Benefits of Precision Farming Technology
Reducing the Environmental Impact of the Farm
For an explanation of precision technology the reader might like to review the "Basics of Precision Agriculture Technology: How It Works" article.
When used to its fullest extent, precision technology reduces a farmer's fertilizer and water consumption-two essential components of farming. Because of their lack of micro-knowledge, farmers have had to resort to blanket applications of these two substances because they lack the necessary technology to pinpoint the smaller areas of real need. (The process is analogous to re-painting an entire wall, when only a small chip was in need of repair.)
Dangers of Fertilizer
On April 24, 2008, Science Daily reported that the use of excess fertilizer could be blamed for low oxygen levels in Gulf Coast water, a condition known as hypoxia that creates a “dead zone” in the ecosystem. Another report by Matthew Shaffer, Toxics Policy Advocate at CALPIRG Charitable Trust, on May 3, 2001 indicates that excessive use of fertilizer has also been known to cause birth defects due to high levels of metal contamination.
Water Shortages
Water is a resource that is in short supply, and unlike oil, there is no substitute for its dwindling supply. On January 24, 2009, Sue Reilly of Green Left, an Australian publication, warns the world that of the total water available on Earth, only 2.53% of it is fresh, drinkable water. Yet, two-thirds of that water is inaccessible, locked in glaciers and permanent snow. It is imperative that water be conserved. According to the Committee on International Relations on June 29, 2007, irrigation for farming is the largest consumer of water worldwide. Thus, focusing on reducing agricultural use of water would be a prudent move.
Water and Fertilizer Savings
Harold Reetz, director of External Support for the International Plant Nutrition Institute, in an August 5, 2008 article argues that by providing unprecedented precision, new agricultural technologies allow farmers to reduce their consumption of fertilizer and water at the same time, minimizing pollution and maximizing accessible drinking water.
The US Department of Agriculture in June 2007 reports that by updating irrigation systems with precision technology on a 280 acre farm, commercial farmers could save up to 5.7 million gallons of water annually. Testimonials for customers of the “Put Your Farm on the Map” initiative on October 10, 2008 expressed delight in saving over $71,000 in fuel, labor, repair, and increased productivity and timeliness of planting and harvesting.
New Seeding Patterns
Farmers are able to produce more food by switching to precision technologies. Precision technologies allow farmers to move from a simple one-in-a-line seeding pattern to a more complex hexagonal seeding patter that maximizes root space while minimizing the space between the seeds themselves-a process which would be nearly impossible without precision machinery.
Through this process farmers can produce more food in the same amount of space. This increase in supply can be used not only to feed Americans, but can also be shipped overseas for international food aid and trade.
By providing farmers with more knowledge about their farming practices, precision technology can reduce a farm's environmental footprint through reductions in fertilizer and water consumption patterns, and the ability to grow more food in the same amount of space.
To learn how precision machinery is changing the face of farming see "Implications of Farming Technologies: How Small Farmers Are Losing Their Jobs"
Raw Grain
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Technology
Latest Articles