Smart Agriculture
Revolution in agriculture through digitalization
Smart Farming describes the increasing digitalization of agricultural processes. The connection of devices, machines and systems is intended to make agricultural activities more efficient and easier. Often connection is achieved through the use of communication technologies (ICT).
Smart farming focuses particularly on automating regularly recurring tasks: For example, feed distribution for farm animals can be controlled via intelligent systems. The data is delivered digitally to the cloud, which the farmer can retrieve from his mobile device and thus control and monitor the processes. Also field operations can be another example. The activities can be taken over by sensors and drones and also controlled and monitored remotely.
Smart Farming versus Precision Farming
In the context of smart agriculture, the term precision farming is also mentioned more frequently. But what exactly is the difference? Smart farming is mostly about replacing human labour with intelligent machines. The term Precision farming describes more the use of sensors to optimize existing processes: By monitoring environmental data, for example, the required amount of fertilizer can be determined with location accuracy.
IoT as an enabler for future-oriented agriculture
The Internet of Things is essential to enable the monitoring, measurement and automation of agricultural operations. Through the intelligent use of machines or sensors, data is collected and passed on via mobile radio technologies. This is also referred to as machine-to-machine communication (M2M). The data collected can help farms reduce costs, make better decisions and increase efficiency.
Smart farming helps reduce overall costs in the long term
Necessary solution to meet population growth and increasing demand for agricultural goods
Better control over longterm economic processes and reduction of yield risks
Increased environmental friendliness through targeted use of pesticides