The agriculture sector faces a dual challenge: to feed an ever-growing population and to reduce its impact on the ecosystem, i.e., to do so in a sustainable manner.
In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential to improve agricultural management. Geospatial data, such as satellite imagery, together with AI allows farmers to increase their productivity and efficiency while reducing the natural resources used, i.e., with less environmental impact.
4 applications of AI in agriculture
Technological progress has great potential to positively impact the agriculture sector. Information obtained through geospatial data, such as satellite imagery, probes or other devices, combined with predictive and analytical artificial intelligence (AI) models enable numerous applications to improve yield, resource optimization and efficiency in agriculture. Among the main applications, the following stand out:
Crop forecasting
Through a simple photograph, a predictive AI algorithm can predict a month in advance the volume of crops in estimated weight. The technology can estimate the productivity of trees, without the need for field work, making strategic decisions and greater bargaining power in the market for small and large farmers.
Increased agricultural productivity
The analysis of satellite images helps to understand the state of crops. Some data that allow AI analysis are relevant, such as the size of tree crowns, their vigor or the areas with the highest density of trees and their consequent productivity within a plot. Having this information allows agricultural professionals to make strategic decisions to increase agricultural productivity.
Investment risk analysis
Increasingly, financial institutions are lending money to farmers for their development. In this sense, geospatial data and the application of predictive and analytical AI models allow to have a history of productivity and a prediction of it to realistically analyze the risk derived from investments or loans to farmers, regardless of their size.
Optimization of water resources
In Spain, agriculture is responsible for the consumption of 85% of fresh water. Optimizing the use of water resources is a necessity in the current context of drought. Technological advances allow, through geospatial data and AI, to know not only surface data about the territory, but also some specific issues such as relative humidity. Thus, farmers can optimize the use of water, focusing only on those areas that require it.
AI to fight climate change in the agricultural sector
Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture, with consequences such as:
- Increased temperatures: higher average temperatures can reduce crop productivity, increase evapotranspiration and favor the appearance of pests and diseases.
- Changes in precipitation patterns: more frequent and intense droughts and floods can damage crops and reduce the availability of water for irrigation.
- Extreme weather events: storms, hail and other extreme weather events can cause significant damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure.
AI can help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change by selecting more resilient crop varieties, optimizing water resources, even in the implementation of warning systems.
On the one hand, artificial intelligence algorithms make it possible to identify crop varieties that are more tolerant to drought, high temperatures and pests. While improved water use efficiency allows farmers to use water more efficiently, reducing irrigation in times of drought and making the most of available water.
Finally, developing early warning systems that alert farmers to approaching extreme weather events allows them to take measures to protect their crops.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture is redefining traditional practices towards a more sustainable and efficient future. At agforest, we are leading this revolution with innovative solutions that combine AI and geodata to optimize farm management. Visit our website to discover how we can help you transform your farming operation with the latest technology.
