4th Edition of the Precision Agriculture Course

The completion of this course fulfills the requirement established in the Resolution for the approval of applications for aid in precision agriculture and 4.0 technologies in the agricultural sector, submitted under the framework of Resolution ACC/2732/2023, dated July 20, which announces aid for precision agriculture and 4.0 technologies in the agricultural sector for the year 2023, amended by Resolution ACC/1513/2024, dated April 26, and by Resolution ARP/4119/2024, dated November 19, which declares the credits effectively available under Resolution ACC/2732/2023, dated July 20.

According to the terms of the resolution, farmers must complete and justify a training plan with a minimum duration of 25 hours to ensure the proper use and practical application of the technologies targeted by this support program. This training may be organized by equipment distributors, professional agricultural organizations, or other rural stakeholders.

The FEMAC Cluster, in collaboration with reference centers in the sector in Catalonia and with the support of equipment distributors and manufacturers, organizes this course in both online and in-person formats.

Theoretical foundations of Precision Agriculture

Practical training on the use of equipment

Objectives

This course aims to train farmers, landowners, and agricultural operation managers in new agricultural technologies sought by industry companies to lead their smart agriculture and digital transformation projects. It is a program designed to generate new knowledge, combining traditional agronomic expertise with the application of cutting-edge technologies, while also deepening the understanding and practical use of the acquired equipment.

Competencias

  1. Adequate knowledge and ability to develop and apply technology in equipment and systems aimed at the automation and control of agricultural machines and processes.

  2. Understanding technologies and methodologies for precision irrigation based on the measurement of soil and plant variables, as well as recognizing the utility of decision support systems (optimization models) in managing irrigation in irrigable areas.

  3. Comprehension of Big Data models in agricultural environments and algorithms for automated decision-making.

  4. Familiarity with Intelligent Systems for Production Monitoring.

  5. The student will acquire technical and practical knowledge on the use of a machine for applying the acquired equipment.

Metodology

Participatory online sessions: The conceptual foundations of the content to be taught are presented, promoting interaction with students to guide them in learning the various topics and developing the established competencies.

Practical field sessions: Knowledge is applied in a real environment, where specific aspects of the equipment are identified and worked on to facilitate understanding, with the support of both the instructors and the personnel from the company that designed and/or sold the equipment.

Case studies: Real or hypothetical situations are presented, in which students, in a fully participatory and practical manner, analyze the situation, propose different hypotheses, and share their own conclusions.

Evaluation criteria

Attendance

  • Classes will be held in groups of at least 30 students and a maximum of 75, depending on registrations.
    A minimum of 80% attendance to the lecture hours is required.
    Module 7 on machinery setup is mandatory.
    Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate accrediting participation in the Precision Agriculture course.

Level of Participation

  • The active contribution of students to the various activities proposed by the teaching team will be evaluated.

Teaching team

Academic leadership:

  • Enric Pedrós: Manager of the FEMAC Cluster
  • Elisabeth Molina: Project Manager of the FEMAC Cluster
  • Anna Corp: Project Manager of the FEMAC Cluster

Faculty:

The faculty will consist of active professionals from the GRAP Center at the University of Lleida, IRTA, EURECAT Center, and the Agricultural Mechanization Unit of UPC. Practical classes will be conducted in sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours with professionals and companies from the sector.

Planned Schedule

Program

MODULE 1: TECHNOLOGY AT THE SERVICE OF AGRICULTURE

1.1. IoT

1.2. Machinery and Robotics

1.3. Digital Field Notebooks

1.4. Specialized Software Applications


Schedule: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Instructor: Josep Pijuan from Eurecat

MODULE 2: PRECISION AGRICULTURE I

2.1. Introduction to Precision Agriculture

2.2. Basic Concepts of Precision Agriculture

2.3. Applications of Precision Agriculture

2.4. Precision Agriculture Technologies

2.4.1. Remote Sensing

2.4.2. Global Satellite Navigation Systems

2.4.3. Proximal Sensors

2.4.4. Variable Rate Application/Dosing Technologies


Schedule: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Instructors: Àlex Escolà, Jaume Arnó, and José Antonio Martínez from the University of Lleida - GRAP Group

   

MODULE 3: Agriculture 4.0: DATA INTEGRATION

3.1 Introduction to Data Science Applied to Agriculture

3.2 Data Collection and Exploration

3.3 Fundamentals of Big Data for Agriculture

3.4 Artificial Intelligence Applied to Agriculture

3.5 Success Stories


Schedule: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Instructor: Josep Pijuan from Eurecat

MODULE 4: INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

4.1. Irrigation Basics

4.2. Soil Sensors Applied to Irrigation Management

4.3. Plant Sensors and Remote Sensing Applied to Irrigation Management

4.4. Fertigation

4.5. Variable Rate Irrigation

4.6. Irrigation Monitoring and Control

4.7. Case Studies


Schedule: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Instructors: Xavier Vallverdú and Ana Pelechá from IRTA

MODULE 5: PRECISION AGRICULTURE II

5.1 Cultural and Economic Barriers to the Adoption of Precision Agriculture

5.2 Precision Agriculture Applied to Crop Protection Equipment

5.3 Tools for Control and Management of Pesticide Application

Schedule: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Instructor: Emilio Gil from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia

MODULE 6: EQUIPMENT PRACTICE AND REAL CASES

On February 28, 2025, a practical session will take place, dedicated to agricultural machinery and 4.0 technology equipment. The event will be held in Montgai - GILI GROUP, located at Ctra. de Balaguer, 25310 Agramunt, Lleida.

Schedule: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

After the session, a closing lunch will be held to promote networking among attendees.

MODULE 7: EQUIPMENT COMMISSIONING

Equipment Commissioning

  • Preliminary steps to understand the equipment/model
  • Field use of the machine
  • Control panel messages
  • Troubleshooting
  • Programming menu

Duration: 3 hours

Instructor: Supplier company

Price

245 €

The registration fee includes:

  • Certificate of course completion
  • Educational materials
  • Practical session + closing lunch

Registrations

Collaborators

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