Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used in agriculture to make agronomic and economic decisions.
- AI is being used for automation on field machinery, including autonomous tractors with collision avoidance.
- The technology will allow farmers to selectively apply inputs, reducing chemical costs and having positive implications for the environment.
- AI will also be used for nutrient management and pest control, aiding farmers in metering inputs and applying them judiciously.
- The use of AI in agriculture will provide guidance to farmers, helping them make important decisions for their operation.
Introduction to AI in Agriculture
The use of artificial intelligence in agriculture is not a thing of the future, but rather a reality that is already being implemented by farmers today. According to Scott Shearer, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, "One of the things that we are starting to see is AI used for automation on field machinery." This technology is being used to make autonomous tractors with collision avoidance, allowing farmers to selectively apply inputs such as weed control and fertilizers. As Shearer noted, "instead of making a broadcast application to control weeds, we’re just going to spray the weeds." This targeted approach will result in a substantial reduction in chemical costs, with positive implications for the environment.
Automation and Efficiency
The use of AI in agriculture is not only limited to automation, but also extends to providing guidance to farmers. Shearer emphasized that "through the cooperative extension service, we have always done a phenomenal job at helping farmers make important decisions for their operation." With the help of AI, farmers will be able to make more informed decisions, using data and analytics to inform their choices. As Shearer pointed out, "we have already seen that to a certain extent with the use of Google searches to get access to all types of information, but you must assemble that information and bring meaning and relevance to it." AI will help farmers to do just that, providing them with targeted recommendations and guidance.
Diagnosing Issues and Treating Fields
Another area where AI is being used in agriculture is in diagnosing issues in fields and deciding how to treat them. Shearer noted that "we can upload images of crop canopies and get a diagnosis of what the problem might be." This technology will allow farmers to pinpoint problems more accurately, rather than relying on guesswork. As Shearer said, "instead of farmers guessing, I think things will become a little more targeted in terms of diagnosing issues in fields and deciding how to treat them." This targeted approach will not only improve efficiency but also reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of farming.
The Role of the Farmer in AI-Driven Agriculture
While AI is being hailed as a game-changer in agriculture, Shearer cautioned that "as much talk as there is about automation, there will always be a place for the farmer." He emphasized that "while AI is great and has a lot of power, it also has to be used and applied correctly." Farmers will still be needed to interpret the data and make decisions, using their expertise and judgment to inform their choices. As Shearer noted, "I think what it really means is that individual humans are going to do much more and be even more accurate at what they do." The use of AI in agriculture will augment the role of the farmer, rather than replacing it.
Adoption and Accessibility
Shearer acknowledged that there may be some trepidation among farmers about adopting artificial intelligence, but he noted that "AI is being used in banking and almost every online system that we use in some form or fashion." He emphasized that the key to adoption is willingness, saying "what it all boils down to is willingness. Willingness to learn it and willingness to use it." As AI becomes more readily available and easier to use, more farmers will be willing to adopt it. Shearer noted that "the interest level is what is going to essentially drive its adoption as much as anything, and for those making or saving a bit more money with it, it will drive the use of AI up a bit more quickly." As the use of AI in agriculture continues to grow, it is likely that we will see significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.