Smart farming is one of the methods of modernising agriculture. The technology used to achieve smart farming is often linked to precision farming, but it doesn’t mean that the two can be used interchangeably. Precision farming doesn’t always rely on technological innovation to improve farming, but smart farming always refers to digital integration.
Farmers in South Africa can benefit from an array of smart farming practices to make their farms more efficient and productive. Some of these digital developments include drones, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Here’s a list of technologies that have practical applications in agriculture.
The Use of Drones in Agriculture
Drones don’t need an introduction. Since being able to access this technology, farmers have seen the numerous benefits of using drones. Units that contain multispectral cameras can capture images that provide insight into the health of plants as well as a bird’s-eye view of what is happening in the field. Here are some examples:
- Quickly identify crops that might have issues
- Reduce the amount of pesticide or fertiliser used
- Managing environmental factors
- Collecting vital data to drive decision-making
In South Africa, farmers can turn to PACSys for agricultural drones with spraying capabilities.
In-Field Monitoring with IoT Sensors
IoT sensors are any kind of digital sensor that can collect information and transmit real-time data back to a control centre (be it your phone app or a separate control device). An example of such a sensor is a soil moisture meter. The device measures soil moisture and temperature to determine if you need to irrigate your crops or still save on water.
Other examples of IoT sensors and monitoring include fuel consumption or vehicle monitoring. Many OEM brands include this feature in their latest models.
Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Artificial intelligence is so much more than chatbots and generative AI like ChatGPT. It includes machine learning and algorithms that help to analyse large amounts of data.
Some of the applications that AI has in agriculture include:
- Early pest and disease detection
- Yield forecasting
- Planting schedules and harvest window optimisation
- Automating weed/pest identification and targeted control applications
- Advanced resource management
Carbon Bee, for instance, uses weed identification to ensure that herbicide is only applied to weeds and pest plants. It works by using a camera that quickly searches for matching images from a large database. The plants are identified as weeds and sprayed with a small amount of herbicide. The best part of this technology is that it helps save costs and can be used to apply herbicides even after plants have emerged during the growing season.
Variable Rate Technology (VRT) and Application
Tying in closely with the previous use, Variable Rate Technology (VRT) can apply water, fertilisers, and pesticides at different rates within a single field.
South African agripreneurs mostly use this in crop sprayers for targeted input application that reduces waste and environmental pollution. However, it is also a popular technology for irrigation systems. With pivots, for instance, the motor needs to adjust its speed when it is travelling slightly up- or downhill. Additionally, the rate at which
Sorting with IoT
Automations and detection can be combined to create powerful solutions that help farmers sort through produce. In production lines such as sorting citrus for a packhouse or even nuts, most farmers use systems that physically sort according to size when grading or classing the items. However, when it comes to something like grain handling, it can be difficult to do due to the size and colour variances. Technology such as Almaz Agro SA’s colour sorters helps do this within seconds (depending on the size of the load).
Remote Sensing in Agriculture
Remote sensing has a variety of uses for South African farmers. Remote sensing uses a sensor, transmitter, receiver and user interface to provide a farmer insight about a specific occurrence on the farm.
One example is remote monitoring for water levels. Gallagher Animal Management has a wireless monitoring system that helps farmers stay on top of their water levels. This can be used for water tanks for livestock or irrigation. Agripreneurs can know at all times what is happening with regard to water without being next to it.
Specific technology that enables livestock tracking is also making waves in South Africa. Agri-Alert’s range of collars protects animals against theft, as well as indicates where your animals are when you need to move them.
With all these benefits of smart farming, there is no doubt that you need to consider including them in your agricultural business.
