GPS (Global Positioning System) has long become an integral part of modern agriculture. With the help of satellite navigation, farmers can precisely control the movement of machinery in the field, optimise routes, reduce resource costs, and improve the efficiency of field operations. GPS enables farmers to move from approximate fieldwork to precise management of every metre of land, delivering more stable yields and improving farm profitability.
In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of using GPS in agriculture and how satellite navigation helps farmers increase operational efficiency and profitability.
Centimetre-Level Accuracy for All Field Operations
Tractor navigation system enables farmers to carry out fieldwork with extreme precision — down to 2–3 cm when using RTK correction. This level of accuracy is particularly important for seeding, fertiliser application, inter-row cultivation, and harvesting. Straight, parallel passes eliminate both overlaps and skips, allowing full utilisation of every part of the field, even seed and input distribution, better crop development, and consistent yields.
Reduced Operator Fatigue
With GPS navigation or autosteering systems, operators no longer need to constantly monitor their trajectory, correct steering, or manually track implement width. This reduces fatigue, allows for longer work shifts without quality loss, and makes it possible to involve less experienced operators. The system keeps the machine on its line automatically, while the operator can focus on monitoring machine performance and work quality.
Savings on Seed, Fertilisers, Chemicals and Fuel
Accurate line guidance via GPS prevents resource waste. Seeds are sown precisely to the specified rate, fertilisers and crop protection products are applied at optimal dosages without overlaps or skips. Route optimisation reduces the number of passes, lowering fuel consumption and machinery wear. Together, this results in substantial cost savings per hectare.
Time Optimisation and Higher Productivity
GPS significantly speeds up field operations by enabling precise route planning and eliminating unnecessary overlaps and repeated passes. This becomes especially important during critical periods such as seeding, fertiliser application, or harvesting, when every day is vital. The technology helps farmers fully utilise short weather windows, minimise machinery downtime, and avoid yield losses caused by delays. Additionally, optimised routing reduces the total number of machine operating hours, lowering strain on both personnel and equipment.
Monitoring and Analysing All Fieldwork
Most modern GPS systems record all key work parameters: routes driven, areas treated, application rates, and machinery speed. This data is stored and can be used for analysing performance, optimising technologies, budget planning, and managing production processes. As a result, farmers can make better-informed management decisions based on accurate field-by-field information.
Ability to Work in Challenging Weather and Field Conditions
GPS navigation ensures high precision even when visibility is limited — during night shifts, fog, rain, or dusty conditions. When visual reference points are difficult to use, navigation systems keep machinery perfectly on track. This allows farmers to maximise every available workday, minimise unplanned downtime, and consistently meet agronomic schedules regardless of weather conditions.
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