Searching for modern methods of agriculture? Then this article is for you. Agriculture is a very important sector of a nation’s economy and the basic source of livelihood for some countries and their citizens. Some Nations of the world depend on agriculture as their major source of national sustenance through the production of food and livestock thus contributing to the development of any nation.
Agricultural evolution, technological advancements, and innovations have all affected agriculture making modern agriculture able to take a more innovative than conventional approach to farming Practices for national development, resource management, and increased practice efficiency.
Over 50 percent of human needs are met through agriculture so the need for a massive amount of agricultural produce is needed through modern farming methods of agriculture.
Modern methods of agriculture have always helped in the area of mass agricultural practices and easier ways to provide food and livestock practices for both Individual and commercial purposes or as a means of national Providence.
The List of Six Modern Methods Of Agriculture
Modern farming methods of agriculture are structured to make the possibility of maximum yield realizable both in productivity and financially. These methods are used Independently or for national contribution and require the expertise of professionals.
We’ve listed six modern farming methods in Agriculture in this article to get every agro personnel and worker to get conversant with the modern farming methods of agriculture and expose them to the need to embrace these.
Monoculture
Monoculture is one of the modern methods of agriculture that allows and promotes the growth of not more than one type of crop and livestock at a particular time in an agricultural field or farm, thus the prefix, “Mono”.
Dairy cows, pigs, chicken, maize, rice, beans, etc are examples of such which can be grown or bred as specific crops or species for different farming or agricultural practice, unlike polyculture systems.
Lands for farming and agricultural practices can take various crops annually but as far as a single crop or specific livestock species is being grown or bred at a particular time, then you can as well refer to it as a monoculture.
Pros:
- open technological spaces
- The maximal yield of production
- Higher revenue
- Easy management
Cons:
- Strainful pest management
- More use of synthetic fertilizers
- Decreased biodiversity
- Soil degradation
Irrigation System Technology
The irrigation system Technology is one of the modern methods of agriculture that involves the use of up-to-date technologies in the provision of water to crop areas where climate conditions don’t permit much rainfall enough for plant growth or during extremely dry farming seasons.
This artificial process of water distribution can be achieved through irrigation sprinklers, underground Wells, irrigation canals, pumps, reservoirs, drip systems, etc to make sure that there is a constant supply of water for the farm.
Pros:
- Time-saving
- Money saving
- Growth maximization
- Water saving
- Curbs excessive weed growth
Cons:
- Loss of property to colossal waterways
- Unnecessary water clogging
- Uncontrolled irrigation creates a breeding space for insects.
Intensive Tillage
Intensive Tillage is the cultivation of soil structure regularly for deep and complete farm activity. This is one of the modern methods of agriculture that has employed the use of tractors which have been specifically developed for the facilitation of intensive Tillage.
This is a practice that enhances proper soil drainage, well-tilled farming beds
weed control and ease in seed planting.
Intensive Tillage prepares the soil through processes that involve mechanical agitation like stirring and overturning and hand-enabled tilling methods like hoeing, picking, shoveling, and raking. Also, this practice allows deeper Tillage known as primary and shallow Tillage known as secondary Tillage
Pros:
- Mechanical destruction of weeds
- Topsoil aeration
- Facilitates seedbed preparation
- Facilitates faster root growth
Cons:
- Soil fracture
- Soil structure disruption
- Soil residue reduction
- Soil erosion
Chemical Pest Control
Modern methods of agriculture have employed the use of pest control chemicals for the extermination of farm vermin. They have become the major type of pest control as they are fast to handle agricultural farm pests.
This practice terminates pest infestations when done properly to avoid plant damage and periodically to maintain farm safety. These pests are insects that feed on plants, cause plant and animal diseases, and weeds etc.
Pros:
- Effective results
- Almost immediate tackling of farm pest issues
- Control of mycotoxin-producing pathogens
Cons:
- Groundwater contamination
- Pesticides poisoning
- Resistance
- Pests develop immunity
Genetic Manipulation
Genetic Manipulation is the process of creating plants and animals of hybrid calibers. This is one of the most advanced modern farming methods of agriculture aimed at creating, breeding, and preserving the lineages and species of plants and animals.
The creation of hybrid plants and animals for maximum productivity and precise characteristics of combined nature stands out among other improved modern farming methods of agriculture and has proven to be highly beneficial through its capitalization on the useful traits of both organisms involved in the molecular development process.
Pros:
- Develop species of superior character
- Actively tackles diseases
- Are grown with fewer synthetics
- Enhanced growth rate
- Environmentally friendly
- Pest resistant
Cons:
- Some negative side effects
- Less nutritional value
- At risk to pathogens
Synthetic Fertilizer Use
Agriculture and the need for food have always needed catering and with the recent explosion in population, the need for food will naturally need a faster process. The use of manure which was used for promoting soil fertility and growth is now outdated as a modern method of agriculture has emerged for some years now.
These synthetic fertilizers help plants to develop immunity from plant pathogens, weeds, pests, etc, and generally improves soil fertility. These fertilizers provide constant nutrients removed from the soil by plants and improve very well, farm produce productivity.
These fertilizers cause very rapid increases in plant yields, are easily marketed, are easy to transport, easy to manufacture, and generally provide enough plant nutrients.
Pros:
- Supports nutritional needs
- Massive yields
- pH value of soil is maintained
- Stable yields
- Erosion reduction
Cons:
- Decrease of soil fertility with time
- Plant yield might outweigh the roots
- Groundwater pollution
- Can produce plants with harmful elements upon harvest action
What Are The Types Of Agriculture?
In agriculture, different types of it focus on sectors of human need. These types range from types of food, crops, meat, clothing, etc.
And are mainly under commercialization although they also cater to the individual needs of people. So while the two types of agriculture are commercial and subsistence farming, there are farming activities that focus on providing specific products from the farm.
What are the branches of agriculture?
There are four main branches of agriculture which are crop production, livestock production, agricultural economics, and agricultural engineering but cover many other areas of agriculture too. These major branches now have connections with Horticulture, Agronomy, Forestry, Soil science, Animal husbandry, etc.
What is the importance of agriculture?
The importance of agriculture can never be overemphasized as it is the base of life and financial support to most nations of the world. Crop production, livestock production, clothing, and footwear are all catered for by Agriculture. The world’s population is seemingly at its highest and the availability of food is relatively not enough to feed everyone. But with agriculture and moreso, modern farming methods of agriculture, the importance of modern agriculture will never be looked down upon.
Conclusion
Modern farming methods of agriculture are of course doing a greater good in society but it also doesn’t rule out the visibility of the disadvantages of modern agriculture. The world from the very beginning has always required food and every other product from the farm but we seem to be in more need during these times of financial unrest and population explosion. So modern farming methods of agriculture contain these excesses by providing enough produce in quick, efficient, and healthy processes.
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References
eos.com– Monoculture Farming Explained: What Are The Pros And Cons?
environmentalevidencejournal.biomedcentral.com– How Does Tillage Intensity Affect Soil Organic Carbon? A Systematic Review Protocol
cropwatch.unl.edu– Tillage: Advantages Bad Disadvantages
agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com– Genetic Engineering For Improving Quality And Productivity Of Crops
