Task Management

Weather-Based Prioritization and Dynamic Planning – The Right Task at the Right Time

Traditional planning based on calendar dates works poorly in agriculture, where weather dictates the possibilities. In Agdir, tasks are prioritized based on actual weather windows: spraying gets the highest priority when wind conditions are good, fertilization is prioritized before forecasted rain, and irrigation is postponed when rainfall is expected. This way, you always get the most profitable tasks done when the opportunity arises.

Weather-Based Prioritization – How It Works

Agdir analyzes weather windows for the coming days and ranks tasks based on how critical the timing is. A task that can only be carried out in one short weather window receives higher priority than tasks that can wait or have multiple opportunities. Priorities are automatically updated as weather forecasts change.

Criteria for Weather-Based Prioritization

  • Time Window and Frequency
    Tasks that can only be carried out in short, rare windows are prioritized highest.
  • Consequences of Delay
    Critical actions that cannot be postponed without loss are prioritized over flexible tasks.
  • Resource Availability
    Tasks are adapted to available equipment and personnel during favorable weather windows.
  • Field Status and Needs
    Tasks in fields with the highest needs (stress signals, critical timing) are prioritized.

Typical Weather-Based Prioritization Scenarios

  • Short Spraying Window (6 hours)
    All spraying tasks are immediately given top priority. Other activities are postponed or delegated.
  • Rain Forecast in 24 Hours
    Fertilization tasks that benefit from the coming rain are prioritized before other measures.
  • Extended High-Pressure Period
    Tasks requiring dry conditions are prioritized, while irrigation is postponed until the weather shifts.
  • Unstable Conditions (Variable Weather)
    Flexible tasks are prioritized to maximize short-term weather opportunities.

Dynamic Reprioritization – When Plans Change

  • Automatic Re-Planning
    When weather forecasts change, new priorities are calculated, and users are notified of updates.
  • Alternative Suggestions
    If the main plan cannot be executed, the system proposes alternative tasks suitable for current conditions.
  • Critical Escalation
    Tasks nearing their last possible weather window are given the highest priority and immediate alerts.
  • Resource Reallocation
    Equipment and personnel can be redistributed based on updated weather priorities.

Practical Tools for Dynamic Planning

  • Integrated Weather Forecasts
    Plans are continuously updated based on the latest forecasts.
  • Scenario Planning
    Prepare alternative plans for different weather developments ("What if the rain comes 12 hours earlier?").
  • Capacity Optimization
    Maximize the use of favorable weather windows through coordinated effort.
  • Time Buffers
    Automatic adjustment of time buffers based on forecast uncertainty.

Integration with Other Data Sources

  • Satellite Data
    Fields showing stress signals receive higher priority when weather windows open.
  • Sensor Alerts
    Critical sensor values (drought, frost) can override normal weather prioritizations.
  • Historical Data
    Learning from past seasons influences the prioritization of similar weather situations.

Communicating Changed Priorities

  • Immediate Alerts
    Critical changes in weather windows are sent as push notifications to relevant users.
  • Daily Plan Updates
    An automatically generated daily plan based on updated forecasts.
  • Team Coordination
    Changes are communicated across the team so that everyone follows the same priorities.

Flexibility and Overrides

  • Manual Adjustment
    Users can override weather-based priorities based on local knowledge or specific conditions.
  • Local Weather Correction
    If local weather stations differ from regional forecasts, priorities can be manually adjusted.
  • Critical Marking
    Certain tasks can be flagged as critical regardless of weather conditions.

Learning Effect and Improvement

  • Historical Analysis
    Compare planned vs. actual execution to improve prioritization algorithms.
  • Forecast Accuracy Evaluation
    Track how well forecasts matched reality and adjust planning accordingly.
  • User Feedback
    Gather feedback on prioritization accuracy to refine algorithms.

Practical Examples of Weather-Based Prioritization

  • Monday Morning: Unstable Forecast
    Spraying on 3 fields planned, but only a 6-hour window available. The system prioritizes the field with the highest disease pressure.
  • Tuesday Evening: Weather Shift Announced
    Fertilization benefiting from upcoming rain is moved to top priority over routine maintenance.
  • Wednesday: Extended High-Pressure Weather
    All weather-sensitive tasks are deprioritized; focus shifts to indoor activities and planning.

Summary

Weather-based prioritization makes planning more realistic and efficient. Instead of fighting the weather or missing valuable opportunities, the system adapts the plan to actual conditions and maximizes the value of each favorable day.

Enable weather-based prioritization for your tasks and experience how smart planning ensures better execution with less stress.