Agricultural professionals and environmentalists have warned that rates of global population growth far exceed projections for available food supplies. Although census bureaus have noted a gradual deceleration in population growth, it is not enough to allay concerns about future food scarcity. The current world population is approximately 7.8 billion people. Agriculturalists and food scientists are busy working out how to feed a growing population. Precision farming and smart agrochemicals application are key to overcoming this ongoing challenge.
What is Precision Farming?
Precision farming, or smart agriculture, refers to a paradigm shift in crop rearing and animal husbandry. It is based on the increased uptake of 21st century solutions by commercial and intensive farms alike. This largely falls under the broader scope of Industry 4.0 which is driven by greater device interconnectivity and data integration, also known as the “Internet of Things” (IoT).
IoT Connectivity in Farms
High tech farming makes great use of IoT interconnectivity to offer farmers immediate access to rich analytical insights.. Large datasets can be gathered in real-time using a broad range of relevant sources, including drone surveillance and integrated sensors. These datapoints rapidly collate statistically relevant information and make high level overviews available to farmers at the push of a button.
For example, stock levels for agrochemicals can be automatically monitored using sensing elements integrated into purpose-built storage tanks. The right sensor will accurately provide a readout of current levels to assist with stock management and all-but eliminate shortages.
Sensors in Farms
The IoT revolution in smart farming depends squarely upon the use of advanced sensing solutions. These solutions provide a global view of all key aspects of production, right down to the micro scale. Farmers can use sensors to track animals and remotely monitor herd health, quickly identifying risk factors pointing towards sickness. Stock can always be continuously monitored without manual intervention. Pests can even be trapped and analyzed in the field, with information subsequently being transmitted wirelessly to any connected devices. Through geotagging and aerial surveillance, these details can be used to dictate future agrochemicals use.
Aerial Surveillance
Drone footage and satellite imaging has proven foundational for the next-generation of farmers. By leveraging an aerial view and global positioning data, coupled with soils analysis and historical trends on crops, farmers can precisely delineate fields on a best-fit basis. This maximizes future yields and provides a quantitative basis for employing specific nutrients, fertilizers, and other agrochemicals.
Learn More: What are Agrochemicals?
As part of the CABB Group, we offer a range of products and services integrated into the emerging agrochemicals supply chains of next-generation farms. Examples include dianhydride intermediates for the IoT value chain, and fine chemical custom manufacturing of active ingredients for environmentally sustainable agrochemicals. Want to learn more? Simply contact a member of the team today. We would be happy to help with any inquiries.
