A Framework for Introducing Precision Agriculture Technologies in Egypt

Precision Agriculture(PA)has been used in many countries and serving the agricultural sectors.The use of PA solutions intervened with many agricultural businesses and supported decision making using data analytics.Precision Agriculture depends on weather,soil,plants,and water information that are essential for farming.Precision Agriculture depends on the use of several technologies such as image sensors,vision machines,drones,robots,machine learning,and artificial intelligence.The use of Precision Agriculture Technologies(PAT)depends on integration between devices,sensors,and systems to ensure the proper implementation of activities.This paper is generated from research on the applicability of PA in in Egypt that ended with a proposed framework for proper implementation of it.The conducted research depended on a survey,focus group discussions,and an online questionnaire that reached 271 respondents from 19 Egyptian governorates.The framework has been developed to enhance the role of an initiative leader to promote PAT through collaboration with other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.The proposed framework can be used by governmental,non-governmental entities,universities and private sector institutions and could be used at countries facing issues with land fragmentation,limited access to information,limited access to agricultural extension services,and increase in agricultural input’s prices.

Evaluation of Variable Rate Technology for Fertilizer Application in Permanent Pastures

This paper describes the field tests carried out to evaluate the new Vicon RS-EDW centrifugal fertilizer spreader, to be used in Precision Agriculture. The results of initial dynamic calibration tests showed a significant and systematic difference between the application rates of the two discs （about 20%）. This difference had to be corrected by the manufacturer that carried out the necessary changes to the electric actuators. The fertilizer spreader had good distribution homogeneity, considering different working velocities and different positions in the parcel. The pattern distribution curve for 18% super phosphate fertilizer led to an effective working width of 28 meters, with a coefficient of variation of 15%. The longitudinal test, under experimental working conditions led to a machine delay time of 6-7 seconds. The results show an actual fertilization application density between 74%-90% of that determined for each location. These results confirm that the spreader can be used to spread fertilizer differentially in the field.

Current status and future trends of precision agricultural aviation technologies

Modern technologies and information tools can be used to maximize agricultural aviation productivity allowing for precision application of agrochemical products.This paper reviews and summarizes the state-of-the-art in precision agricultural aviation technology highlighting remote sensing,aerial spraying and ground verification technologies.Further,the authors forecast the future of precision agricultural aviation technology with key development directions in precision agricultural aviation technologies,such as real-time image processing,variable-rate spraying,multi-sensor data fusion and RTK differential positioning,and other supporting technologies for UAV-based aerial spraying.This review is expected to provide references for peers by summarizing the history and achievements,and encourage further development of precision agricultural aviation technologies.