HOW CODING IS SOLVING PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURE
By Chiamaka Ugwu
Did you know coding is changing the dynamic of agriculture in the world today?
I’m sure you must be trying to connect the dots between agriculture and coding, right?
Even if you’ve never set foot on a farm before, I think you’ll be amazed at how technology is making agriculture smarter and more sustainable for the future.
Stick with me here, and I’ll explain some ways coding is improving agriculture in the world today!
1. Smart Irrigation Systems
One major way coding is solving problems in agriculture is the use of smart irrigation systems.
Coding is used to create software that control irrigation systems based on factors like soil moisture levels, weather forecasts, and crop water requirements.
In the old days, farmers had to just guess when and how much to water their fields based on feeling the soil.
But now, they can actually bury tiny moisture sensors underground that monitor the soil moisture levels, temperature, and other vital status and send real-time data to a central hub, how incredible!
This data is then processed by algorithms that can detect anomalies and trigger automated responses, such as activating the irrigation system or alerting the farmer to potential issues.
This ensures that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, conserving water and optimizing yields.
2. Predictive Analytics:
Software-driven precision agriculture also helps farmers decide the perfect timing for planting seeds and crops through machine learning algorithms.
These systems can analyze tons of historical weather data, rainfall patterns, temperatures, etc.
Then they use that info to forecast things like crop yields, disease risks, and the optimal planting schedule.
For example, it can predict when a crop is at risk of disease or pest infestation based on patterns and historical data.
These algorithms help farmers make decisions that maximize productivity and minimize risks.
3. Automation and Robotics:
Coding is the brains behind some of the cutting-edge automated robots used in agricultural field today.
These high-tech robots are making lots of farming tasks easier and more efficient.
For example, the robotic planters and seeders, carefully plant seeds in straight rows at the perfect depth and spacing.
Coders program these robots to follow precise GPS maps of the fields and plant seeds according to specific parameters like crop type, soil conditions, etc.
Also automated sprayers to spray plants with pesticides or fertilizers have been developed.
These sprayers can evenly apply just the right amount of product over an entire field, day or night by using sensors and code to adjust to factors like wind speed to avoid wasteful drifting.
So, you see? who would have thought typing on a computer could change agriculture so much?
It just goes to show how important coding skills are for kids these days as it is an added advantage no matter the career path they choose.
Check out our summer or weekend online code camp to get your kids started.