ABSTRACT

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Precision is an important concept that needs greater attention during adoption of almost every farming practice, beginning from land preparation, seeding, fertilizer supply to harvesting, and grading of the produce. Historical records on crop production trends from different continents indicate that imparting greater precision has often improved crop productivity. There has been a constant improvement in instruments and techniques that add precision during crop production. During recent years, there has been a spurt in soil testing, nutrient analysis and use of soil fertility maps, so that variable rates of fertilizers could be dispensed. Hand-held or in situ sensors and remote sensing techniques that aid in soil fertility and grain yield mapping have again improved precision. Rapid “on-the-go” sensors and computer guided decision support systems have revolutionized fertilizer and irrigation prescription.