The Future of Farming and Farming Technology

Agriculture and farming technology play a fundamental role in the food supply that has pushed farmers to grow more and meet the supply of demand. Unfortunately, meeting food supply demands isn't easy—especially in recent years where climate change has become more evident. Droughts, flooding, and other forms of extreme weather are also creating challenges that are causing yields to fall, alongside a growing pushback against traditional farming techniques, which further propels climate change.

The result: a constant push for greener, more sustainable farming technology and techniques. Among these include vertical farming and greenhouse farming. But even with these new farming techniques, there is a need for new farming technology.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF FARMING TECHNOLOGY?

The future of farming technology, to many, lies in the hands of vertical and greenhouse farming technologies.

Although vertical farming is a newer type of farming technology, there have been several innovations when it comes to greenhouse farming technology as well.

BENEFITS OF NEW FARMING TECHNOLOGY

There are many notable advantages that come with vertical and greenhouse farming technology. Both can make an excellent choice for urban areas and help farmers maximize crop production.

Unlike traditional outdoor farming, these farming technologies can help farmers grow seasonal crops year-round indoor farm spaces. This also means that crops are protected from weather-related issues, which helps them produce larger and more consistent yields.

While vertical farming technology is a more sustainable form of farming that utilizes newer farming technology, greenhouse farming is still a viable solution and holds a firm stance when it comes to the future of agriculture.

NEW FARMING TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

With the help of controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA) techniques, farmers have been able to optimize the growing conditions everywhere–both indoors and outdoors.

This includes controlling the light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients plants receive.

Some of the equipment for these types of farms include:

Grow Racks

Grow racks are an essential part of any futuristic farming technology. Grow racks are specialized units that hold the plants as they grow which allows farmers to utilize the available space efficiently.

Lighting

Light has also become a vital component of new farming technology

Because greenhouses can be conducted indoors, they sometimes rely on artificial lighting to give plants nutrients—especially LED lights because they provide the same benefit of sunlight and use significantly less energy.

HVAC Systems

Although HVAC systems do not seem like a futuristic farming technology, they help maintain optimal plant growth temperatures within indoor growing facilities. An HVAC system also helps farmers, scientists, and students prevent mold, bacteria, and other harmful organisms from contaminating crops when testing or using new farming technology.

Hydroponic or Aeroponics Systems

Vertical farming often replaces soil with nutrient-rich water solutions and mists. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems deliver the solutions directly to the roots of the plants so they can get the necessary nutrients.

Automation and Control Systems

Automation systems—and automated processes such as seeding, watering, and harvesting—provide real-time data regarding a farm’s condition. As a result, farmers and recreational crop growers are able to maintain the best conditions for growing.

Drainage System

Drainage systems are another farming technology that many consider to be essential. Though less water is used in some growing conditions, it is still necessary to drain away the water that collects on the ground. 

Keeping floors dry also helps keep areas clear of bacteria-causing moisture that could impact plant and crop growth.

FRAMING THE FUTURE OF FARMING TECHNOLOGY WITH SLOT DRAIN

As the world changes, so does the way we grow our food. Traditional farming has many downsides, particularly when looking at how climate change affects crop yields. 

It is vital to establish a growing facility and set one up correctly, but to do so requires that you have the best equipment, which also includes efficient floor drainage.

Slot Drain is a sleek, modern system that blends well with all the new farming technology.

Unlike traditional trench drains, the Slot Drain is a stainless steel open-channel drain with a slim opening with flow rates of up to 27 GPM. With a forklift load class rating, farmers can place grow racks directly on top of the drain which allows any runoff from the watering cycle to flow into the drain more easily.

Clean-in-Place (CIP) automated cleaning makes the Slot Drain the perfect companion to these modern farms of the future. With CIP, almost the entire cleaning process becomes automated which eliminates employees needing to handle the task. 

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IS UP

The world is changing—hastened by climate change. As things change, so does our approach to the future of agriculture.

The FoodSafe Slot Drain is the perfect companion to the various pieces of farming technology that shift us towards a new age of farming that helps us maintain a clean, safe growing space.