Before the russian full scale invasion to Ukraine at least half of Ukrainian farms with an area of over 2,000 hectares were using precision farming practices in one way or another, or considered to work with them.
Beeld: © Farming the future / Nl Branding
The most common applications in Ukraine were the automatic driving systems, precise field outlines were determined, and analyses of the mineral composition of the soil were carried out.
Many farms use seeders with the ability to turn off sections, some have tested the possibilities of differentiated fertilizer application, and almost every owner of a medium-sized farm had field monitoring with drones done at least once.
Of course, this technology requires extra costs – tens or even hundred thousand USD: investments in equipment (f.e. new seeders and mineral fertilizer spreaders) and services of specialized companies. Therefore, it is obvious that the introduction of precision agriculture technologies in Ukraine may currently slow down since the farms hardly cope with every day challenges.
It should be added that in war circumstances it is not always possible to use precision agriculture technologies to the full due to the peculiarities of martial law in the country. Thus, the use of agro-drones is allowed after a long pause, however this does not guaranty their safety in case of air defense measures. In addition, for accurate performance drones require stable signal which is hardly guaranteed in current circumstances either.
In any case, due to financial difficulties the priorities of the Ukrainian farmers shifted from costly precision technologies like smart seeders etc.
At the same time the situation in Ukraine challenge arable farmers to look for smart solutions to increase profitability of their business.
It goes without saying that arable farming is business with thousands of complex factors, some smart solutions on the market not always guaranty visible improvement, on contrary they sometimes lead to false expectations due to various reasons including mistakes of the personnel, technology failure, soil-climatic conditions etc. F.e. sandy soils that hardly keep nutrients and moisture, or extreme draught in South regions of Ukraine that suffer from destruction of irrigation system. These factors prevent from essential improvement from the use of some smart technologies.
Perspectives
However these many positive examples of real economic efficiency of precision agriculture in Ukraine. And we believe that this turbulent military season will confirm the correctness of the decisions made earlier.
After all, using modern mineral fertilizer spreader in the field, which works on an accurate signal, without gaps and overlaps, with super-precise dosing systems and at least simple mapping of the fields, the agricultural producer saves at least 100 euros per 1 hectare on mineral fertilizers. Or precision sowing machine allowes to save 4-5% of seeds. If the cost of seeds is high than the savings will be significant. Additionally this will make your crops in the field more unified and increase the yield. Therefore, the combination of these advantages means significant and real savings.This is an objective reality that works and can be implemented on almost every farm. For this, a farmes needs a more or less modern machine and suffucuent preparatory work.
Of course each investment shall be well planned: a sowing machine of 200 K UAD will hardly pay back in 20 years if used for 500 ha of corn, however if used for 2-3 thousands ha, than it is reasonable.
Thus significant investments in precision agriculture in Ukrane are not expected at the moment. Most agricultural producers simply do not have the funds for this, and some have suffered significant damage to their material and technical base due to the actions of the occupiers. Therefore, so far the best in the context of this season is preparatory and planning work for future. Which require from the farmers deep understanding of application techniques in the unique conditions of the farm: mapping of the field and their division on specific yield / crops zones, soil analysis including compaction and productive moisture.
With the help of such a relatively cheap approach, it is possible to get ready for the implementation of substantial expensive precise solutions.
However, we remember that the most important thing for an agricultural producer, especially in such difficult times, is predictability and economic stability. At the moment, we are not talking about record yields, so every farmer must find a way to achieve a margin that will allow them to close the season normally, pay off all financial obligations, help the state, and calmly start the new season. God willing, it will all work out!
Oleksanr German, Agribusiness Ukraine №3-2022
Source (In Ukrainian): Точне землеробство за умов війни: сенс та економічна доцільність | Агробізнес-Україна