Re: Precision Organic farming
J. J. Haapala (jhaap@tilth.org)
Tue, 5 Mar 1996 11:51:41 -0800 (PST)
The potential use of GIS/GPS techniques are manifold. I too am
trying to map my diverse soil types, previous practices,
fertility,earthworms, weed characteristics, and pest problems on my fifty
acre farm. What size units to break the farm into, and how many samples
are required are the current stumbling blocks. The advantage I beleive
will be to allow me to keep better recors, farm more appropriately, and
break out of the square field syndrome. The question remains: if GIS/GPS
techniques are embraced by private ag interests, will the family size
farmers benefit from this technology? The privatization of his technology
mirrors the the path that biotechnology has taken. Though for years many
alternative farmers have held CES(Cooperative Extension Service) partly
to blame for the "Green Revolution", now many of us acknowledge the value
of public domain of technology and knowledge, and thereby have devoted
much time to supporting the activities and the viability of CES and NRCS.
Will CES and NRCS in turn help to support the family farm by making these
hi tech farming approaches accessible and meaningful to smaller
diversified operations?
JJ
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jhaap@tilth.org
J. J. Haapala * Oregon Tilth Research & Development
30848 Maple Drive * Junction City, OR 97448 * +1 (503) 998-5801
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