The research and analysis contained in this dissertation are driven by several objectives. First what is the current level of adoption of precision farming technologies in Florida citrus production? Second, what grower demographic characteristics can influence a citrus grower's decision to adopt precision farming technologies? Next, use a case-study methodology to analyze citrus caretaking firm that has adopted two precision farming technologies, variable rate technology (VRT) and an irrigation moisture control system. Last, what comparisons can be made between the adoptions of precision farming technologies in citrus production versus similar technologies in non-specialized row crops?; Precision farming technology adoption levels in Florida citrus production are still at infancy levels. However, the research has determined that grower age has a negative correlation to the willingness to adopt precision farming technologies. Second, growers managing properties with a perceived level of moderate or high in-grove spatial variability are more likely to adopt precision farming technologies when compared to those indicating minimal variability.; The case study analysis was performed on a citrus care taking company that has adopted two precision farming technologies. Both the variable rate fertilizer application and the moisture and irrigation control system have resulted in net production savings and increased financial returns, as determined by increased marketable citrus yield.; Although still in its infancy, precision farming usage in Florida citrus faces many barriers to adoption. The technologies in some cases are not perfected, and the buy-in by grove owners and managers has not occurred. The potential for these precision farming systems are existent, especially considering the pricing structure that citrus producers operate under. They are price takers; so having the ability to decrease production costs is one way to gain additional revenue at the margin.
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