Equipment Used in Agricultural Technology

Agriculture started 10,000 years ago, making it the first and oldest industry. Farmers at the time were the first professionals to work in history. To farm their lands, they used cattle like cows and donkeys. We have come a long way since then. The agricultural industry has completely transformed since the adoption of technology. In this blog, we’ll look at these innovations and how they are used in agriculture. 

Harvest Automation

Harvest automation is the use of automated systems and equipment to improve the efficiency of harvesting crops. Automation can help farmers by,

• Saving Time
• Reducing Costs
• Reducing Labour
• Increasing Quality 

Harvest automation also includes using Computer Vision (CV) systems to identify and track crop growth. These systems monitor crop health and provide farmers with real-time data on their crops. The most common type of harvest automation is as follows. 

 

• Robotic Harvesters

 

• These machines are programmed to identify and harvest ripe crops quickly and efficiently. They can also be programmed to sort and package the harvested crops for the market. Other types of automated harvesting equipment include 

 

• Self-Propelled Harvesters

 

• Self-propelled harvesters can move around the field and harvest crops with minimal human intervention.

 

• Conveyor Systems

 

• Conveyor systems move harvested crops from the field to storage areas.

 

• Automated Crop-Sorting Systems

 

• Automated crop-sorting systems can quickly and accurately sort harvested crops into different categories.

Autonomous Tractors

Autonomous tractors are one of the most important pieces of equipments used in agricultural technology. Autonomous tractors are robotic machines that are capable of navigating and performing tasks on their own. They are safer than traditional tractors as they can avoid obstacles and respond to environmental changes. 

They are equipped with sensors and GPS navigation systems that allow them to move around the field without human intervention. They can be programmed to perform various tasks, such as, 

• Ploughing
• Seeding
• Harvesting

Data Collection And Storage

Farmers can now collect data, which is used to monitor the performance of crops and livestock and to track the progress of various agricultural projects. The data collected is in various ways, including using,

• Sensors
• Sensors collect data on soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors. This data can then be stored in a database or cloud-based system. 
• Drones
• Drones can collect data on crop health, soil conditions, and other factors. This data can then be used to make decisions about crop management and other agricultural activities.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools used in agricultural technology to help farmers make better decisions about their land and crops. It is used to create detailed maps of agricultural land and detailed records of land use and soil composition, which can inform crop management decisions. GIS technology combines. 

• Satellite imagery
• Aerial photography
• Geographic data

This data is then used to help farmers identify areas of potential crop growth, potential pest infestations, and other factors that can impact their crops.  GIS technology also allows farmers to monitor their land in real-time and respond quickly to changing conditions. 

Robotic Technology 

Robotic technology can automate many tasks traditionally done by hand in farming. This includes tasks such as,

• Harvesting 
• Planting 
• Weeding 
• Spraying 
• monitoring crops
• Monitoring soil conditions
• Detecting pests
• Detecting diseases

Robots can also be used to perform precision agriculture. This involves using sensors and other technologies to measure and monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. This data is then used to optimise crop yields and reduce the amount of raw material and resources required. Robots can be used to transport goods and materials. This can reduce the need for human labour and make moving goods from one place to another easier. 

Smart Agriculture Sensors 

These sensors provide real-time environmental data, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about their land and crops. Smart sensors can give farmers the information they need to optimise their crops and maximise their yields by measuring factors such as,

• Soil moisture
• Temperature
• Nutrient levels

Smart agriculture sensors are typically connected to a computer or mobile device, allowing farmers to monitor their fields from anywhere. This data can be used to adjust irrigation, fertilisation, and other practices to ensure maximum efficiency and yield.

Conclusion

The use of agricultural technology has revolutionised the way farmers work and increased the efficiency of their operations. Farmers can take advantage of innovations and become more efficient and sustainable as technology evolves.

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