10 Best IoT Applications in Agriculture: How Smart Farming is Revolutionizing the Future

The agriculture and allied sectors have undergone many phases from traditional to modern. The world has seen the green, white, and blue revolution. Technology was integrated with agriculture to fulfill the needs of a growing population. As the global food demand is increasing with the rising population, the need for more developed, sustainable, and productive farming methods has become a priority. Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology-driven approach. It is being used to enhance the agricultural practices and overall production of the farms.

In this blog, we will see what exactly IoT is. How is it revolutionizing agriculture? And 10 best applications of IoT in agriculture.

• What is IoT?

  The term ‘Internet of Things’ was first coined by the scientist Kevin Ashton. It is a connection of devices and technology via the internet. Light bulbs, thermostats, and home security systems are a few examples of IoT from daily life.

  In modern agriculture, smart sensors, agricultural drones, and cow collars are examples of IoT.

  How is IoT revolutionizing agriculture?

  Traditional agriculture is insufficient to fulfill the needs of the growing population. Farmers use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in an uncontrolled manner making lands barren. Also, excessive water supply to farms results in water wastage.

  To prevent this loss, it is necessary to use precise technology while farming. And IoT is the solution to these problems. By using IoT devices, farmers can track the exact needs of nutrients and moisture levels of the soil and accordingly can use the resources. It not only saves the resources but also prevents the soil from getting polluted.

  10 best applications of IoT in agriculture

  1. Precision Farming

  In precision farming, farmers can monitor nutrients and moisture levels using IoT devices. This data helps them to use water, fertilizers, and pesticides efficiently.

  For example, soil sensors can detect the moisture levels and send alerts to farmers. Farmers can make decisions using these alerts, such as when irrigation is needed, water required, etc.

  2. Agricultural Drones

  Agricultural drones help farmers to save time and effort. Nowadays, agricultural drones are used for various farming activities such as field mapping, planting, seeding, irrigation management, pest and disease control, etc.

  3. Livestock Monitoring

  There are several wearable IoT devices for farm animals, such as cow collars, sensors, and electronic earrings. These are useful for tracking vital signs, movement, and feeding patterns. These devices help in monitoring the health and well-being of animals, detecting illness, and for breeding practices.

  4. Monitoring Climate Conditions

  Agriculture is highly dependent on climatic conditions. Smart agriculture devices like weather stations combined with farm sensors are used to collect environmental data. Farmers can use this data to decide when to start seeding or planting, the amount of water required for the farm, etc.

  5. Smart Irrigation Systems

  IoT-powered irrigation systems automatically adjust water levels based on real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts. This conserves water and ensures crops get the optimal amount of water.

  6. Crop Monitoring

  Drones and remote sensors are used for crop monitoring purposes. Due to multispectral sensors and cameras, these devices can generate real-time data on the farm. These devices can keep track of crop health and well-being. Also, they can detect the presence of pests or diseases.

  7. Smart Greenhouses

  Greenhouses with well-equipped IoT devices can control temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels automatically. This creates optimal growing conditions and increases crop production without needing constant human supervision.

  8. Supply Chain Management

  Some IoT devices can track the storage and transportation status of agricultural products. It helps to maintain the quality of the produce from farm to market. It reduces the spoilage and improves the efficiency of the supply chain.

  9. Predictive Analytics

  In predictive analytics, researchers collect and study historical data such as weather patterns, rainfall, soil conditions, and crop health. It helps to predict the best planting times, pests, disease outbreaks, etc. This analysis helps to reduce wastage and improve the quality of the produce.

  10. Green Energy Management

  Green energy management utilizes renewable and clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro-energy. Energy generation, storage, distribution, conservation, and optimization are the key components of Green Energy Management. It is essential to reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and for the sustainable future of the earth.

This is an era of 5G networks and 6G is supposed to launch soon. Today the internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Technology researchers are upgrading devices day by day and transforming them into IoT. Everyone wants to use new versions of these devices. So, the next world is the world of IoT. Let’s welcome it and become IoT-friendly.