As the population has increased, the requirement for food is increased. It is challenging in the agriculture industry to meet people’s requirements without harming the environment. The technologies conventionally used in the agriculture industry produce more fossil fuels and are becoming a cause of global warming. Many innovative ideas can help the environment become more sustainable. We have shared a brief of these technologies below.
Renewable Energy
The source of energy that can replenish itself comes under the renewable energy source. The introduction of renewable energy in agriculture has proven a revolutionary idea. We can use the following renewable energy:
- Solar– This concept uses the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The electricity produced by sun rays can be used for running agriculture machinery, running the water pump.
- Solar Thermal– This is the concept of conversion of solar energy into heat energy. The heat from the sun is used to heat water, heat underground soil, greenhouse, etc.
- Wind- wind turbines are used by farmers for water pump purposes.
- Biomass– The residues of crops can be used and can be converted into energies like heat, and electricity.
Also Read :> Agriculture Biotechnology, Revolutionizing Indian Farming Practices
Zero Tillage
The farmers who do not have heavy machinery can use zero Tillage, Zero tillage farming eliminates the need to plow. The benefits of zero tillage farming are the rate of soil carbon absorption is improved. Zero tillage farming does not disturb the soil before the seeding process, the farmer directly sows the seed without digging the soil. Some of the benefits of zero tillage farming are below.
- less money needed
- now heavy machinery needed
- saving water
- reducing greenhouse gases
- less soil erosion
Biotechnology
You can understand biotechnology with genetically modified organisms. Scientists have modified the DNA of many crops for experimental purposes and the results have shown in high yield and more bearable to climate change. Scientists try to make seeds that can have multiple traits that can benefit humans. The genetically modified crops can handle more heat and have the capability to survive with less water.
Organic Farming
Organic farming does not use pesticides and fertilizers in the crops. Organic farming aims to improve soil health and human health. In the long run, soil health automatically improves when no pesticides are added to the soil. The farmers used the old method of crop rotation to increase the soil health and to control pests in the crop.
Vertical farming
Vertical farming is the new concept of utilization of land. The same land with vertical farming produces more yield as compared to horizontal farming. Vertical farming comes with the benefit of improved soil health, reduced water consumption, and reduced fertilizer waste. The crops under vertical farming are within the controlled temperature which leads to fewer diseases or pests in the crops.
Irrigation Monitoring
Irrigation is an important part of agriculture that supplies water to the crops. The amount of water supply can produce more yield or can turn into reduced yield. Water needs proper monitoring of the crops. In the 21st century, farmers can use wireless and remotely controlled irrigation methods to control the water supply.
Integrated Pest Management
Pests sometimes destroy whole crops. It is necessary to use Integrated Pest Management which is eco-friendly. The IPM techniques avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and do not leave any toxic footprint on the agricultural land. The agricultural land can be healthier with the use of IPM.
Drones
The use of drones in farming has proven to be beneficial. The farmers now do not need to depend on guesswork, they can opt the precision farming. Drones are beneficial in monitoring crops. Drones are linked with sensors and cameras that are valuable for the farmers. The farmers can use drones to manage livestock, spray fertilizer on the crop, and do irrigation mapping.
Farming Robots
Yes, robots can be used in the agriculture field. Drones fly in the sky and robots operate on the land. Farmers can monitor the robots and operate them as needed. The work that is difficult for humans to perform on land can be done with the help of robots like spraying pesticides.
Fleet Management Technology
Fleet management is a new technology that utilizes the services of GPS systems in agriculture. This renewable energy keeps a record of engine speed, usage, what is the next work that you have to do, and what has been done till now. The Fleet management can monitor how to fully utilize the agriculture equipment. Currently, the price of Fleet management is not as low as it can be available to everyone.
Digital Sensors
Sensors are used in the Agriculture field to monitor various aspects of the land. Sensors on Agricultural land can be used to collect micro-climate data, to check pH levels of the soil and sensors can detect the movement of animals. The farmers can make decisions based on the inputs from the sensors. The benefits of digital sensors are below.
- sensors can be used to maximize production
- conserve water
- conserve fertilizers
- reduce waste
- increase yield
Conclusion
We all want the earth to be preserved, each resource on earth should be utilized properly and we should not produce untreatable waste. When farmers are aware of the renewable technologies in the field, their way of farming will be changed and the farmers can produce more yield from the same land. Renewable sources are eco-friendly and will save lots of money. There is a need for awareness of these techniques to farmers and all over the world, farmers must have access to these technologies.