Agriculture would not be what we know it today without technology. Today, this industry occupies a central place in the economies of many countries. Through agriculture, we get food and materials for the manufacturing industry, including cotton, wool, and more. Before the first farming technologies and practices were invented, people searched for and collected food. Today, we can not only grow crops in one place, but we can even grow them in space thanks to modern technologies. In this piece, you will learn how the rural economy has developed over the centuries and about advanced technologies, the introduction of which is changing agriculture today. 

History of Agriculture Inventions

Agriculture originated about 12 thousand years ago on the site of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. The people who lived then began to change their nomadic way of life to a sedentary one to cultivate the land. This transition was called the Neolithic Revolution. With the development of agriculture, the variety of crops grown also increased. 

About 9 thousand years ago, farmers who inhabited the highlands of the Andes created and appreciated the benefits of terrace farming, which is used to this day for the efficient cultivation of crops in hilly areas. In addition, the first methods of combating floods and fires appeared in China, and in Mesopotamia and Egypt, people invented the first irrigation technologies. Initially, farmers of ancient civilizations used underground canals for irrigation, and then channels were drawn from the Nile River to the fields.

Humans learned how to work metal in the Bronze Age, which allowed for improved tools, including axes and plows. With such tools, it has become easier and more convenient to prepare large land areas for agriculture. 

Even more advanced technologies appeared in the Middle Ages, which raised agriculture to a new level. Reservoir dams and water-lifting machines made it possible to create complex irrigation systems. 

The British Agriculture Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries gave us the technology that is still used today. We're talking about crop rotation, land reclamation, and deforestation. The less productive rye was replaced by barley to feed the growing population. In addition, there have been significant changes in the field of agricultural machinery. Humanity has moved from a plow to a gasoline-powered machine. Large farms have also started using chemical pesticides.

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by such a significant discovery for agriculture as hybridization. For example, hybrid corn has become much more popular due to its high yields and, as a result, more affordable prices. This kind of corn is the result of the natural crossing of two varieties.

As for the technical progress of the last century, the machines have also been improved and modernized. But what is even more significant is the advent of airplanes, with the help of which it became possible to distribute pesticide seeds and fertilizers more efficiently.

Today's farming trends are focused on sustainability and conserving resources, including water. For example, in Israel (60% of the territory is a desert) reuses wastewater, purifying it for irrigation. It is one of the most efficient methods of water resources management. Drip irrigation was also invented here. Technology is advancing at an incredible rate.

IoT and AI

Much of the potential of IoT and AI in agriculture has yet to be realized. However, today the application of these technologies includes detecting crop diseases at an early stage, determining the level of soil moisture, and much more. In addition, AutoCart software is being developed, which will link automated vehicles without drivers into a single IoT network. This invention will enable farmers to automate all equipment and significantly increase its productivity and efficiency.

Vertical Farming

Vertical farming makes better use of the limited farming space in a city. At the same time, the yield of steep agricultural lands may even exceed the traditional one. Vertical farming can tell the conventional what structures and designs can be that increase yields and reduce waste. In connection with the growth of the population, the demand for farm products is also growing, and the development of this technology can essentially help solve this issue without causing colossal harm to the environment.

Gene Editing

Scientists use CRISPR to identify and modify the genome of various organisms. For example, to reduce the methane produced by cows, scientists alter the microbes in the cow's intestines. This adjustment makes it possible to increase meat production by reducing the amount of feed. Scientists also create crops that consume less water but continue to give high yields.

Drones

Drones are widely used in agriculture. Drone applications include aerial photography, harvesting automation. In the future, drones could also be used for delivery. At the same time, another problem has arisen in the world, which is often covered by the media, the disappearance of bees. Bees play a vital role in agricultural production because they pollinate the plants. This problem is also hoped to be solved with the help of drones. They can help the dwindling population of bees finish their work.