How Can Technology Help Farmers Protect Their Crops?

Extreme weather has forced farmers to be open to new crop preparation possibilities and avoid adverse effects. As farmers endure lower agricultural yields due to harsh weather, some consider other land use choices. Solar panels are an enticing option. They enable people to return excess energy to the grid while helping a greener energy future.

Fremont, CA: Today's farmers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, technology provides numerous options to make it easier. Here is how technology helps farmers protect their crops:

Predictive Analysis

Although humans cannot confidently forecast the future, well-trained computers can process massive volumes of data more efficiently than even the most diligent and dedicated farmers. Then, agricultural specialists can acquire projections concerning extreme weather occurrences to ensure the greatest potential outcomes based on what's on the horizon.

Predictive analytics, in addition to offering early warnings of catastrophic weather, can recommend which crops will withstand the conditions ahead. Some farmers also utilize this technology to control pests and guide irrigation.

Vertical Farms

Vertical farms are enclosed spaces where workers produce vegetables in tiers. This configuration allows for higher outputs in smaller regions and relieves farmers of the stress of dealing with harsh weather conditions.

A San Francisco-based business operates one such farm, which features LED lights that mimic sunlight and promote development and robots that eliminate the need for pesticides. Vertical farms encourage responsible resource use because they require no soil and consume less water.

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture farmers make individual decisions regarding planting, harvesting, irrigation, fertilizer, and other aspects of farming. These personalized decisions enable experts to react quickly to weather extremes and select the most profitable, effective solutions.

People can also invest in precision farming using more sustainable practices like crop rotation and limited tillage. These adjustments can boost resilience and assist agricultural professionals in dealing with adverse weather.

Kaolin Crop Protection

Kaolin is a form of natural clay used in medicine and porcelain manufacturing. It is also used in agriculture to defend against the elements, protecting fruits and vegetables from the sun.

When applied to fruits or plant leaves, this substance provides a protective barrier that lowers sunburn and stress while boosting growth. It can help protect against insect, bacterial, and fungal damage.

Ethylene Pretreatment

Ethylene is a plant hormone that influences growth, stress tolerance, and other vital functions. Scientists have also discovered that it causes a reaction that helps crops tolerate the shortage of oxygen during floods.

In lab trials, ethylene inhibited root growth and led cell-based energy production to shift to oxygen-free metabolic pathways. The team believes that ethylene pretreatment can improve plant survivability under flooding.

Solar Panels

As farmers endure lower agricultural yields due to harsh weather, some consider other land use choices. Solar panels are an enticing option. They enable people to return excess energy to the grid while helping a greener energy future.