What is one way biotechnology supports precision agriculture?

Biotechnology supports precision agriculture primarily by providing crops with better environmental adaptation. This means that through biotechnological methods, plants can be genetically modified or selectively bred to thrive in specific environments, resist pests and diseases, or tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought or saline soils.

These enhancements enable farmers to select crop varieties that are best suited for their particular agricultural conditions, leading to more efficient use of resources, higher yields, and reduced reliance on chemical inputs. By improving the adaptability of crops to varying environmental conditions, biotechnology contributes to sustainability and resilience in agriculture, aligning perfectly with the principles of precision farming which seeks to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming.

In contrast, increasing fertilizer use does not directly relate to precision agriculture's goals of optimizing input efficiency and sustainability. Promoting traditional farming methods, while valuable, does not specifically leverage the advancements that biotechnology offers. Decreasing the efficiency of land use goes against the principles of precision agriculture, which aim to utilize land more effectively. Thus, enhancing crop adaptability through biotechnology is a critical support mechanism for precision agriculture.