Harnessing Precision Agriculture to Mitigate Climate Change: Prospects and Challenges

Precision agriculture is a combination of advanced technologies that optimize farming and reduce the emission of greenhouse gas from conventional practices. PAuses extensive amounts of satellite imagery, GPS, and data analytics to manage fertilizers, pesticides, and water, thereby achieving a reduction in the environmental impact. The overall rate of soil erosion is improved, while the amount of carbon sequestered in soil increases as a result of conservation tillage associated with P A, thus reducing GHG emission. Legumes are fixers of nitrogen. As a result of this characteristic, they reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and lessen nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which is one of the major GHG. Precision irrigation systems give real-time data to optimize its use and reduce energy spent pumping water for agriculture along with relevant reductions in GHG emissions. However, these benefits are not without their challenge. Installation costs are quite high; there is a lack of access to this technology, and support policies that would encourage greater use. That said, overcoming these barriers represents the key for tapping the full potential of PA in the amelioration of climate change and sustainability of farming practices.