Precision farming: A win for sustainability and profitability
The world is up against some sizeable challenges when it comes to food security – from climate change and water scarcity to a fast-growing global population.
And when you consider the following statistics, it’s clear that there’s a pressing need for humankind to adopt sustainable solutions to these challenges.
- By 2050, there will be almost 10 billion mouths to feed
- Agricultural production will need to grow by as much as 50%
- Over 70% of our freshwater is used by agriculture
- By 2050, there will be 20% less arable land and 50% less available water
(Source: Netafim.com)
Solutions for a changing world
The good news is that innovative farming methods are continually being developed and improved on – including a sustainable approach called precision farming. This eco-friendly agricultural practice empowers farmers to grow more food with fewer natural resources, and provides real benefits for growers, consumers, and the planet.
What’s in the precision farming toolbox?
Precision farming uses advanced technology and real-time data to help farmers make informed decisions about their crops. It allows them to maintain optimal growing conditions and increase their yields – and enables them to avoid waste by using resources as efficiently as possible.
Here’s a look at some of the solutions that form part of this innovative farming approach.
Crop management technology
Smart crop management systems include sensors that can monitor weather conditions, moisture and nutrient levels in soil, and even crop development. This information is relayed to farmers in real-time, allowing them to create and maintain the best growing conditions for their crops. And thanks to digital controllers, they can implement irrigation and fertigation changes across large areas in a matter of seconds.
The win-win? By enabling farmers to monitor crops and maintain optimal growing conditions, precision farming helps to increase yields – improving profitability and contributing to food security.
Smart irrigation and fertigation systems
With precision irrigation and fertigation systems, farmers can deliver exact amounts of nutrients and water to the root zone of crops as and when needed – giving them an incredible amount of control over water and fertilizer use.
The win-win? Precision systems help to reduce costs as they allow farmers to use only what they need. They also significantly reduce water waste and fertilizer leaching, making them better for the environment too.
What about greenhouses?
Greenhouses already have an impressive track record in sustainability and profitability. They protect crops from harsh weather and allow for the creation of optimal climate conditions. These undercover growing structures also enable farmers to produce more food with less land – and to produce it closer to where it’s needed, reducing transport costs. And when combined with precision farming technology, they become an even more sustainable and attractive solution to today’s farming challenges.
The win-win? Together, greenhouses and precision farming are a sustainability powerhouse – allowing farmers to grow more, use fewer resources, reduce their pesticide use, and minimize many of the risks of traditional farming.
Grow with us
Vegtech l Netafim is the leading supplier of undercover growing solutions in Southern Africa. If you’re looking for a greenhouse partner to deliver real results for your business, get in touch with us today.
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