The Grass Doctor

On large farms the fertiliser spreaders are controlled by computer. What are the disadvantages?

Public Comments

1. 1) Loss of human employment 2) Uneven spreading of fertilizers (the computer assumes that all crops are the same throughout) 3) Drain on electrical supply (costly) 4) Constant upgrading of technology for upkeep 5) Learning to use computer programs (training) 6) Cost to upkeep and maintenance can be high
2. holy crap we have the same avater (almost)!
3. Ok, first of all. Nobody is losing a job because of this. It's not like the Hand Fertilizer Spreaders Union is on strike. Second, farmers have tractors that have GPS maps and satellite imaging that tells them where fertilize is needed and where it's not. So that saves fertilize, water,.... I really can't think of any disadvantage.
4. The whole idea of computerisation is that it spreads a uniform amount of fertiliser therefore cutting waste and ensuring that patches of over use do not occur. (Manual controlled tractor application routine covers areas twice especially when turning). The computer can be set for the spread rate which suits the crop and ensure it is delivered correctly. This computerised delivery cuts waste considerably and not only saves money but helps in the battle to save the planet by reducing the nitrous oxide produced by the nitrogen fertiliser!