction of elements of precision agriculture allows farmers to make decisions based on real data and significantly reduce technological risks.
According to him, Open Agri Club participants, in addition to seed financing and support with resource procurement, receive access to precision farming tools and agronomic support from Kernel specialists. Farmers with a land bank of up to 1,500 hectares can join the club. Participation in Open Agri Club opens up the opportunity to work with soil analysis, NDVI images, digital field maps and ready-made technological solutions that were previously available mainly to large agricultural holdings.
What does precision farming look like in Ukraine and where should you start?
In the face of rising costs, climate risks, and unstable market conditions, Ukrainian farmers are increasingly implementing precision agriculture. Previously, these technologies were considered a tool exclusively for large agricultural holdings, but now they are becoming a practical solution for small and medium-sized farms. The experience of Kernel and Open Agri Club partners shows that precision agriculture is not a trend, but a response to the challenges of survival and development.
In today's realities, precision agriculture is primarily data-driven field management, not intuitive decisions. It is about the precise execution of agrotechnical operations using modern tools, taking into account the heterogeneity of soils, relief, moisture supply, and crop condition within a single field, as well as the systematic collection and analysis of results.
The first stage is the implementation of basic solutions, such as:
- parallel driving – to increase equipment productivity, reduce overlaps and fuel consumption;
- turning off the seeder sections – saving seed material;
- automatic sprayer outlet control systems – section-by-section shutdown ensures uniform coverage, reduces pesticide consumption and has a positive effect on yield.
With this base, it is worth moving on to the next stage:
- digitization of fields and creation of electronic maps;
- agrochemical soil analysis;
- yield mapping;
- measuring the reserves of productive moisture in a meter layer of soil;
- NDVI images of fields;
- planning and analysis of the data obtained.
Important! These solutions allow for differentiated sowing and application of mineral fertilizers.
Precision farming technologies: Kernel practices and solutions for Open Agri Club members
Kernel has been systematically implementing precision agriculture for many years, using:
- detailed agrochemical analysis of soils;
- differentiated sowing and fertilization;
- satellite monitoring (NDVI);
- digital yield maps;
- GPS monitoring of equipment operation.
Precision farming makes work easier / Photo Shutterstock
Some of these tools are also adapted for Open Agri Club members. The club provides access to:
- soil analysis with clear recommendations for specific crops;
- interpretation of NDVI images;
- recommendations for zonal fertilizer application;
- agronomic support based on real field data.
As a result, farmers do not receive separate technologies, but solutions ready for practical use.
How do soil analysis, NDVI and digital maps allow you to reduce costs without losing yield?
The main advantage of precision agriculture is the rational use of resources. Soil analysis shows the real need for each field plot in nutrients, rather than average indicators across the farm. This allows:
- accurately ration fertilizers and avoid overuse in areas with sufficient nutrition;
- direct resources to problem areas;
- adjust the seeding rate depending on the potential of each part of the field.
Pay attention! NDVI images help to quickly identify stress zones, diseases or nitrogen deficiency before the problem becomes visually noticeable. Digital field maps make it possible to plan technological operations more accurately, reducing losses and increasing the efficiency of each hectare.
Real results of farmers – participants of Open Agri Club
Farms that have implemented elements of precision agriculture within the Open Agri Club are already seeing noticeable results:
- savings on fertilizers and crop protection products – on average 10 – 25%;
- more stable yields even in difficult seasons;
- higher predictability of results;
- reducing technological risks.
The results of precision farming are visible immediately / Photo Shutterstock
It is important that these indicators are achieved without reducing yield, and in some cases, thanks to better field management, it even increases.
Typical mistakes during self-implementation and the importance of agronomic support
The most common mistakes farmers face:
- purchasing expensive solutions without understanding the principles of their use;
- lack of high-quality agrochemical analysis of soils;
- incorrect interpretation of NDVI data;
- attempts to implement all tools simultaneously.
Open Agri Club's agronomic support allows you to avoid these risks thanks to:
- phased introduction of technologies;
- adaptation of solutions to a specific farm;
- support in making management decisions;
- learning to work with agricultural data.
How does Open Agri Club make precision farming accessible to farmers?
For small and medium-sized farms, financial risks and lack of expertise remain key barriers. Open Agri Club reduces these challenges through:
- access to proven technologies without excessive investment;
- support from Kernel experts based on already tested solutions;
- opportunities to test precision farming tools on small areas.
As a result, precision agriculture ceases to be a “privilege of the rich” and becomes a practical tool for increasing efficiency for Ukrainian farmers.
Farms that meet the criteria can become members of the club at any time and receive the benefits of mutually beneficial cooperation with Open Agri Club from the very first days. This includes consultations on various issues and soil analysis, legal and financial support.
Farms with land banks of up to 1,500 hectares that seek assistance in running their agribusiness can contact Open Agri Club by phone +380737510111 or by email [email protected]. Kernel specialists will be happy to advise partners and help resolve issues related to running a farm.