Aussie agriculture to predict weather
Aussie agriculture to predict weather
Smart sensor devices are being designed in Australia to help farmers analyse the conditions of their crops more accurately, so that they can create a better environment for growing high quality produce.
Scientific experts from the CRC for Microtechnology believe that these small micro chips can be spread throughout the fields of grapevines, for instance, to monitor the wind speed, humidity, temperature, and weather patterns that affect crops. This information can then be relayed back to a desktop at headquarters for analysis.
Clive Davenport, the CEO of CRC for Microtechnology, explained how these chips could be used to increase the intelligence of farmers on a local, national and global level. "On a local level, you might have crops on one slope which experience a different temperature to crops further down the slope. So by knowing what the conditions are between the different slopes, you can apply farming techniques that will make sure crops on both ends get the best treatment based on specific conditions. Water irrigation can also be analysed.
"This should improve yield and consistency. You could have these chips spread in many remote locations, then link them together via a solar network back to a server where all of the information can be read back at the base.
"In the future, information could be shared throughout the nation and between countries on where is the best place to grow certain crops, and to analyse the futures market of products such as coffee. Knowing the weather conditions and how they affect the crops will provide the farmers with information they need for predicting how much crop they are likely to produce in the future. Farmers will be able to predict if a yield is going to be terrific or below expectations."
Davenport is excited about the possibility of this technology allowing farmers to improve productivity and control over their crops.
This method of precision monitoring could also be used to watch over eathquake-prone buildings, military and terrorist situations, to the health of the natural environment and bushfire threats.
The cutting edge of the microtechnology revolution will be unveiled at an international scientific conference in Melbourne from August 9th-12, 2004. It will be held at the Duxton Hotel, 328 Flinders Street, Melbourne.Related Article: