Controlled-Environment Farming Advancing With Improved Technologies

Oct 17, 2018

By Ryan Adams

Thanks to advances in LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lighting, producing crops indoors is now a reality. But will indoor agriculture replace outdoor farming as the technology progresses?

Speakers at a forum on indoor production systems or controlled environmental agriculture held at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park, N.C., agreed that the new technology is just one more tool needed to feed a growing world population, but it will never replace conventional outdoor agriculture. However, they all see great promise for the technology.

“I’m excited about controlled environment agriculture. There is a lot of potential now that we can control these environments and cater to what the plants really need. We can focus a lot more on quality traits, on flavor and nutrition,” said Dr. Matt DiLeo, director of Elo Life Systems, based in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

DiLeo said controlled environment agriculture combined with a suite of new technologies that includes gene editing, genotyping and gene discovery will drive forward improvements in crops faster than has been possible with previous generations of technology.

Source: ncsu.edu

Video: What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? - The World of Agriculture

What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? In this informative video, we will dive into the fascinating world of remote sensing and its role in precision agriculture. Remote sensing technology allows farmers to gather critical information about their fields without the need for physical presence. By utilizing satellites, drones, and aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, farmers can monitor various aspects of their crops, from temperature and moisture levels to overall plant health.

We will explore how the data collected through remote sensing can empower farmers to make strategic decisions for their crops. With the ability to identify specific areas that require more water or nutrients, farmers can optimize resource usage, leading to healthier plants and improved yields.

Moreover, remote sensing plays a vital role in tracking crop growth over time. By comparing images taken at different growth stages, farmers can evaluate their crops’ development and adjust their management practices accordingly.