Recent years have brought countless advancements in all fields of our life – from everyday task management and shopping to medicine and education. Agriculture has also benefited from scientific research, and we are just beginning to utilize the potential of recent discoveries to their fullest. Take for example the use of drones – apart from being a great gadget for taking selfies and videos of your dog running in the fields, they can provide valuable information about weather conditions, air quality, and data about crop development.
In this article we will list a few of the technological advancements which will make the future of agriculture brighter, as well as a few startups which are already implementing them.
Minimal tillage techniques
We’ve already touched on the no-till method in our article on soil health. In recent years people are awakening to the realization that it’s not overusing the soil that works best but keeping it in an optimal condition. This is why many people are turning to innovative ways to plant seeds without tilling (using grain drills), as well as reducing the need for tilling between crop cycles.
Electronics & Agriculture
Many companies are already starting to implement different sensors and devices into their machinery to closely monitor soil and crop needs and deliver targeted care only where it’s needed. This leads to decreased use of pesticides and fertilizers, thus increasing profits and helping the soil stay healthy. Nature is thankful, too!
Drip Irrigation
As this technology becomes more widely spread it becomes clear that it not only helps provide more targeted water solutions but also reduce many other problems, including some diseases. Drip irrigation combined with sensors for monitoring the need for water also means less water wasted overall.
Vertical Farming
Especially popular for urban spaces, this type of farming takes your backyard garden to the next level. So many plants adapt to vertical placement, and it’s only a matter of time for this to become the standard for urban farming – or even apartment farming!
How about a few startups that use technology to improve agriculture?
AeroFarms
Imagine having your favorite leafy greens and herbs without worrying about sunlight or soil. It’s now possible with this vertical farming system – the nutrients are sprayed on the roots of the plants directly!
GreenWave
This open-source startup is focused on growing low-input shellfish and seaweeds. Their «columns» are underwater and have a low ecological footprint, while the produce can be used as food, fertilizer, animal feed and more.
Memphis Meats
When speaking about agriculture, we can’t skip meat production. This startup has received enormous support for their research into creating meat without the need to feed, breed and slaughter animals. The meat is produced from animal cells and will not lose its taste!
How about you – what types of technology are you using in your farming life? And how do you imagine the future of agriculture?
