Precision Agriculture Certificate Option Courses

Provides a foundation course in agronomy. Applies crop, soil, and environmental sciences in understanding agricultural systems in the world. Introduces concepts of plant, soil, tillage, pest, environmental, and sustainable aspects of crop production. It includes hands-on learning experiences.

Introduces physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, their formation, classification, and distribution. Uses soils survey and other information sources in balancing agronomic, economic, and environmental concerns in soil management.

Fundamental processes of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with emphasis in its application to agriculture will be covered. File formats, data base management, spatial analysis, and manipulation of data will be covered thoroughly. Comparisons of GIS and mapping software, and conversions between formats will also be discussed.

Provides an overview of precision farming concepts and the tools of precision farming (GPS, GIS and VRT). Introduces the use of each of these tools within the processes of a precision farming system. Provides hands-on activities in the use of these tools. Discusses economic and environmental benefits.

Examine the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of precision farming hardware components. Install equipment and various components used within precision agriculture and operate various precision agriculture hardware systems and technologies. Trouble shoot and diagnose various problems on precision hardware technologies. Justify and examine the cost and benefits of various precision hardware technologies.