Protect Your Crops Better by Getting Wiser to the Weather
Extreme climates and erratic weather have made outdoor growing especially difficult in recent years. As a result, growers have started using protected cropping systems and artificial intelligence (AI) to help shield their crops from the elements. In this article from CropLife, our sister brand, Vasyl Cherlinka from EOS Data Analytics explains how using technology and weather analytics can aid in crop protection.
In this ever-dynamically changing agricultural world, the weather continues to be one of the most unpredictable and simultaneously prevailing factors that influence health and productivity in crops. Whether it be through experience or intuition, farmers have conventionally depended on these skills in predicting the weather. Technology is bound to change the way one perceives and responds to such environmental variables. This is where weather analytics comes in — a dynamic integration of meteorological data, advanced algorithms, and real-time monitoring systems for accurate, pinpoint insights into weather at both macro and micro levels.
Imagine knowing exactly when an extended dry spell is about to stress your crops or when humidity would rise and trigger an attack from infesting organisms on your plants. Weather analytics provides that sort of foresight in allowing the user to make correct and timely decisions concerning irrigation scheduling, application of pest control, and protection against sudden frost.
Weather Data & Crop Management
Weather data in today’s agriculture is no longer an indispensable tool in terms of productivity and waste reduction but a surefire way to alleviate potential risks brought on by erratic and uncontrollable weather conditions. A precise agricultural weather forecast ceases to be mere useful information but a guide in key decision-making within the farms of today. With access to the actual forecast, farmers can comfortably plan for the major activities: sowing, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting. This ensures that there is minimum possibility of crop damage due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Long-term weather prediction is another powerful use of weather data. Historical weather data helps farmers and other experts understand the long-term weather trend. This will further empower farmers to map past climate conditions, such as periods of drought, likelihood of flooding, and heat and cold spells, that determine the optimal crop type, sowing dates, and other resources to employ. The data will also help identify robust farming practices that are compatible with the changing weather and climatic conditions, like using drought-resistant crops and changing the irrigation schedule during the dry seasons.
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