Although it’s one of the oldest industries in the world, the evolution in agriculture technology has transformed the industry, advancing the efficiency and productivity of many farms. Now, an increase in data and connectivity can further enhance agriculture outputs, possibly leading to greater long-term sustainability. Farmers and other agricultural businesses are turning to artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive growth.
Technology trends in agriculture
Agriculture business owners are looking to new ways of farming to allow for increased crop yields and to reduce waste caused by overwatering, the spread of pathogens, and harsh weather.
Vertical farming & commercial greenhouses
Vertical farming is the process of planting and harvesting seeds in rows and columns, the same way you find food in the grocery store. The reason commercial greenhouses like these are increasing in popularity is because of their ability to help with climate control and spacing issues, major pain points in more traditional farming practices.
Smart farming & automations
The use of drones to automate various labour-intensive tasks has added improvements in efficiency and data for many commercial farmers. Drones can create 3D maps for soil analysis, seeding, or spraying crops with insecticides. Cameras on drones are also used to scan crops and analyze their health. Meanwhile, autonomous vehicles and robotics help with distributing seeds and fertilization.
Livestock tech
Livestock technology allows farmers to closely monitor their livestock and improve the animals’ health and wellbeing. Health trackers and pedometers enable farmers to detect illness or injury, and take preventive measures to limit the risk of herd infection.
Barns are also being outfitted with technology to optimize living conditions for temperature control, to automate lighting, and to provide ventilation. Even nutrition is affected by livestock tech, with modern agriculture technology indicating whether the feed requires supplements.
Precision agriculture
Precision agriculture enables farmers to assess certain, small variables that alter their ability to do their work in the most efficient manner, and can use this data to change their practices, saving money and time while also improving the quality of produce.
For example, farmers can use precision farming to use drip irrigation to decrease water use and increase the lifetime of a soil’s fertility. Precision farming can also mean experimenting with nitrogen levels in your fertilizer to see if a certain percentage yields a more fruitful harvest.
IoT sensors
Smart agriculture refers to the use of Internet of Things solutions in farming and other agriculture enterprises, integrating tech gained across the world for optimal yield and production. Sensors help farmers monitoring their crops and livestock to ensure health and can even be used to suggest predictive maintenance for equipment.
Sensors connected to greenhouses can record data on the best times for lighting, temperature, and humidity preferences of crops, and soil and water sensors can easily detect moisture and nitrogen levels, alerting farmers when crops require watering or fertilization.
RFID & Blockchain
Emerging technologies in agriculture include radio frequency identification (RFID) and blockchain. Farmers use RFID and blockchain to improve, track, and manage produce through their entire supply chain. Crops and animals alike are tagged with distinct ID numbers using RFID. Those ID numbers are then tracked using blockchain through the sales cycle, reducing waste, allowing customers to trace food to its source, and increasing supply chain visibility.
Customers simply scan a barcode with their smartphone and see where their produce comes from, including details as specific as the type of soil it was grown in.
AI farming solutions
Artificial intelligence enables farmers to make personalized decisions based on their unique needs. Using AI, farmers can predict the best times to sow their crops based on weather and pricing forecasts. They can use robotic machines to conduct global weather analysis for more accurate and efficient harvesting, as well as improve efficiencies by enabling precision agriculture, saving farmers money and conserving resources.
Agricultural biotechnology
Another emerging agriculture technology trend is in the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Using biotechnology, farmers produce crops that are more resilient and easier to control, resulting in less waste. Genetically modified crops can be developed to resist specific diseases or pests, reducing the need for invasive actions such as synthetic pesticides and lessening a crop’s environmental impact.
New adaptations may result in plants that remove pollutants from the soil, further improving the sustainability and reducing a farm’s environmental footprint. Ultimately, agricultural biotechnology can make crop development safer and easier while also improving profitability through yield and harvesting optimizations.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an opinion on any issue. It should not be regarded as comprehensive or a substitute for professional advice.