Precision Ag for Asparagus Production in Southern Philippines Paisar Gadiaware
Why Asparagus? High value crop High variable input costs Laborious High profit potential American managed company
Management System.. Growership Dole Company Fertilizers, pesticides, & technology Grower Land and labor
Weaknesses of the Technology Only two experimental areas for the ~3,000 acres plantation. Limited soil samples Uniform recommendations Fertilizer Limestone Pesticides
Problems… Excessive N application Additional fertilizer costs Low quality products Additional foliar fertilizers Increased pH Water pollution
Problems cont. Weeds The most costly field operation. Cannot use herbicide. Pop density Missing hills
Problems cont. Requires weekly spraying of fungicides Health hazard High labor cost High pesticide cost
So what? More soil sampling Delineate and establish more experimental areas Vary recommendation accdg. to soil/farm condition.
What about HI-Tech? NDVI sensor? Variable rate applicator? Aerial photometry? Satellite imagery?
Questions?