The advancement in technology and innovation has greatly shaped agriculture throughout time.
Technological evolution in agriculture, which began some 10,000 years ago, was limited to simple tools that gave farmers a bit of relief from work.
Modern agriculture tools and equipment are better, faster, and more about sustainability. These tools provide data, hardware, software, sensors, and analytic ability to farmers to see beyond what a human eye can.
For example, there is an innovative multispectral analysis that is helping farmers understand which crops are doing well. This analysis allows them to see how plants reflect and absorb different wavelengths of sunlight.
Throughout the agriculture industry, the application of technology and major innovations has increased control over production, contributing to the sustainability of agriculture systems.
What Role Does Technology Play in Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems?
Technology plays a vital role in agriculture sustainability. Various innovations such as wireless communication, sensor technology, machine learning, Farm ERP Software and positioning systems are a few instances of technology that are empowering farmers to produce sustainable food.
The application of these smart tech can help farmers use proper data for better decision-making and automate processes to produce more food for the long haul.
However, as a farm owner, you might find it challenging to opt for and implement appropriate technology to achieve sustainability in production.
To help you with this intimidating task, we have listed the 5 best technologies that will continue to help farmers across the world to keep their farms sustainable:
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5 Technologies That Can Make Agriculture Sustainable
Self-driving Tractors
Self-driving tractors run automatically. With self-driving and GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled tractors, you only need to program routes, and they can navigate their way across the field.
In addition to that, John Deere’s groundbreaking innovation can drive more efficiency. He has introduced probably the first fully autonomous tractor that does not even need the farmer to operate in the cab.
The tractor can navigate its way more precisely and is able to do the job on time and at a high level of quality.
Fitbits for Cows
Just the way humans use fitness trackers, there are wearable devices that can be used for animals.
You can put Fitbits on cows to track their vitals, including temperature, activity, and behavior (such as sleeping, lameness, eating) to treat them in time and improve their health and comfort.
This technology helps you identify diseases at an early stage to prevent their spread among other animals.
GPS technology
Back in 2001, John Deere installed GPS technology on his tractor.
GPS technology is developed not only for tractors but also for other equipment to help farmers with crop sampling, field mapping, and crop scouting.
It allows you to work during low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, and dust with maximum efficiency.
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is a popular technique for growing crops indoors in vertical settings.
This practice involves producing crops in controlled environments where you closely monitor every parameter that affects the growth of cultivation.
Vertical farms use smart devices to measure variables, such as temperature, oxygen levels, nutrient concentration, and pest control. They also harness sensors and imaging technology to control plant growth, temperature, and more.
By ensuring a closely controlled environment, you can grow fresh, pest-free crops throughout the year.
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Sensors
Sensors have the ability to predict different farm conditions. They are of different types and can be deployed from the ground and the air.
For example, if you place a multispectral sensor on a drone, it will capture data to help you better predict how you can water the crops.
Putting the same sensor on a tractor that is fertilizing the soil will help you see which crops need more or less nitrogen.
With in-field water sensors, you can also pinpoint the best times and rates for irrigation of specific sites.
To Sum Up
As a farmer, you may still watch weather forecasts anticipating the right conditions to grow more crops. However, the growth of your farm no longer relies on natural conditions.
Today, technology mimics the natural environments and provides you with an appropriate and controlled environment to continue cultivating the crops.
Many modern farmers rely on technology to derive greater yields. New tech solutions provide precision and efficiency in growing crops, helping you produce food with consistency over time.
From self-driving tractors to Fitbits, disruptive technology has a great potential to make your food systems sustainable.
