GPS in farming
When sowing, BioBoerma makes use of a GPS (Global Positioning System).
How does this work? GPS is a form of orientation by means of satellites. The satellites send signals to the earth, and by measuring the time each signal took to reach the earth, the exact distance to the satellite may be found. This way, we can know the spot we are in on earth. In farming, a GPS is placed in a tractor, and stations of reference are used to get an even more exact position. In fact, the GPS takes over the control of the vehicle, that is provided with a computer to this end. When the piece of land has been measured, BioBoerma places the tractor at the edge of the straight furrow, and the automatic driver is started. Now, the GPS takes control of the vehicle and the driver is able te concentrate on the machines placed in front of ar behind the tractor.
This way, BioBoerma is able to sow in an exact straight line. This is very important for the cultivation of the plants during their growth, as the weeding is done not just by hand, by also by using weeding machines. These machines are used to weed the weeds closest to the plants, so the plants may be harmed if they have not been sown in as straight a line as possibe.

Sprinkling of the land
When the weather in the Netherland is dry and hot, the crops need to receive some additional water. In order to provide htis, BioBoerma uses sprinkling machines. Any one of those machines is able to provide some 22.000 gallon water per hour. Dependent on the length of the field, the machine is transferred to the next piece of land every couple of hours. This process is continued night and day until the crops have received sufficient water to grow on. Especially in Flevoland you can see many sprinkling machines running during warm spells.