technology is thought to be a production risk management instrument because of its potential to spatially reduce yield variability within the field through variable rate application of nutrients.  In this new method of farming, new technologies can be used to make better decision on many aspects of crop production.  Precision farming involves looking at the increased efficiency that can be realized by understanding and dealing with the natural variability within the field.  The aim is not obtain the same yield everywhere, but to manage and distribute inputs on a site-specific basis to maximize long-term benefits.

     Precision farming is different from traditional farming, for instance, in precision farming, farmers break fields into management zones, based on factors such as the soil type, soil PH, pest infestation, yield rates among others that affect crop production.  Tradition farming uses the whole farm approach where the whole farm is treated as a homogeneous area.  Decision-making is based on field averages and inputs are applied uniformly across the field.

     There are many benefits of precision agriculture, these includes reduced costs and efficient use of production inputs.  Application of exact quantities and at the appropriate time reduces the cost of agrochemical inputs.  Additionally, the overall high yield reduces the cost per unit of output.  Another benefit of precision agriculture is that the advanced technologies that includes machinery, information and tools, that help the farmers to increase the efficiency of land and labor.  Timely and accurate application of agrochemicals avoids excessive residue in soils and water, thereby reducing environmental pollution.

      The precise selection of crop varieties, the application of the exact doses of fertilizers herbicides and pesticides, and appropriate irrigation ensures optimum growth and development of crops.  This leads to increase in yield especially in fields where uniform crop management tools were practiced.  Agricultural equipment, tools and machinery help the farmers to obtain accurate information that is processed and analyzed for proper decision making, in terms of seeding fertilizer, land preparation herbicide and pesticide application irrigation and post-production activities.  Farmers can also accumulate knowledge regarding their production systems and farms to achieve better management, since all field activities produce valuable information and the data is stored in tools and computers.  

     From the farmers’ perspective, precision agriculture is driven by the returns, but in many cases, a site-specific management zones provide a positive environment impact.  Reduced or targeted application of inputs such as pesticides, nutrients and water irrigation improves soil and water quality.  Precision agriculture can also reduce soil compaction and erosion where equipment travels in the field.  Precision farming recognizes site-specific differences in the fields and adjusts management actions accordingly instead of managing an entire field based upon hypothetical averages, which may not exist in the field.  Farmers are aware that their fields have variable yields across the landscape. These variations can be traced to soil properties, environmental characteristics and management practices.