Technology in Agriculture

Introduction to Agri-Tech

A. What is Agri-Tech?

Agri-tech encompasses the utilisation of technological advancements and technology implementation to increase the output and productivity of agricultural processes. It utilises technology to enhance every facet of agriculture and cultivation. “Everything you need to know about agricultural technology (Agri-tech)” consequently becomes a significant area of research for most producers.

Figure 10.1 A c omparison of traditional and modern farming A comparison of traditional and modern farming

B. Importance of Agricultural Technology

In addition to being the backbone of numerous economies worldwide, agriculture is also essential for sustaining the expanding global population. In addition, the escalating demand for food forces farmers to devise novel approaches for augmenting productivity and efficacy. Consequently, agricultural technology, commonly referred to as Agri-tech, has emerged as the remedy for producers seeking to surmount a multitude of operational obstacles.

Agri-tech aids farmers in surmounting operational obstacles pertaining to finances, supplies, and the yield of their crops. Farmers can increase overall output, lessen their ecological footprint, and guarantee safer growing conditions with the assistance of Agri-tech. Additionally, they can introduce secure culinary options to the market. In addition, Logitech offers producers enhanced labour conditions, increased productivity, and reduced costs. As an illustration, Agri-tech incorporates biotechnology to develop resilient crops and artificial intelligence for climate and weather forecasting. Likewise, agriculture sensors are critical technologies that have an indispensable impact on the lives of producers.

C. Functions of Agri-tech

Agri-tech is of paramount importance in the agriculture sector as it assists producers in surmounting a multitude of obstacles encountered during their routine activities. Through the application of technological advancements and innovations, agricultural output and efficacy have increased substantially.

Farmers are assisted by Agri-tech in numerous facets of their agricultural operations. From increasing crop yield to decreasing the use of fertilisers, water, and pesticides to enhancing working conditions for agricultural labourers. Essentially, Agri-tech is a critical component in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the agriculture sector. The subsequent points elucidate the function and advantages of Agri-tech concerning the pivotal moments of technology in the lives of farmers:

Precision agriculture
AI-based climate prediction
Agricultural sensor utilisation
Agricultural biotechnology
Digital financing and supply solutions
E-commerce solutions for the sale of agricultural products

D. Benefits of Agri-tech

Agri-tech plays a crucial role in the agriculture sector by aiding producers in surmounting obstacles and enhancing their operational processes. In essence, Agri-tech offers a variety of benefits, including increased crop yield and decreased environmental impact. It also contributes to the enhancement of working conditions for minor farm labourers. They include, but are not restricted to the following:

One way in which Agri-tech assists farmers in increasing crop productivity is by implementing precision agriculture techniques, which decrease wastage and improve operational efficiency.
Reduction in water, fertiliser, and pesticide consumption: Agri-tech empowers producers to make more informed judgements regarding the timing and quantity of application. They can reduce waste and environmental impact in this manner.
Mitigated ecological harm: Through the implementation of Agri-tech advancements and the reduction of deleterious chemical usage, agriculture’s adverse environmental effects are diminished.
Decreased chemical runoff into rivers and groundwater: Agri-tech facilitates the monitoring and regulation of chemical usage by farmers, thereby mitigating the potential for waterway contamination. This affects the environment and public health substantially.
Better facilities for employees: By leveraging technology, Agri-tech ensures that farm workers are provided with enhanced working conditions that prioritise their safety and comfort.
Greater efficiencies and reduced costs: Agri-tech contributes to the sustainability of agricultural operations by decreasing costs and enhancing efficiency through waste reduction.
Artificial intelligence-based climate and weather forecasting: Agri-tech assists farmers in determining optimal planting and harvesting schedules. This demonstrates the significance of weather forecasting in the agricultural sector. They reduce the possibility of crop loss caused by inclement weather in this manner.
Biotechnology-derived resilient crops: Agri-tech facilitates the development of crops that exhibit enhanced resistance against pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Consequently, yields are increased and the risk of crop loss is diminished
Agri-tech provides producers with real-time information regarding soil moisture, temperature, and other variables that influence crop development via agriculture sensors. This enables them to make well-informed judgements regarding planting schedules, fertilisation, and crop maintenance
Safer market availability of foods and improved agricultural efficiency and sustainability: Agri-tech contributes to the provision of healthier food options for consumers and safer growing conditions.
Mitigate ecological and environmental repercussions: Through waste reduction and the avoidance of hazardous chemical usage, Agri-tech contributes to the alleviation of agriculture’s detrimental effects on the environment and nearby ecosystems.

Existing Technology vs. New Technological Developments

A. Existing Technology in Agriculture

Mechanisation:

The introduction of tractors and various agricultural machinery transformed farming by significantly reducing the need for manual labour and increasing productivity.
Traditional irrigation systems like sprinklers and drip irrigation have improved water usage efficiency.

Chemical inputs:

Pesticides and herbicides have been widely used to control pests and weeds, boosting crop yields.
Synthetic fertilisers have played a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop production.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs):

GMOs have given way to new crop varieties with improved resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions, thus ensuring higher yields and reduced losses.

B. New Technological Developments

Precision agriculture:

Modern farms use GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map fields accurately and monitor crop health, soil conditions, and resource usage. This allows for precision in planting, fertilising, and harvesting.
Drones provide aerial views of fields, helping in monitoring crop growth, detecting diseases, and assessing damage, leading to more informed decision-making.

Advanced irrigation techniques:

Smart irrigation systems use sensors and data analytics to optimise water usage, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, thus conserving water and reducing costs.
Automated irrigation makes use of the integration of IoT (Internet of Things), allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels.

Biotechnology:

Advances in gene editing technologies like CRISPR allow for precise modifications to crop genomes, enhancing traits such as drought resistance, pest resistance, and nutritional value without the drawbacks associated with traditional GMOs.
Biofertilisers and biopesticides are environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical inputs that use natural organisms and substances to improve soil health and control pests, reducing environmental impact.

Robotics and automation:

Autonomous machinery such as self-driving tractors, harvesters, and planting machines can operate with minimal human intervention, increasing efficiency and reducing labour costs.
Robotic harvesting makes use of sensors and AI can pick fruits and vegetables, ensuring precision and reducing damage to produce.

Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI):

Predictive analytics involves the use of massive amounts of data by AI to predict crop yields, pest outbreaks, and optimal planting times, helping farmers make proactive and informed decisions.
Farm management software integrates data from various sources, helping farmers manage their operations more effectively, from field mapping to financial planning.

Sustainable practices:

Vertical farming and hydroponic techniques allow for farming in controlled environments, maximising space use and minimising water and pesticide use.
Carbon sequestration contributes to climate change mitigation. New methods are being developed to enhance the ability of soil to capture and store carbon.

C. Comparative Analysis

New technologies significantly enhance efficiency compared to traditional methods. Precision agriculture, autonomous machinery, and smart irrigation systems ensure optimal use of resources and minimise waste.
Advances such as biofertilisers, biopesticides, and sustainable farming practices reduce environmental impact, promoting long-term ecological balance.
While the initial investment in new technologies can be high, the long-term savings from reduced input costs, increased yields, and efficient resource use often outweigh these costs.
New technologies are scalable and can be adapted to various farm sizes and types, from smallholder farms to large agribusinesses.
The integration of AI and data analytics provides farmers with actionable insights, leading to more precise and informed decision-making processes.

The transition from existing agricultural technologies to new technological developments marks a significant evolution in the farming industry. While traditional methods have served their purpose, modern technologies promise greater efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. By embracing innovations such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and automation, the agricultural sector can address current challenges and pave the way for a more resilient and productive future.

The Impact of Technological Advances

A. What Significance Does Modern Agriculture Hold?

Modern agriculture is indispensable for supporting the swiftly expanding global population. Additionally, it contributes to the enhancement of food security and fosters rural economic expansion and employment creation. Technology, sustainable farming practices, and precision agriculture all contribute to increased efficiency, waste reduction, and the production of superior-quality crops.

Modern agricultural technology includes the use of automated robots

B. What Distinguishes Contemporary Agriculture from its Traditional Counterpart?

Modern agricultural implements increase output and efficiency. Additionally, they eliminate the need for water, fertiliser, and pesticides, thereby reducing their environmental footprint. Utilising data and technology, precision agriculture techniques empower producers to make more informed decisions, which leads to improved crop management and reduced expenses. Moreover, contemporary implements often exhibit enhanced user-friendliness and necessitate reduced manual effort.

C. How Does Contemporary Agriculture Influence the Environment?

There are both positive and negative environmental effects associated with modern agriculture. It possesses the capacity to enhance soil health and water conservation, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, it may result in the excessive application of substances. Additionally, it promotes the expansion of monoculture crops, which degrades the soil and reduces biodiversity. Consequently, modern agriculture must be conducted responsibly and sustainably, striking a balance between environmental protection and productivity.

Modern agriculture minimises environmental impact while providing sustenance for a developing global population, which is vital for food security. Jiva provides financial support, supplies, cultivation, and sales services to aid farmers across the globe in surmounting the perilous obstacles they encounter daily. Innovations in agricultural technology are crucial because they result in increased crop yields and more environmentally friendly practices.

Lifespan of Machinery and Equipment

Machinery and equipment are significant cost items in South African farm businesses. Larger machines, new technology, higher prices for parts and new machinery, and increased energy prices have all contributed to rising machinery and power costs in recent years. However, good machinery managers can control these costs per hectare. Making smart decisions about how to acquire machinery, when to trade, and how much capacity to invest in can reduce machinery costs significantly. All these decisions require accurate estimates of the costs of owning and operating farm machinery.

Farm machinery costs can be divided into two categories: annual ownership costs, which occur regardless of machine use, and operating costs, which vary directly with the amount of machine use. The true value of these costs cannot be known until the machine is sold or worn out, but the costs can be estimated by making a few assumptions about machine life, annual use, and fuel and labour prices. This guide contains a worksheet that can be used to calculate costs for a particular machine or operation.

Ownership costs (also called fixed costs) include depreciation, interest (opportunity cost), taxes, insurance, and housing and maintenance facilities. Depreciation is a cost resulting from wear, obsolescence, and age of a machine. The degree of mechanical wear may cause the value of a particular machine to be somewhat above or below the average value for similar machines when it is traded or sold. The introduction of new technology or a major design change may make an older machine suddenly obsolete, causing a sharp decline in its remaining value. But age and accumulated hours of use are usually the most important factors in determining the remaining value of a machine.

Before an estimate of annual depreciation can be calculated, an economic life for the machine and a salvage value at the end of the economic life need to be specified. The economic life of a machine is the number of years over which costs are to be estimated. It is often less than the machine’s service life because most farmers trade a machine for a different one before it is completely worn out.

A good rule of thumb is to use an economic life of 10 to 12 years for most farm machines and a 15-year life for tractors unless you know you will trade sooner. Salvage value is an estimate of the sale value of the machine at the end of its economic life. It is the amount you could expect to receive as a trade-in allowance, an estimate of the used market value if you expect to sell the machine outright, or zero if you plan to keep the machine until it is worn out.

Estimates of the remaining value of tractors and other classes of farm machines as a percent of the new list price are listed in Tables 1a and 1b. Note that for tractors, combines, and forage harvesters, the number of hours of annual use is also considered when estimating the remaining value.

The factors were developed from published reports of used equipment auction values and are estimates of the average “as-is” value of a class of machines in average mechanical condition at the farm. Actual market value will vary from these values depending on the condition of the machine, the current market for new machines, and local preferences or dislikes for certain models. The appropriate values in Table 1 should be multiplied by the current list price of a replacement machine of equivalent size and type, even if the actual machine was or will be purchased for less than the list price.

An example problem will be used throughout this guide to illustrate the calculations. An example is a 180-PTO horsepower diesel tractor with a list price of R3 600 000. Dealer discounts are assumed to reduce the actual purchase price to R3 240 000. An economic life of 15 years is selected.

The appropriate values in the following Table should be multiplied by the current list price of a replacement machine of equivalent size and type, even if the actual machine was or will be purchased for less than the list price.

By using these guidelines, South African farmers can better estimate their machinery costs and make informed decisions about purchasing, operating, and maintaining their equipment, ultimately leading to more cost-effective and efficient farming operations.

The remaining salvage value of a tractor as a percentage of the new list price.

The remaining salvage value of machinery and equipment as a percentage of the new list price.

The tractor is expected to be used 400 hours per year. For the 180-hp tractor with 400 hours of annual use in the example, the salvage value after 15 years is estimated as 23% of the new list price:

Salvage value = current list price x remaining value factor (Table 1)

= R3 600 000 x 23% = R828 000

Total depreciation = purchase price – salvage value = R3 240 000 – R828 000 = R2 412 000

The accumulated repair costs as a percentage of the new list price.

Machinery Maintenance Plans

A procedure refers to a systematic or sequential progression of actions that executes a set of duties. To enhance the longevity of equipment, implements, and infrastructure, it is imperative to establish and adhere to well-defined protocols that dictate the precise sequence of actions to be executed step by step. Why sequentially? What benefits are associated with tidying shelving from the bottom up? Aside from the upper shelf, nothing else will be spotless. As a result, shelves are cleaned from the top down. This principle extends to agricultural operations as well.

A procedure must be established, which implies the property as an entity.
A procedure that involves the various departments is required.
A procedure must be established, delineating the various activities that take place within a department.
A procedure that specifies the components of an activity is required.

To put it simply, a procedure ensures that an activity is conducted systematically. Particularly rapidly is technology advancing in the realm of computers. You purchase a computer today; it will be obsolete in three months. To remain current with advancements, a farm must undergo modifications in all conceivable aspects. Hence, modifications to operational protocols will likewise be required. It is suitable for your current situation, but for what duration?

A finished assignment or work Following the completion of a task or job, all utilised apparatus and implements must be meticulously cleansed. The ideal placement for a washing compartment with compressed air and a high-pressure spray cannon would be adjacent to the workshop, as this department is primarily responsible for equipment and implementation maintenance and would utilise it frequently. Such as It has hailed, and the ploughing has been finished. What takes place within the laundry bay?

The tractor operator shall park their tractor in the designated parking area or pre-designated space. They shall notify the workshop superintendent of any unusual operating difficulties or unfamiliar sounds that they observe.
These reports are documented in the logbook and service record that the superintendent maintains for each vehicle and implementation.
The purpose of a logbook or service record is to ascertain the precise expenses incurred for the upkeep and restoration of a particular vehicle or apparatus. A time will come when the cost of repairs per implement or vehicle may be prohibitively expensive or exceed the allocated budget, in which case the decision will be made to replace the affected vehicle or implement.
Once the necessary documentation has been completed, the tractor will proceed to the laundry facility for cleaning.
The tractor is placed in an area designated for ploughs within a building, where the implement is unhitched.
The foreman shall assess the extent of deterioration on the plough, including mould boards, shins, and landslides, to determine whether it is viable for another season or necessitates replacement.
With the exception that greater emphasis will be placed on the areas of concern that the operator identifies, the tractor will be operated in the same manner.

A. The Importance of Cleaning Implements

Cleaning of farm machinery and implements is essential for safe and efficient use

It is imperative to consider that soil comprises acids, which can induce corrosion and consequently diminish the longevity of implements. It will also be much simpler for the workshop superintendent to detect fuel or oil leakage, allowing him to remedy faulty areas immediately.

Initially, the tractor’s computer may sustain damage due to the intense heat and ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun in South Africa, which may also hasten the deterioration of tyres and cause paint to vanish. Additionally, insects and animals inhabit trees. Their detritus is composed of acids that induce corrosion. A few years ago, grease was inserted into the tyre bearings of a cultivator. Due to the permeation of sand and dust through the apertures, its lifespan was short-lived, and it required frequent replacement. Because of the hermetic bearings that have been installed, minor upkeep on the implements is reduced.

It would be replaced exclusively when it began to rattle. It is mandatory to conduct routine maintenance on both tractors and harvesters per the service record guidelines outlined in the manufacturer’s manual. Service is performed on this equipment following a specified number of working hours. A new tractor undergoes an initial service at 100 hours, followed by 500-hourly services, culminating in a main service at 1500 hours. Additionally, maintaining an up-to-date logbook serves the purpose of recording the time in the workshop’s logbook, which must be completed and returned after each day of work to monitor equipment maintenance.

B. Tractor and Implement Servicing

Tractors:

A tractor’s maintenance (minor service) may include:

Change oil and oil filter.
Change the air filter.
Change the fuel filter.
Check brake fluid level.
Add water coolant.

A major service includes:

Change the oil and oil filter.
Change the air filter.
Change the fuel filter.
Check the brake fluid level
Check hydraulic pump pressure and oil level.
Flush radiator water, fill with clean water and add water coolant
Check transmission oil.
Check battery.
Check brake pads.

Vehicle service is governed by the same norm, with the exception that it is calculated per kilometre. Minor services are performed every 15 000 kilometres, and significant services are performed every 100 000 kilometres, per the manufacturer’s manual. All equipment and implements departing the warehouse or store may be in optimal functional condition, given that any identified faults have been duly reported and resolved. If another component is found to be defective, it is necessary to have it returned to the workshop for repair by qualified personnel.

Maintenance of farm machinery is vital for efficiency

Sprayers:

Maintaining a sprayer is more complicated and includes the following:

Check that universals on the PTO shaft are greased.
Grease all the nipples.
Ensure that the boom hoses are intact.
Ensure that the nozzles are not blocked or leaking.
The pump readings are compared with the handbook or manual as prescribed.
Ensure that the calibration is correct.
Check that the filters are clean or replaced.
Ensure the tyre pressure is correct.
Ensure the hydraulic hoses are intact.
Ensure the agitation system is correct.
Ensure the boom height is set correctly.
Ensure the anti-drip device is in order.
Ensure the accuracy of the flow sensor, single nozzle flow rate and rate control system.
Ensure the consistency of the dose rate.
Ensure the uniformity of transverse spray liquid distribution.

Water carts:

Ensure that the tank is not leaking.
Check the mechanically actuated pump.
Check all hoses and the nozzle tap.
Check the tyre pressure.
Ensure that the PTO universals are greased.

Trailers:

Check the tyre pressure.
Ensure that the beam is not bent or broken.
Check the pivot plate grease.
Check the hand brake.
Check the brake pads.

Implements:

With the assistance of technology, the most recent models of cultivators and ploughs on the market require minimal upkeep beyond the replacement of aged components like shares, mould boards, and tines.

The fertiliser spreader needs minimum maintenance:

Check the tyre pressure.
Check the conveyor belt.
Check the exit opening.
Check the vibrator device.
Check distribution blades.
Check the transmission box oil level.
Grease all nipples.

The chamber baler requires the following:

Check for bent or broken pick-ups.
Check for blunt and dislocated knives.
Check the cam cut-out clutch.
Check the chain tension.
Check if the automatic chain lubrication tank is full.
A central grease bank eases greasing.
Check the brake pads.
Check the PTO universal’s grease.
Check all hydraulic hoses and couplings.
Do not fiddle with the electronic monitor.

C. Comprehensive Costs of Machinery and Equipment

Implement costs:

Costs for implements or attachments that depend on tractor power are estimated in the same way as the example tractor, except that there are no fuel, lubrication, or labour costs involved.

Used machinery:

Costs for used machinery can be estimated using the same procedure as for new machinery. However, the fixed costs will usually be lower because the original cost of the machine is lower. Repair costs, on the other hand, are typically higher due to greater hours of accumulated use. The key to successful used machinery economics is to balance higher hourly repair costs against lower hourly fixed costs. Misjudging the condition of the machine, leading to higher-than-anticipated repair costs, or paying too high a price for the machine, resulting in higher fixed costs, can make the total hourly costs of a used machine as high or higher than those of a new machine.

As an example of estimating costs for a used machine, assume you just bought a 25-foot chisel plough that was 6 years old for R240 000. It appeared to be clean and in good mechanical condition. Since you are not sure how many hours of accumulated use it has, you can estimate by multiplying its age (6 years) by your expected annual use (100 hours per year), or 600 hours.

What is the estimated total cost of the plough over the next 8 years? From Table 1, the expected salvage value at the end of 13 years is 31 percent of the current list price of an equivalent machine (estimated to be R600 000), or R186 000.

The capital recovery factor for 8 years and a 5 percent real interest rate is 0.155 (Table 2).

The capital recovery costs are:

Capital recovery = [0.155×(R240 000−R186 000)] + (R186 000×0.05)

= R8 370 + R9 300 = R17 670 per year

For taxes, insurance, and housing:

TIH = 0.01 × (R240 000 + R186 000) ÷ 2 = R2 130 per year

Total fixed costs:

Total fixed costs = R17 670 + R2 130 = R19 800 per year

If the plough is used an average of 100 hours per year:

Ownership cost per hour = R19 800 ÷ 100 hours = R198 per hour

Total costs per operation:

Tractor costs must be added to the implement costs to determine the combined total cost per hour of operating the machine. The total costs in the example are:

Total cost = R1 447.80 + R430.50 = R1 878.30 per hour

Total cost per hectare or ton:

Finally, the total cost per hour can be divided by the hourly work rate in hectares per hour or tons per hour to calculate the total cost per hectare or ton. The hourly work rate or field capacity of an implement or self-propelled machine can be estimated from the effective width of the machine (in metres), its speed across the field (in kilometres per hour), and its field efficiency (in percent).

The field efficiency is a factor that adjusts for time lost due to turning at the end of the field, overlapping, adjusting the machine, and filling or emptying tanks and hoppers. Field capacity (in hectares per hour) is calculated by:

Field capacity (ha/hour) = [width (m) × speed (km/h) × field efficiency] ÷ 10

For example, if the 25-foot (7.62 metres) plough can be pulled at 7.2 kilometres per hour with a field efficiency of 81%, the estimated field capacity is:

Field capacity = (7.62 × 7.2 × 0.81) ÷ 10 = 4.45 hectares per hour

If the 25-foot plough in the example can cover 4.45 hectares per hour, the total cost per hectare for disking is:

Total cost per hectare = R1 878.30 ÷ 4.45 hectares = R422.16 per hectare

Costs for operations involving self-propelled machines:

Costs for operations involving self-propelled machines can be calculated by treating the self-propelled unit as a power unit, and the harvesting head or other attachment as an implement.