Farming practices have changed radically over time, from simple hand tools to the new, advanced machines we use today. Farmers are currently welcoming modernity, allowing them to maximize their capability in whatever agricultural endeavor they want to engage in. Farming practices are becoming more refined, little manual labor is decreasing, yields are rising, and it is not unusual to see beef cows, beef cattle, and milk cows on the same farm. What, though, is triggering these shifts? The answer is simple. Science and technology!
Agriculture is no exception to the technological advances that have permeated every sector around the world. Technology such as agricultural electronics manufacturing and lighting electronics manufacturing is now greatly assisting farmers and growers in various areas, including accurate forecasts, data-driven decision-making, and much more. The reforms have profited most farmers’ bottom lines, resulting in more accessibility to agricultural goods at fair prices. Let’s look at how technology has transformed agriculture in particular ways.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
The thought of tractors pulling themselves around the farm was unthinkable a few decades ago. The introduction of GPS technology, on the other hand, has changed everything. GPS provides accurate positioning data anytime on or near the planet’s surface. Because of this, farming machines equipped with GPS receivers will identify their place inside the farm and adapt their operation to maximize productivity at the location.
Tractors equipped with GPS technology and automated steering systems are now utilized to maximize seed positioning on farms, minimizing waste and costs. GPS-guided drones are now widely being used for crop spraying, livestock tracking, and 3D imaging.
Sensors
Farmers are constantly using sensors, such as GPS technologies, to understand their crops at a micro level, reduce environmental effects, and save energy. The majority of precision agriculture sensing technologies offer vital data that enables farmers to adapt their approaches to environmental factors.
Location detectors utilize GPS satellite signals to determine longitude, latitude, and altitude. A farmer ought to have three or more satellites to triangulate a place accurately. In precision agriculture, optical detectors collect and process information on plant color and soil reflectance. They are specifically used to assess the soil’s organic matter, moisture content, and clay content.
Sensors will typically quantify anything from soil temperature to humidity levels in grain silos. They can also have vital awareness of land quality. Importantly, sensor technology enables farmers to use irrigation water more effectively, reducing waste and costs.
Mobile Phones
As technology improves daily, mobile phone technology has improved, according to the number of programs popping up. This development has considerably impacted every sphere of life, together with agriculture also benefiting from the progress.
The actual game changes happen to be cellular programs. They’ve changed the lives of farmers and agricultural area holders for the better. Farmers can access several mobile programs that can help them gather information on their area farms, check the weather, and receive relevant updates.
With farmers receiving insightful details from cellular apps, they’re quickly transitioning from managing fields to generating farm maps and easing drones. The program behind the apps places them in the drivers’ seat when working, all from strategy formulation to monitoring progress.