The Use of IoT in Agriculture Solutions
Modern agriculture solutions are developed using existing as well as emerging new technologies to make them more efficient, effective, and reliable. Some of these technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), data analytics, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), and blockchain. IoT applications in agriculture have been popular recently due to their ability to connect various systems remotely and enable faster communication. IoT is used in agriculture for management systems, data analytics, as well as futuristic robot pollinators. IoT applications in agriculture solutions such as Agriculture operations, spaces, and vehicles are discussed below:
Agriculture vehicles: The core of productive agriculture are the efficient application of agriculture vehicles such as smart vehicles, automated vehicles, and other operation carrying vehicles such as seeding, chemical spraying, harvesting and so forth. Modern agriculture vehicles are compact and equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), sensors, ML, and computer vision. It allows them to self-drive, self-observe, self-learn, self-decide, self-improve, and carry out necessary operations in the field. Farmers need to only monitor and control these vehicles whenever needed.
Drones: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) also popularly known as drones have gained tremendous popularity in the agriculture sector. IoT-enabled drones are used in smart agriculture solutions as a tool for on-demand irrigation, field mapping, field monitoring, crop tracking, and pesticide treatment. Agritech companies offer drones to periodically monitor and track crop growth and soil health that reduces farmers’ need to be physically present and observe each crop and its health. With the maturity of technologies used in drone technology, the capabilities and accuracy of drones are enhancing making them suitable for optimised field activities. Drones outstanding flight capabilities and accurate chemical spraying help to reduce 30% of pesticide and 90% water usage. Beyond that, drones are also used for pollination on which many farming productions are dependent.
Smart agriculture equipment: Technology is adding smartness to each agriculture solution such as lights, coolers, sprinklers, and heaters. IoT application in agriculture is not limited to multiplying productivity and reducing investments, but also includes reduced carbon footprint and preserving energy and natural resources. Automated irrigation systems like smart sprinklers reduce water consumption making agriculture sustainable. Connected heaters and coolers in transportation and storage facilities create suitable preserving conditions for particular products reducing damage and wasted products. Greenhouse farming has become common but automatically adjustable LED lighting is a new trend that ensures each part of the greenhouse gets the accurate amount of light.
IoT application in agriculture has no limits, new solutions will keep coming with rigorous research and development.
