Understanding the Science of Digital Agriculture

Advances in mechanization, fertilizers, crop protection, genetics and other innovations have driven dramatic gains in agricultural productivity and efficiency. Today, digital agriculture builds on this progress by integrating advanced information technologies — such as data analytics, sensors, connectivity, automation and artificial intelligence — into crop production systems. While early precision farming technologies emerged in the 1990s, modern digital agriculture reflects decades of progress in computing power, data storage and transmission, global positioning systems, robotics and related technologies, enabling more informed, responsive and sustainable decision-making across the agricultural value chain.
18 CEUs
18 CEUs

Certified Crop Advisers receive 18 continuing education units.

Laptop
10 Modules
Interactive web format rich in pictures and graphics where learners progress at their own pace.
Award f​or Excellence
Top Ranking
Purdue Agriculture Ranks #3 in the U.S. (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
18 CEUs
18 CEUs

Certified Crop Advisers receive 18 continuing education units.

Laptop
10 Modules

Interactive web format rich in pictures and graphics where learners progress at their own pace.

Award f​or Excellence
Top Ranking

Purdue Agriculture Ranks #3 in the U.S. (QS World University Rankings, 2025)

Digital Agriculture is a 100% online, 12-week professional development course that equips agricultural practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply modern, data-driven solutions. Learners gain insight into the science and technologies behind site-specific and digitally enabled agriculture to better support their operations, customers and organizations.

Designed for working professionals, this course allows participants to access content 24/7 at their convenience on their internet-connected computer, tablet or mobile device.

Course materials are presented in an interactive web format rich in pictures and graphics where learners progress at their own pace.  Modules are organized by topic and include glossaries, links to more information and self assessments.

Learners will want to plan two to three hours of study each week. They may work ahead if desired. Through leveraging a combination of teaching techniques, this course connects with a variety of learning styles.

After completion, course graduates receive a personalized certificate from Purdue University suitable for framing.
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Course Syllabus

Mastery of each module is demonstrated by passing a quiz each week. Learners may work ahead to finish early, if desired. 

  • Definitions, innovations in agriculture, digital ag applications around the world, applications in crops, forestry and livestock.

  • How GPS/GNSS works, GPS accuracy, differential GPS, using guidance systems, GPS applications.

  • How sensors work, data sources for soil, plant and environmental characteristics, remote and proximal sensing, UAV flight and operation.

  • Sensor signal processing, data connectivity/telematics, data assessment, data completeness/accuracy/precision, continuous vs. discrete values, data cleaning.

  • Effective communication methods, table formatting, types of graphics, best practices for presentations, significant digits, interpolation.

  • Types of AI, applications in agriculture, section controllers, robotic weeding, automated implement operation and coordination, automated grain management, robotic dairy systems.

  • Understanding and characterizing soil differences, precision drainage, precision irrigation, soil health, water and air quality.

  • Soil and plant nutrient assessment, precision liming, precision N management, predictive vs. reactive approaches, variable rate technology.

  • Yield monitoring systems, yield data cleaning, grain quality sensors, using yield maps, precision weed technology, precision management of insects and disease.

  • Costs of implementing digital agriculture, economics and adoption of various technologies including guidance, section controllers, variable rate applications, robotics and UAV’s.

E-Learning Environment

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