Understanding the Science of Site-Specific Agriculture
Applying technology to crop production through mechanization, fertilizers, crop protection chemistry, genetics, and other innovations over the years has resulted in multiple-fold gains in productivity and efficiency. The application of information technology to crop production, known as precision agriculture, has already transformed many aspects of crop production and promises even more. Today's precision farming era took root in the 1990's, but its origins go back further from advancements in computer processing, data storage and transmission capabilities, global positioning systems, robotics, and much more.
Certified Crop Advisers receive 18 continuing education units.
Over 90 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
2017 Award for Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development.
Certified Crop Advisers receive 18 continuing education units.
Over 90 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
2017 Award for Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development.
Precision Agriculture is a 100% online, 12-week non-credit course that provides knowledge from which practitioners working in agriculture can better understand the science of site-specific farming to help themselves, their customers, and their companies.
Designed for working professionals who must mix continuing education with work, family, and other responsibilities, participants in the course can access content 24/7 at their convenience on their computer, tablet or mobile device with an Internet connection.
The foundation of the twelve weekly modules is over 90 video lessons featuring leaders in precision agriculture, along with supplemental reading, graphics, glossaries, links to additional information, downloadable slides, and tests. Learners will want to plan on one to two hours of study each week. They may work ahead if desired. Through the combination of teaching techniques, this course connects with a variety of learning styles.
After completion, course graduates receive a personalized certificate from Purdue Online suitable for framing.
Digital Badge
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Hear From Our Graduates
“It was a great course. I will use this knowledge in my career. Thank you!”
“Very good overview of precision agriculture with a lot of links for continued learning. Thanks!”
Course Syllabus
Modules are due every Wednesday at 11:59 EDT. Learners may work ahead to finish early if desired.
- Scope and overview of the technologies and their applications
- Global navigation systems used around the world, how they work, equipment, factors affecting accuracy
- Ground-based and space-based correction systems, levels of accuracy, manual guidance and autoguidance
- Satellite, aerial, UAV, and proximal sensing platforms; active vs. passive sensing; spectral, spatial and temporal resolution; soil, crop and weather sensors
- Soil formation and change across landscapes, soil mapping technology and utility, precision land management, irrigation and drainage
- Grid and zone sampling approaches, developing management zones, nutrient-specific sensors, equipment for nutrient VRT
- Yield monitors for grain and non-grain crops, calibration of monitors, data cleaning, yield map interpretation, yield stability, crop quality sensors
- GIS coordinate systems, map scales and standards, capture, storage, editing, analysis, display, image classification
- Implement steering, VRT seeding, planter unit controllers, variable hybrid/ variety planting, spray boom and nozzle controllers, boom leveling
- Experimental design, data quality, compatibility, privacy, interpretation and correlation, product comparisons
- Understanding telematics technology, wireless network applications, product comparisons
- Cost effectiveness of guidance systems, section controllers, site-specific management in various crops, regions, situations
E-Learning Environment
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