Innovation in agriculture works to increase yields and productivity, as well as make operations more sustainable. A growing population, expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 means increased food production is necessary. Food production needs to increase, but the natural resources available stay the same. Agribusinesses and agriculture experts are relying on innovation to keep up with the increased demand for agriculture products now more than ever. Developing strategies and practices that promote sustainability is an essential component of agriculture technologies that make it to mainstream markets. The Global Productivity Report highlights the decline in productivity further emphasizing the need for agriculture technologies that will increase productivity and sustainability. While there are many innovations within agriculture technology, experts list several innovation trends that are on the rise.
Biostimulants
Biologicals and biostimulants are a large part of the industry’s effort to foster sustainability and increase production. These products are naturally derived and used as inputs to help plants grow, improve soil health and increase crop stress tolerance. When considering sustainability, soil health is considered extremely important in increasing productivity. Biostimulants are improving soil health by stimulating, enhancing, feeding and shifting the microbiome. They are also leveraging the microbiome to improve phosphate availability. Biostimulants are used in conjunction with conventional input products in what is called an integrated pest management system to combat pesticide resistance and better manage pest control. The market for biologicals is expected to reach 7.6 billion by 2029, which emphasizes its importance to the future of agriculture.
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture is becoming increasingly popular as the industry works to increase production and sustainability. Precision agriculture includes many different technologies all with the goal of applying resources precisely based on various factors such as weather, soil health and geography. Some examples of precision agriculture technologies include remote sensing platforms, in ground sensors, targeted spray systems and automated mechanical weeders. Drones are used to survey crops and provide measurements, sensors can measure the exact conditions of plants to determine the exact amount of inputs required to sustain them. Mechanical weeding and targeted spray systems use machine learning to precisely spray and weed, thus saving money on inputs and protecting the crops from unnecessary damage in the weeding process.
Climate-Smart Farming
Agribusinesses recognize the need to increase sustainability and farm in a way that stewards the environment in a positive way. Climate smart farming is not one specific technology, but rather include many innovations with the intent of increasing sustainability. Experts explain that technologies allow for the measurement of carbon emission and how much is sequestered. This is important so that the innovations can be tested for their impact on the environment. Other innovations like water utilization efficiency and nutrient optimization are assisting farmers in carrying out climate smart farming.
Final Thoughts
Innovative agriculture technologies are transforming the industry by increasing productivity and sustainability. Adopting new technologies and adapting practices has moved from a want to a need as the population grows and the industry faces climate challenges. Biostimulants, precision agriculture and climate smart technologies along with many other innovations are part of the solution to increase productivity and promote sustainability. With innovation like these technologies, farmers can meet the challenge of feeding the growing population as sustainably as possible.