La aplicación de la agricultura de precisión en el proceso de fertilización: Un caso de estudio para el sector bananero del Urabá-Antioqueño

Abstract

This paper has as main objective to analyze the effect of applying precision agriculture in the nutrition program of a banana farm, and compare its results with traditional agriculture, in terms of financial benefits from cost reductions in the use of chemical fertilizing supplies -- To evaluate this effect, the net present value methodology was used, comparing two cash flows: a negative one, that is the initial investment (cost of soil analysis using direct and remote sensors), and a positive one, that is the result of the investment (cost savings of the fertilization program) -- These values were sensitized with the value of money over time, to be equivalent and comparable -- Applying precision agriculture, the result obtained in the farm was a 5% saving in the fertilization program, compared to conventional ones -- The decrease in the use of fertilizers resulted in economic benefits and positive environmental effects, allowing the return on the made investment by adopting the new technology -- The present paper is an important starting point for future research -- In the literature review, little information was found regarding precision agriculture in the banana production in Colombia