Precision Farming Can Cut Fuel Use by 20% and Pesticide Use by Over 70% in Some Applications

Precision agriculture is moving beyond theory, with measurable potential to reduce input use and improve farm management. On 10 October 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that precision farming technologies can reduce fuel use by up to 20% per hectare and pesticide use by more than 70% in certain applications.

The figures were presented at an FAO event in Rome focused on agricultural mechanization, data and robotics. They highlight how targeted field operations can help farmers use resources more efficiently. The results depend on the technology and application; they should not be interpreted as guaranteed savings for every farm.

Official source: FAO — Precision farming can cut fuel and pesticide use

Digital farming is developing, but adoption remains uneven. Eurostat reported in July 2026 that around 18% of EU farms used some form of precision farming technology or practice in 2023. These farms managed approximately 44% of the EU's utilised agricultural area.

The technologies covered included precision crop and soil monitoring, targeted spraying and variable-rate application using data from sensors, satellites or GPS.

The figures suggest that precision agriculture is already relevant to farms managing substantial areas, while wider adoption remains an opportunity.

Official source: Eurostat — 43% of EU farms with internet access

How IoT Supports Precision Agriculture

IoT helps translate field conditions into useful information for farm management:

Soil monitoring: Measure soil moisture and temperature to support irrigation decisions, with EC, pH and nutrient monitoring selected according to crop and project needs.

Weather monitoring: Track rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation to better understand local growing conditions.

Smart irrigation and fertigation: Connect monitoring data with irrigation valves and fertigation equipment to support more targeted water and nutrient delivery.

Pest and crop monitoring: Track field conditions and identify areas requiring closer inspection or intervention.

The key is integration. Soil readings, weather data and irrigation controls become more useful when they support a coordinated management plan. Actual savings depend on farm conditions, system design and how consistently the system is used.

Making Precision Agriculture Work on Real Farms

There is no single configuration suitable for every farm. Open-field crop production, orchards and commercial greenhouses have different monitoring and control requirements. Network coverage, power supply, soil conditions and irrigation methods also influence system design.