By Andi Anderson
Experts predict that by 2050, arable land per person could shrink by two-thirds. To address this issue, students are being trained in smart agriculture, which integrates technology with farming to enhance food production.
Smart agriculture combines innovative methods such as vertical farming and urban gardens with advanced tools like sensors, drones, and artificial intelligence to maximize efficiency and yield. This approach is crucial as climate change and water shortages continue to impact traditional farming.
Sara Masoud, an assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering at Wayne State University, is leading a program that introduces students to these modern techniques. One key focus is hydroponics, a soil-free method of growing plants in water.
"One of the options that we are putting together in my lab, in order to expose the students to is something called the hydroponic system," said Masoud. "The idea is that if you don't have access to good soil to grow your plants, you can be growing your plants in, for example, water."
While smart farming presents opportunities, some critics argue that automation may reduce the need for farmworkers. Additionally, the high costs of advanced technologies could make it difficult for small-scale farmers to compete. Concerns also exist over the reliance on digital systems, which may be vulnerable to technical failures or cybersecurity threats.
Despite these challenges, Masoud believes this training provides valuable skills beyond agriculture. "Hoping that this exposure is not only going to let them see what's in smart agriculture, but also help them to gain expertise, for example, in data science, or advance technologies that might help them even if they are not pursuing a smart agriculture in the future," said Masoud.
As of 2023, precision agriculture technologies are widely used in large-scale farming, demonstrating the growing role of technology in modern agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Michigan, Equipment & Machinery