The world’s population rests at about 7.5 billion, and it’s expected to grow to around 9.8 billion by 2050. To feed that many people, we’ll need to produce 70 percent more food. One part of the solution to this growing demand could be smart farming powered by the Internet of Things.
The industry has quickly adopted this advanced technology. Between 2016 and 2022, the smart agriculture market is forecast to grow from $5.18 billion in 2016 to $11.23 billion, a 13.27 percent compound annual growth rate. How are farmers using this smart technology? Here are a few examples.
Crop Monitoring
By using sensors powered by the Internet of Things, meaning they connect to the internet and each other through that connection, farmers can get precise information about various factors that impact their farming operations. Depending on the sensors used, they can gather data on crop health and maturity, soil condition, water and fertiliser use and more.
Farmers can place these sensors in fields, underground and on drones that fly over farmlands. Sensors placed in the soil can measure characteristics such as soil moisture, acidity and air permeability.
Optical sensors placed on tractors, drones or satellites can analyse soil condition as well. They can also provide information on plant health by evaluating plant colour, size and growth rate.
Farmers can view this data remotely from their smartphone or computer, enabling them to take care of other tasks while still keeping an eye on their crops.
Having all of this real-time information means farmers can use their resources more efficiently. This detailed data informs farmers of precisely how much water, fertiliser and other resources their crops need to thrive, which saves them both money and time.
Livestock Monitoring
Farmers can also use sensors to monitor their livestock and get information about herd location, activity and health sent right to their smartphones.
One such technology, called Cattlewatch, uses solar-powered hub collars that a few cattle wear, and smaller ear tags powered by lithium batteries for the rest of the herd. All of these sensors communicate with each other, giving the farmer a full picture of the herd’s location.
The system also provides the farmer with information about the herd’s walking time, resting time, grazing time and water consumption, allowing them to keep tabs on their cattle’s health. By setting up a geofence, you can also use the system to get warnings about potential theft and predators.
There’s also a similar system, called Moocall, explicitly designed for use with pregnant cows. When it detects motion potentially caused by labour, it sends an alert to the farmer’s smartphone.
Autonomous Tractors
As driverless cars continue to make the news, a similar but less publicised change takes place in agriculture. For years, tractors have become increasingly autonomous by using much of the same technology that driverless cars do. Companies like Case IH, New Holland and John Deere have started developing fully autonomous tractors that may begin seeing real-world use soon.
These vehicles use GPS technology, sensors and remote control to navigate themselves around a farm field. Farmers can map out the path their tractor will take in advance using GPS. It will follow this path precisely, allowing for minimal overall between passes, which increases operational efficiency. Many of these tractors are also fitted with sensors to detect and avoid unexpected obstacles.
Although farmers aren’t using fully autonomous tractors yet, farmers could one day set them loose to plant their fields while they focus on other important tasks. Both fully and partially autonomous tractors enhance farmers’ ability to plant in low-light conditions.
Many of these driverless tractors also come equipped with sensors that collect information on soil condition. They also automatically plant seeds with exceptional accuracy, resulting in higher yields and increased profits.
Pest Control
Pests such as insects and rats present constant challenges for farmers. It’s often difficult to predict when pests will become a problem and pinpoint their location. If farmers could do so, they could make their pest control practices much more accurate and reduce losses. The IoT may help make this a reality.
By placing sensors in fields, using smart traps and monitoring weather and other factors, farmers can get a better understanding of their pest situation. Crop sensors like the ones mentioned earlier can provide them with information about plant health, including evidence of pests. Soil monitors can also track the amount of pesticide in the soil, helping farmers to use them more efficiently and minimise environmental impacts.
Smart traps can also be used to approximate the size and location of pest populations, helping farmers prepare to take action. Monitoring local weather and other factors that impact pest activity can help with this as well.
Combining all of these technologies can create a full pest control solution that enables more efficient resource use and reduces losses due to pests.
A farm that uses IoT technology has the potential for more efficiency and productiveness. Farmers can use this advanced technology to monitor their crops, livestock and other assets while reducing their workload, improving their yields and increasing their profits. Not only is this a plus for farmers, but it could also help to feed the world’s growing population.
