Digital Farming
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As the world population continues to grow, it is more important than ever to find sustainable ways to produce food. Agriculture has always been an inherently wasteful industry, with a huge percentage of crops being lost to pests, diseases, and bad weather. However, new technologies are beginning to emerge that can help farmers to reduce losses and produce food more efficiently. For example, precision agriculture uses sensors and GPS tracking to manage irrigation and fertilization, while robotic systems can be used for tasks like weeding and fruit picking. These technologies can help farmers to produce more food with fewer resources, making agriculture more sustainable in the long run. In addition, these technologies can also help to reduce labor costs, making farming a more viable profession for young people. As the world looks for ways to feed a growing population in a sustainable way, farmers who embrace new technology will be well positioned to meet that challenge.
Ecosystems
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, consider these ways your farm and acreage can become more environmentally friendly and climate-smart.
Reduce Soil Tillage. This preserves soil structure for better water absorption and holds soil in place. It also sequesters carbon, which may slow climate change. CropLife International says reduced soil tillage could equal the same reduced carbon emissions as taking 12.4 million cars off the road.
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Rotate Crops. Biodiversity adds to the mix of soil microorganisms, improving soil health. It also helps control pests that thrive in one crop but starve out in another. Legumes like alfalfa or soybeans add nitrogen to the soil, where it is available for the next year’s corn crop. University of Wisconsin Extension research says corn following alfalfa may not need any supplemental nitrogen.
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Use Low-Pressure Irrigation. Pivot irrigation systems usually spew water skyward under 100 pounds of pressure. Low-pressure drop tubes dribble the water over the crop canopy at about 30 pounds, saving energy. An even bigger savings is 15% less water lost to evaporation.
Plant Cover Crops. These cool-weather plants keep the ground covered between growing seasons. They prevent soil erosion, hold nutrients, suppress weeds and improve soil health. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) experts say cover crops can also save you money, especially if you can use them to graze livestock rather than feed hay or silage.
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Dispose of Outdated Pesticides. The product label may tell you how to properly dispose of it. Or, your state may participate in a program called Clean Sweep, which collects and disposes of old pesticides from farms. The Illinois Department of Agriculture, for instance, uses EPA funding to conduct annual Clean Sweep programs in rotating regions.
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Support Pollinators. Bees and butterflies pollinate flowering crops as they gather nectar. Their numbers are in decline, partly due to loss of habitat. You can seed bee-friendly flowering plants in fence lines, road ditches or other untilled areas. According to the NRCS, most wild bees are bumble, digger and sweat. They nest in dry twigs, dead branches or in the ground.
Agro-analytics
Agro analytics is the use of technology to collect and analyze data about farmland and crops. This data can be used to improve yields, reduce inputs costs, and make more informed decisions about agricultural production. Agro analytics often relies on sensors and drones to collect data about crops, soil, and weather conditions. This data is then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and trends. By understanding these patterns, farmers can make better decisions about irrigation, fertilizer use, and crop rotations. In addition, agro analytics can help identify problems such as crop diseases and pests. By using data to improve agricultural production, agro analytics has the potential to transform the way we grow food.