Precision Farming

Precision farming has been a long-desired goal to maximise output (i.e. crop yields) while minimising input (i.e. fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, etc) through monitoring environmental variables and applying targeted action. Precision farming makes use of computers, global satellite positioning systems, and remote sensing devices to measure highly localised environmental conditions thus determining whether crops are growing at maximum efficiency or precisely identifying the nature and location of problems. By using centralised data to determine soil conditions and plant development, seeding, fertilizer, chemical and water use can be fine-tuned to lower production costs and potentially increase production- all benefiting the farmer.8 Precision farming can also help to reduce agricultural waste and thus keep environmental pollution to a minimum. Although not fully implemented yet, tiny sensors and monitoring systems enabled by nanotechnology will have a large impact on future precision farming methodologies.

One of the major roles for nanotechnology-enabled devices will be the increased use of autonomous sensors linked into a GPS system for real-time monitoring. These nanosensors could be distributed throughout the field where they can monitor soil conditions and crop growth. Wireless sensors are already being used in certain parts of the USA and Australia.

For example, one of the Californian vineyards, Pickberry, in Sonoma County has installed wifi systems with the help of the IT company, Accenture.9 The initial cost of setting up such a system is justified by the fact that it enables the best grapes to be grown which in turn produce finer wines, which command a premium price. The use of such wireless networks is of course not restricted to vineyards, for example Forbes Magazine has reported that small nanosensors are being used by Honeywell (a technology R&D company with global branches) to monitor grocery stores in Minnesota.10 This technology enables shop keepers to identify food items which have passed their expiry date and also reminds them to issue a new purchase order.

The union of biotechnology and nanotechnology in sensors will create equipment of increased sensitivity, allowing an earlier response to environmental changes. For example:

* Nanosensors utilising carbon nanotubes12 or nano-cantilevers13 are small enough to trap and measure individual proteins or even small molecules.

*Nanoparticles or nanosurfaces can be engineered to trigger an electrical or chemical
signal in the presence of a contaminant such as bacteria.

* Other nanosensors work by triggering an enzymatic reaction or by using nanoengineered branching molecules called dendrimers as probes to bind to target chemicals and proteins. Ultimately, precision farming, with the help of smart sensors, will allow enhanced productivity in agriculture by providing accurate information, thus helping farmers to make better decisions.