In recent years, technology in agriculture, also known as AgTech, has rapidly changed the agri-industry. Our agri farmers have grown continuously and have the potential to affect resource availability going forward. In recent studies, it was found that the agriculture industry’s output must increase by 60% by 2030. How do they do it? People in the industries- Farmers and food producers must embrace the digital transformation trends in agriculture.
By using advanced technologies as a sustainable resource, they will be able to take agriculture to new heights. Here are some technologies that will give you accurate yield of your crops :
Farm equipment is getting larger so farmers can cover more acres faster. But this means more weight on the vehicles, which leads to soil compaction. Soil compaction robs crop yields.
To tackle this problem, tire makers are developing new tire technologies to transfer the weight across a larger area. As a result, tires today are up to 7.5 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide and have more flexible side walls that can withstand heavier weights than standard radials. The bigger the footprint, the tighter the pressure applied to the ground. A good analogy of this concept is that a 100-lb. woman in high-heeled shoes exerts more weight per square inch than a 200-lb. man in work boots.
New tire technologies include increased flexion, very high flexion, and radial plus. Tires with these technologies can be run at 20 to 40% lower air pressures than standard radial tires, which create a longer footprint.
Imagine pulling up on your mobile computer a map that shows where all your vehicles are operating and their fuel levels, how much product has been applied or how much crop harvested, and even if a piece of equipment is ready to break down.
This is now possible with telematic products that allow navigation, prescription application, location and other data to be transferred easily to and from farm machinery. These systems help farmers improve efficiencies on high-priced equipment.
Soil and crop sensors
More farm equipment today is being outfitted with smart sensors that can read everything from plant health and water needs in the crop to nitrogen levels in the soil. The sensors then enable on-the-go application of inputs based on real-time field conditions. Sensors help optimize water use and avoid yield loss.
These intelligent systems measure light reflectance from the crop that translates into nitrogen levels. Electronic controllers connected to the sensors then signal application systems to apply the correct amount of nitrogen the crop needs.
Sensor technology also is available to measure soil features like soil electrical conductivity, ground elevation, organic matter content and pH. For example, Veris Technologies, Geonics and Dualem all make different types of soil sensors.
Expect to see more biological pest control and growth enhancements as farmers look for more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient crop inputs. Advanced technologies are also helping companies to quickly multiply beneficial organisms, thus driving development of new biology.
Fungicides are used to protect soybeans. A water soluble seed polymer has also designed to bind biological performance enhancers and seed protectants onto seed in organic production systems. Novozymes BioAg has focused on biofertility products.
Precision agriculture technologies are becoming more robust and more precise, ushering in an era of hyper precision. The widespread adoption of RTK navigation systems is driving the hyper precision era. This has occurred as the cost of RTK navigation systems continues to fall and radio- and/or cellular-based correction networks have come online practically everywhere in the Corn Belt.
Manufacturers are introducing controllers, drives and shut off systems with ever-finer resolution and the ability to apply multiple products at variable rates.
Controlled traffic systems, such as strip till, also become a reality. The same goes for on-the-fly installation of drainage tile, and more.
Electric drive systems
Someday farmers will see tractors, sprayers and other farm vehicles generate electric power to run auxiliaries and attachments. This move will occur as farm vehicles become larger and more complex. It takes extra engine power to operate all these extra features.
Electrification should start appearing after Tier 4 engines are fully developed and introduced. Equipment manufacturers have invested large portions of research and development budgets to meet the stringent EPA emissions guidelines. That money will open up in a few years.
A few manufacturers already have completed work on electrification. The 311-hp vehicle has been equipped with a 650v electric generator that sent power to electric wheel motors.
John Deere showed a prototype tractor that produced electricity at a farm in Europe. The 7530 E-Premium featured a crankshaft-driven electric generator, which replaced the standard alternator. The generator was attached to the engine flywheel to produce 20 kW of electricity. A few of the features operated with electricity were air conditioning, engine cooling and air brakes.
Portable computers and smartphones are destined to widely populate farm tractor cabs, pickups and offices in the future.
Ag-specific mobile computers continue to be based on the Windows operating system. This allows them to run Windows-based software that dominates the agriculture market. Few Companies have recently introduced new Windows Mobile rugged handhelds with enhanced features, including more powerful processors, GPS, high-resolution cameras and built-in wireless and cellular communications capabilities.