In the agricultural sector, geotechnologies are becoming key allies for environmental monitoring and sustainable land management. Researcher Néstor Di Leo analyzed their impact on agroecosystems and the challenges of their implementation.
Technological advancements have opened up new possibilities for environmental management and preservation in the agricultural sector. In this context, geotechnologies have become fundamental tools for monitoring and mitigating environmental impacts, enabling more precise, real-time analysis of ecosystem changes. From remote sensing to geographic information systems (GIS), these technologies offer innovative solutions for territorial planning, natural resource conservation, and environmental disaster prevention.
In Universidad Nacional de RosarioVarious research groups are working on the development and application of these tools to address local and global problems. Researcher Néstor Di Leo of the Center for Territorial Studies at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences explained how geotechnologies are transforming the way the environment is studied and protected, the challenges facing their implementation, and the future prospects for this field.
“Geotechnologies are tools based on the use of location on the Earth's surface—hence the prefix "geo"—for any situation, condition, state, event of interest, or process that occurs anywhere. Obviously, these are focused on the interactions between soil, plants, and the atmosphere, both in the context of natural ecosystems and agroecosystems, which are somewhat prevalent due to increasing human activity,” Di Leo explained, adding: “If you look at the planet from above, there are very few places where you can't truly see the impact of human activity. That's why, operationally, we prefer to speak of agroecosystems rather than simply ecosystems.”
In this regard, the specialist specified that geotechnologies can be divided into three main types. The first is global navigation satellite systems, known as GNSS or GPS. “The best-known of these systems is the American GPS, but it would not be correct to speak only of this, as the appropriate name is Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), because this concept includes other global positioning systems. This technology allows us to locate or georeference anything, and it is used by countless applications, from specialized surveillance systems to popular apps on our cell phones.”
The second type is linked to Geographic Information Systems, known as GIS. “These are organizational structures supported by specific software, capable of analyzing layers of information very efficiently and effectively. They allow for finding relationships and causal relationships and also for integrating different sources of information. For example, the hailstorm or hailstorm that occurred a few weeks ago in various parts of the region: one could have a satellite map of the storm and relate it to claims for agricultural or automobile insurance.”
For this reason, GIS enables the management of information of any type: environmental, productive (whether agricultural, industrial, or mining), social, among others. This is georeferenced information that includes a location component. "The information itself is valuable, but in many cases, it's also crucial to know where a particular event, occurrence, or phenomenon occurs. In these cases, Geographic Information Systems are highly effective for managing, analyzing, and organizing this data accurately."
The third type is remote sensors, which are devices that capture information about an object or phenomenon from a distance. “There are several types, but the most widespread are digital remote sensors based on cameras. These cameras can be conventional, such as color photographic cameras, or more complex and/or advanced, such as multispectral or hyperspectral cameras, and can be located on platforms such as drones , manned aircraft, or satellites.”
These technologies allow for increased productivity while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of various human activities, especially in the agricultural sector. Together with site-specific agronomic management, they form a set of key tools for modern agriculture. “For example, if soil is infertile and excessive fertilizer is applied, the crop will not fully absorb it, and the excess will pollute the environment. The same is true for pesticides. Previously, when faced with a pest infestation, herbicides or insecticides were applied uniformly across the entire field due to a lack of precise technologies. Today, with drones and sensors, it is possible to accurately detect affected areas and treat only that percentage: 40%, 30%, or even 20% of the field. This allows for a 60% to 80% reduction in the use of biocides, without sacrificing effectiveness. Beyond the debate about their impact on health, it is clear that, for those who live near a field, a partial and targeted application is preferable to a total one.”
Furthermore, these devices are also applied in other areas, such as urban logistics. "With a geographic information system, a distributor can optimize its routes in a city like Rosario, minimizing fuel consumption and, at the same time, reducing costs. This is an example of the dual impact these tools offer: economic and environmental benefits at the same time."
Betting on training
La Universidad Nacional de Rosario, through its Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, offers two specialized training programs in this area, providing key tools for territorial analysis and management.
The first is the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Interdisciplinary Studies , designed to train professionals and students interested in territorial issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. The program is delivered online and is based on the use of the open-source software QGIS and other add-ons. Learn more.
The second offering is the Advanced Studies Diploma in Drones Applied to Agricultural and Environmental Sciences , also offered entirely online, which addresses the use of drones as an innovative tool in environmental monitoring and management. The course begins this week. More information.
"The diploma programs we are promoting seek precisely to strengthen the knowledge and skills of our University graduates in these current technologies. That's why training is key, especially for performance in professional contexts. These are tools that can also be used for research, science, and technology, but their main focus is professional use in the productive and environmental spheres," explained Di Leo.
Journalist: Gonzalo J. García