Nowadays, agriculture is identified as one of the major culprits for environmental degradation for several reasons. Firstly, it significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizer use, exacerbating global warming and climate change. Additionally, runoff from agricultural fields contributes to water pollution, with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides being significant culprits[1] as runoff carries these chemicals into water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems and human health. Intensive farming practices also threaten soil quality, causing erosion, nutrient depletion, and reduced fertility, resulting in long-term losses in agricultural productivity. Moreover, agriculture consumes approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater resources[2], which, in water-scarce regions, can lead to aquifer depletion and ecosystem degradation[3]. Additionally, pesticides, used in abundance, can harm non-target species like pollinators, such as bees, which are essential for crop production. All of the above are exaggerated by inefficient resource use, such as excessive water, chemical, and energy consumption, adding to agriculture’s environmental footprint.
Several key mitigation measures can be implemented to address the environmental challenges linked to modern agriculture. The first is to adopt sustainable farming practices, such as agroecology and regenerative agriculture (e.g., crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage). Secondly, effective policy and regulatory measures are pivotal in mitigating agriculture’s environmental footprint. Lastly, the widespread adoption of precision agriculture and technology can significantly reduce environmental impacts. Precision agriculture uses technologies such as GPS, sensors, and AI to accurately target areas where inputs are needed, reducing the overuse of chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. In turn, this minimizes the environmental impact of runoff, which can lead to water pollution. The same technologies can be used for precise planting and harvesting based on data-driven insights, resulting in better crop yields and reduced losses. This contributes to more efficient land use and reduces the pressure to clear additional land for agriculture. Finally, continuous monitoring and data collection enable farmers to adapt to ever-changing conditions and optimize their practices for sustainability.
The Eden Library Viewer is at the forefront of precision agriculture. Utilizing the latest sensors and Artificial Intelligence models, it can adjust spraying in real time based on the existing field conditions while at the same time collecting data regarding future harvest. With its capabilities, it aims to promote a more resilient and “greener” agriculture without sacrificing farmer profit along the way.
[1] USDA, “Nutrient Management,” 2021.
[2] UNESCO, “World Water Development Report,” 2021
[3] FAO, “AQUASTAT,” 2021