Agronomist with tablet in field analyzing crop data

Agronomist analyzes crop data with a tablet in the field at twilight, combining technology and precision agriculture.

About this subject

The agronomist is the professional responsible for optimizing agricultural production by integrating knowledge of soil, climate, plants, and technologies. In the field, using tablets with specialized software allows real-time monitoring of variables such as soil moisture, vegetation index (NDVI), and pests. This practice, known as precision agriculture, reduces costs and environmental impacts by applying inputs only where and when needed.

In Brazil, the world's largest exporter of soybeans, coffee, and sugar, the adoption of digital tools grew 30% between 2019 and 2023, according to Embrapa. Twilight is a strategic time for data collection: soft light avoids screen glare, and milder temperatures allow more accurate assessments of water stress in plants. Additionally, many remote sensors use satellite images captured in the late afternoon.

The figure of an agronomist with a tablet symbolizes the digital transformation in Brazilian agriculture. Agronomy courses at universities such as ESALQ-USP and UFV already include IoT and big data analytics disciplines. The professional must interpret graphs, heat maps, and alerts generated by algorithms, making quick decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and integrated pest management.

Curiosity: the first commercial agricultural tablet was launched in 2010 by the US company AgLeader. Today, Brazilian startups like Solinftec and Agrosmart develop national solutions adapted to tropical conditions. The use of tablets in the field reduced data collection time by 40% compared to manual methods with clipboards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an agronomist do with a tablet in the field?

He collects and analyzes real-time data such as soil moisture, plant health (NDVI), and pest presence using precision agriculture software to optimize inputs and increase productivity.

Why is twilight a common time for crop analysis?

Soft light avoids screen glare on the tablet, and milder temperatures allow more accurate water stress assessments. Many satellites also capture images in the late afternoon.

How important is precision agriculture in Brazil?

It reduces costs and environmental impacts by applying inputs locally. Brazil rapidly adopted this technology, with a 30% increase in digital tool usage between 2019 and 2023.