If a farmer uses sensors and mapping technology to apply inputs only where needed, this practice is best described as?

• A. Precision agriculture
• B. Biodiversity
• C. Biotechnology
• D. Value-added crops

Answer: (A)

Using sensors and mapping to apply inputs only where needed is precision agriculture. It combines data from soil sensors, crop health imaging, and other field information to create detailed maps that show where a crop actually needs nutrients, water, or protection. Equipment equipped with variable-rate technology then applies fertilizers, water, and pesticides only in those specific zones, rather than across the whole field. This targeted approach improves input efficiency, lowers costs, reduces environmental impact, and can help protect water quality while maintaining or boosting yields.

Biodiversity is about the variety of living organisms in an area, which is not about how inputs are applied. Biotechnology involves manipulating organisms or using cellular/molecular techniques, not the method of applying inputs. Value-added crops refer to products or traits added to crops to increase market value, again unrelated to input placement in the field.