Smart farming is the use of digital tools like the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Drones in managing farms’ daily operations. Smart farming can also be termed digital agriculture or e-agriculture.
Types of smart farming
1) Digital communications technologies
Digital farming employs the use of digital communication technologies like mobile phones. The use of mobile phones helps in easy access to information over a long distance. Smartphones on the other side allow the use of the internet in accessing extension services via mobile applications and internet connectivity. Smartphones also make it easier for farmers to reach consumers via e-commerce platforms.
2) Digital platforms
Well-known digital platforms like eCommerce platforms, agriculture advisory mobile apps, and e-extension platforms help farmers to get access to one-on-one chat with extension services online, and trading of farm commodities online.
3) Precision agriculture technologies
Precision agriculture technologies enable producers to optimize production with accurate data collection in the field. Precision farming can determine potential yields per given data related to production inputs, environmental conditions, farming techniques, and machine efficiency. Below is a list of precision agriculture technologies.
List of precision agriculture technologies
| Sensor technologies | Soil sensors Food sensors |
| Guidance and tracking systems | Global Positioning System (GPS) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Internet of Things (IoT) |
| Advanced imaging technologies | Satellite and drone imagery Temperature gradients Fertility gradients Moisture gradients |
| Automated machinery | Robots |
| Variable-rate input technologies | Data Engineering |
| Automatic section control | Irrigation systems Humidity controls Temperature controls |
4) Crop management systems
Crop management systems are some of the greatest breakthroughs in smart farming technologies. Greenhouses employ using crop management systems to manage essential elements for high yields in crops like temperature, humidity, and irrigation.
5) Livestock management systems
Large modern farms use livestock management systems to track the nutrition levels of farm animals, monitor their health conditions, and also help detect when farm animals need special attention.
6) Weather forecasting systems
Agriculture activities are one hundred percent on-field engagement. In most developed countries, weather forecasting in agriculture is of high priority such that, experts relay current weather conditions in other to plan an effective production season.
Source:PoultryABC.com
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