Chapter 3: Precision Farming
Class 9 –Skill Education | Short Exam Notes
1. Precision Farming
Definition: Use of science and technology to improve agricultural yield while protecting the environment.
Benefits:
- Saves water and fertilisers.
- Improves crop quality and yield.
- Reduces wastage and excessive pesticide use.
- Enables need-based farming.
2. Traditional vs Precision Farming
| Traditional Farming | Precision Farming |
|---|---|
| Flood irrigation | Drip irrigation |
| Experience-based decisions | Data-based decisions |
| Estimated fertiliser use | Need-based fertiliser use |
| Limited climate control | Controlled growing conditions |
3. Crop Protection Methods
| Method | Use |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse | Protects crops from rain and frost; regulates temperature |
| Low-tunnel | Traps heat and protects crops from harsh weather |
| Humidity chamber | Maintains high humidity for seedlings |
| Shade-net | Protects plants from excessive heat and sunlight |
4. Important Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Hygrometer | Measures humidity |
| Soil-moisture sensor | Measures soil moisture |
| LDR sensor | Detects light |
| Hand trowel | Digging and planting |
| Measuring tape | Measuring spacing |
| Pruning scissors | Cutting stems |
5. Drip Irrigation
Definition: Supplies water drop by drop directly to plant roots.
Advantages: Saves water, reduces wastage, and supports efficient nutrient delivery.
Fertigation: Supplying fertilisers through irrigation water.
6. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
Importance:
- Improves soil porosity and water-holding capacity.
- Increases nutrient availability.
- Supports beneficial microorganisms.
Ideal organic carbon content: 1.5%–2%.
Hydrogen peroxide test:
- No bubbling: Very low organic carbon.
- Light bubbling: Moderate organic carbon.
- Intense bubbling: High organic carbon.
7. Biofertilisers
Definition: Products containing beneficial microorganisms that improve nutrient availability and soil fertility.
Examples: LAB culture and Trichoderma.
LAB Culture Preparation
- Collect rice-washing water and ferment for 3–5 days.
- Mix the cloudy liquid with milk in a 1:10 ratio.
- Ferment again for 3–5 days.
- Collect the yellowish liquid.
Application: Mix 1 litre of LAB culture with 9 litres of water.
8. Low-Tunnel
Definition: A tunnel-shaped structure that traps heat and protects crops.
Construction:
- Make a frame using bamboo, wood, or metal.
- Cover with transparent polyethylene.
- Spread sand and compost in a 1:1 ratio.
- Provide openings for ventilation.
9. Pest Management
- Identify harmful insects before controlling them.
- Light trap: Attracts and captures insects using light.
- NPSS: Uses AI and ML for pest identification.
- LDR sensor: Automates insect traps based on light.
10. Harvesting and Storage
- Timely harvesting improves quality and shelf life.
- Sensors monitor temperature and humidity during storage.
- QR codes provide information about produce and harvest dates.
- Smart packaging helps reduce transport losses.
11. Important Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Precision farming | Technology-based farming for efficient resource use |
| Fertigation | Fertiliser application through irrigation water |
| Biofertiliser | Product containing beneficial microorganisms |
| Humidity chamber | Structure maintaining high humidity for seedlings |
| Bill of Materials (BOM) | List of materials, quantities, and estimated costs |
| Light trap | Device that attracts insects using light |
Important Exam Questions
- Define precision farming and write its benefits.
- Differentiate between traditional and precision farming.
- Explain the different crop protection methods.
- What is drip irrigation? State its advantages.
- Define fertigation and biofertiliser.
- Explain the preparation of LAB culture.
- What is soil organic carbon? State its importance.
- Explain the construction of a low-tunnel.
- Describe the role of sensors in precision farming.
- What is a light trap? Explain its use.
Quick Revision: SOC = 1.5–2% | LAB dilution = 1:9 | Sand : Compost = 1:1 | Rice liquid : Milk = 1:10.