Sensors are said to reduce water consumption by 70 percent
Through the use of innovative sensors, agriculture should soon be much more sustainable. According to studies, technology could reduce water consumption in the industry by up to 70 percent.
Humanity is currently struggling with unprecedented problems. Climate change is progressing and poses great challenges. At the same time, it is important to feed more and more people worldwide. No wonder, then, that agriculture is considered one of the biggest greenhouse gas sinners. Yet the latest technology could soon provide a remedy.
Because as of today, many processes in agriculture are still based on estimates. This applies to both the use of fertilizer and water consumption. Data is becoming more and more reliable and efficient. Despite this, agriculture continues to waste too many resources in the production of food – especially water.
Agriculture uses huge amounts of water
The number of droughts is increasing every year. However, new sensors could turn the tide of wasting resources. Because up-to-date data can help farmers water their plants as needed. As a result, the water requirement could drop by up to 70 percent.
For this purpose, sensors are planted in addition to the seeds in the ground. These in turn use wireless technologies to transmit the current condition of the soil to a control center at any time. As a result, farmers only have to fertilize and water when the plants actually need it.
New sensors should reduce water consumption
According to initial estimates, the savings could amount to between 20 and 72 percent. However, the technology also brings with it some challenges. If we use these in soil in agriculture, the range of transmission is very limited. It therefore requires several base stations that record and forward the data.
There is also another important factor: the price. Because water and temporary workers are still comparatively cheap. If the sensors cost significantly more money, that would deter many farmers. However, this should not be the solution if the sector wants to become climate-neutral in the long term. However, subsidies would be a means to an end.
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