Innovations in agriculture have been advancing at a rapid pace. More than 1,200 biologicals alone were identified in 2023 by The Mixing Bowl. Despite the lower ag economy, new agricultural innovations are still being developed and commercialized. Many of these new innovations are aimed at improving sustainability. AgriThority® experts identified seven key innovations that are shaping sustainable agricultural practices.
1. AI-Powered Precision Farming
The agriculture industry is only just scratching the surface of what is possible by combining AI and precision farming. As the innovations continue to become more mature, they will have an immeasurable impact on boosting yields while reducing waste and environmental impact.
“AI and machine learning are some of the top innovations that have been used to analyze large data on soil, weather patterns, and crop health to optimize the use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides to improve crop yields and cost of inputs.”
2. Drone and Remote Sensing Technology for Monitoring
The drones equipped with sensors are currently being used to monitor crop health to identify the crops with stress, diseases, and insect pests and track soil moisture, enabling timely steps and resource optimization.
“Remote sensing techniques play a vital role in optimizing processes, providing real-time data for better decision-making.”
3. Farm Automation and Robotics
Self-driving tractors and other equipment can perform tasks more accurately, minimize human error, and optimize resource utilization. For example, the use of planters with settings for automation to apply controlled fertilizer and seed.
“Robots have been developed that assist in planting, weeding, harvesting, and spraying, and record the response of the crops to different treatments increasing efficiency and profitability.”
4. Cover Crops and No-Till Farming Practices
Cover crops and no-till farming practices help improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, reduce soil erosion, lower fuel, and labor costs, enhance carbon sequestration, and promote sustainable agriculture.
“Companies focused on optimizing agronomic crop management to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon sequestration in the soil during each production cycle are working to educate growers in managing their production fields through practices such as using cover crops that enhance soil carbon capture.”
5. Water Management
Innovation in irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation, smart irrigation systems with sensors and AI, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy-powered irrigation, all focus on water conservation and efficiency, maximizing crop yields, and reducing water wastages for sustainable agriculture.
“Technologies like drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and IoT systems allow farmers to use just the right amount of water, crucial in a world with increasing droughts.”
6. Biological Inputs
Biologicals can reduce the use of synthetic chemicals with natural organisms or substances. They’re safer for people and ecosystems and can help build more resilient crops and soils.
“The promotion of biological solutions, like natural pest control and pollinators, further enhances biodiversity conservation while improving agricultural performance.”
7. Seed Quality
Advancements in integrated nutrient management and the development of novel seeds and traits (such as drought- and disease-resistant crops) through genome editing technologies are helping to increase productivity.
“Rapid improvements in plant breeding and seed quality as well as advanced effective and safer seed treatments are driving sustainability practices on the field level.”
Our belief in sustainability pillars of practical, productive, and profitable agriculture drives our passion for innovation development. Enhance your R&D capabilities, capacity and credibility with our independent expertise all around the world. We are ready to explore your potential and evolve technologies toward peak production of sustainable food, feed, fuel and fiber.
