The rise of
the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed countless industries, and
agriculture is no exception. Modern farms are no longer driven solely by manual
labour and experience; they increasingly rely on connected technologies that
enable smart farming with IoT, reshaping
how food is grown and managed. This shift toward smart farming is redefining
agricultural practices worldwide.
Understanding Smart Farming
Smart farming involves using advanced
information and communication technologies to improve both the quality and
quantity of agricultural output while reducing manual effort. Farmers now rely
on tools such as soil and climate sensors, GPS and satellite systems, cloud-based software, data analytics platforms, robotics, and
various connectivity options like cellular networks and LoRa systems.
With these tools, growers can monitor crops,
livestock, and environmental conditions remotely. Instead of physically
inspecting every field, they can analyse real-time data and make precise
decisions for individual plants, animals, or specific land sections.
How IoT
Powers Smart Farming
At the heart of smart farming is IoT
technology. Connected sensors gather data from fields, animals, and weather
conditions, then transmit this information to cloud platforms for analysis. The
process typically follows a continuous cycle:
- Observation:
Sensors collect data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, crop health,
or livestock conditions. - Analysis: The data is processed using predefined
models and decision rules to detect issues or inefficiencies. - Decision-making:
Farmers or automated systems determine whether action is required in
specific locations. - Action: Adjustments such as irrigation changes
or targeted treatments are implemented, and the cycle begins again.
This ongoing loop allows for rapid responses
to changing conditions, minimising waste and improving productivity.
Precision
Agriculture and Livestock Management
One major benefit of smart farming is
precision agriculture. Instead of treating entire fields uniformly, farmers can
apply water, fertilisers, or pesticides only where needed. This approach
increases efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
Similarly, precision livestock management
enables close monitoring of individual animals. Wearable devices and wireless
tracking systems help farmers track health, nutrition, and location. Early
detection of illness prevents disease spread and improves overall herd welfare.
Automation
in Greenhouses and Drone Technology
Smart greenhouses use connected sensors to
regulate temperature, humidity, and lighting automatically. Unlike traditional
systems that require constant manual adjustments, these setups respond
instantly to environmental changes, reducing energy use and labour costs.
Drones also play a growing role in
agriculture. Equipped with thermal and multispectral cameras, they capture
detailed images that reveal crop health, estimate yields, and detect irrigation
problems. This aerial perspective offers valuable insights that were once
difficult or time-consuming to obtain.
Toward a
Third Green Revolution
The integration of IoT, robotics, data
analytics, and automation is often described as a Third Green Revolution. After
earlier advances in plant breeding and genetics, agriculture is now entering a
data-driven era. This transformation promises greater efficiency, reduced
chemical use, improved food traceability, and better resource management.
As the global population continues to rise,
smart farming offers a practical path toward sustainable and productive
agriculture. By combining technology with traditional farming knowledge, it
aims to secure the world’s food supply while protecting the environment for
future generations.
