Dissemination of precision farming in Germany: acceptance, adoption, obstacles, knowledge transfer and training activities

Abstract

The adoption of precision farming (PF) was studied on the basis of personal interviews conducted at several agricultural exhibitions in Germany. Between 6.65% and 11% of the interviewed farmers used PF. The majority used data collection techniques such as GPS-based area measurement and soil sampling rather than variable rate application techniques such as site-specific sowing and fertilising. Roughly half the farmers interviewed knew about PF. About 7-10% of them intended to start using PF in the future. The results indicated that a large number of farmers did not even know what PF meant. In order to get more insight into this situation, several interviews were conducted with farmers already using PF techniques. A further study in 2005 of PF education in Germany indicated that, especially at vocational and technical schools, the subject was only covered to a small extent although the aim was to give a better coverage in future. At higher education levels, such as at universities and technical colleges, the teaching of PF was clearly better established. In order to promote awareness of PF among farmers, information and teaching materials adapted to the relevant educational levels were developed and tried out at training events. The main topics addressed were parallel tracking systems, site-specific nitrogen fertilising, yield mapping in grain production and the use of PDAs in crop farming. Finally, preliminary survey results are presented showing how knowledge about PF can best lead to its adoption and transfer into daily practice.

Drivers for the Adoption of Different Eco-Innovation Types in the Fertilizer Sector: A Review

“…One major driver mentioned as important by almost all publications is the quality of support [68,69,73,74,79,81,84,[109][110][111][112][113][114][115]. Reichardt et al [68] declared that farmers need more information about the different farming tools and more training opportunities as well as a better advisory service.…”

“…Reichardt et al [68] declared that farmers need more information about the different farming tools and more training opportunities as well as a better advisory service. Watcharaanantapong et al [69] even observed that farmers who obtained farming information from farm dealers, crop consultants, university extension, other farmers, trade shows, the internet, and/or news media were more likely to adopt complex disruptive innovations.…”

“…This is especially important for innovations with a more technical origin. Here the support must not only provide a platform for buying and selling, but also for learning, repair, assistance and training [68,69]. Also the adoption of process innovations can be stimulated by a good technical or personal support [70,71].…”

Herbicide Reduction Methods

“…The interest to invest in such implements and to change the necessary management decisions, varies between farmers. Reichardt et al (2009) interviewed farmers (in Germany) regularly about their knowledge and adoption status and found the need for better information, e.g. in education, and that only parts of the farmers are introducing precision technology.…”

Exploring Precision Farming Scenarios Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

“…There is a number of studies that surveyed a variety of factors (socio-economic, agro-ecological, institutional, technological or behavioral), which affect the uptake of PA technology by farmers [2,[11][12][13][14][15].…”