By Louis Strydom, Marketing Director, Omnia
Most South African farmers are faced with the dual challenge of producing optimal yields while managing rising input costs. Add to this the imperative to ensure that operations remain sustainable, and the need is clear – farming practices need to evolve.
A tried and tested solution to this problem is precision farming, supported by the use of speciality products and advanced technologies, enabling farmers to do more with less.
As the term suggests, precision farming entails the targeted application of agricultural inputs (such as herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers) in the correct amount necessary, at the right time and in the right place. In contrast to traditional methods, which relied on applying these products in averages across entire fields, precision farming allows each segmented piece of land to be treated separately. This approach allows farmers to optimise inputs from a usage and cost perspective and ultimately, increase return on investment.
Micronutrients matter
There are two main components to the “how” in which precision farming delivers these results, the first being specialised products. While conventional fertilizers typically supply only a handful of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, crops in fact require 17 essential nutrients to reach their full potential. Even trace deficiencies can have a major impact on yields.
South African producers have seen maize yields increase exponentially over the last 60 years. To sustain the increase in harvests, producers need to pay attention to replenishing the micronutrients that have been depleted over time, while also maintaining healthy soil biology and microbial activity to ensure nutrients remain available and efficiently absorbed by plants.
Meeting these nutritional demands requires more than standard fertilizers. This is where Omnia’s chemically granulated products assist, formulated to deliver all the registered nutrients in every granule.
The right technological tools
The second pillar of precision farming is technology. Across the industry, innovation is driving advances such as genetically modified seeds, advanced imaging, and smart monitoring systems. At Omnia, our scientific approach to optimising crop production leans on accessing the latest technology to reduce risk and improve yields and quality.
Omnia provides advanced soil analysis through its laboratories, using technology and chemical testing to assess nutrients, pH, and texture which assist in creating tailored nutrient plans (OmniSoil) to boost crop yields and sustainability.
Through satellite imagery and advanced algorithms, we provide producers with tailored recommendations on nutrient application, irrigation and crop management. AI-powered systems further refine this process and are used in the application of herbicides, for example. Where before, a blanketed approach was taken to spray weeds, AI can now identify weeds within a field and apply herbicides to that specific area resulting in less chemicals used and reduced costs.
The result: better yields, better returns
Together, specialised products and advanced technology add up to an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient way of farming that reduces the cost of inputs while maximising yield. In terms of water and nutrients, using speciality products combined with the right technology means that “drop per crop” is less. Similarly, from a nutrient content perspective, can the soil be maintained at the levels needed for the specific crop.
No money needs to be lost, and no pollution needs to be caused due to the over-application of chemicals. It’s a far cry from the “spray and pray” method of product application and in terms of the future of farming, it’s also far smarter.
In one case study, a producer using Omnia’s CarbonBee system saved up to 70% on the cost of his pesticides – a clear example of how taking the guesswork out of farming can directly increase profitability.
Turning datapoints into action
Distil the power of precision farming down to its most granular level, and the solution is better quality data. With technology such as AI, autonomous machinery, and satellite imagery, producers have way more information at their disposal than ever before. The true advantage lies in putting that data to work.
Through Omnia’s Nutriology® model, we integrate satellite data, weather data, crop information and the physical, chemical and biological status of specific units of soil, supported by a qualified agronomist to provide producers with custom made recommendations. This transforms raw data into correctional and preventative strategies—unlocking sustainable growth, reduced risk, and long-term profitability.
Photo: Jan Kroon on Pexels
