Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia

Energy and Green Technology, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, UK

There is a pressing need for more efficient, sustainable and clean food production to meet the need of the growing population with limited land, and the net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions agenda as the food system contributes for one-quarter to the global anthropogenic emissions. Agricultural mechanization is well recognised to make operations faster, increase efficiency and productivity but must be environmentally friendly, affordable for small-scale farmers whilst making the agriculture an appealing to young people as choice for employment and development of new businesses, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization guidance. Farm mechanization should also be contextualized to the reality of each country or region to meet the need of farmers and low-carbon energy sources used to replace fossil fuels wherever possible.  

The progress on the integration of agricultural mechanization and digitization with internet of things (IoT) big data and artificial intelligence is noticeable in the literature. Some examples include smart sensors and IoT based greenhouses, aquaponics and field farming to remotely control and monitor the status of the farm for prompt actions. The most challenges are to put in place an appropriate business model and use of the system, IT security and reliability, and access to trained people to analyze the huge data from all machines and sensors. Similarly, the integration of renewable energies with agricultural digitalization and mechanization is a growing field with, for example, solarpowered agricultural machinery and farm robot, fuel cell tractors and energy harvesting module driven tractors. However, rapid development of agricultural modernization largely coexists with excessive use of agricultural chemicals, inappropriate utilization of agricultural waste, and soil destruction. Therefore, this modernization must be underpinned by the circular economy principles, good valorizing of agricultural waste and using biodegradable and natural nontoxic inputs.

The UK is set to increase sustainable farm mechanization to produce more with minimal negative environmental impact following the Brexit and shortage of farm labor. For example, according to Modor intelligence report, “United Kingdom agricultural machinery market size & share analysis - growth trends & forecasts (2023 - 2028)”, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in October 2022 increased by 25.3% when with the period in the previous year. New green technologies developments include the introduction of a new cultivator with a camera self-steering system, biomethane and hydrogen power tractors. Electric-powered machinery is also attracting attention though there is no doubt of the limiting factor dictated by the battery technology. Here, hybrid biofuel and electrically powered machinery with for example solar photovoltaic seems to present great opportunities.  

Our ongoing research include the use of agricultural and industry waste to develop bio based-agricultural inputs such as crop biostitumulants, biodegradable materials for mulching practices, controlled released formulations and seed-enhancement technologies for sustainable agriculture and a healthier ecosystem. The last case study as an example of digital mechanization is our work in aquaponics 4.0. It is anticipated that the future innovative development of green agricultural mechanization and small-scale farming lies in the smart integration of different green technologies to harness the synergy between them for minimal inputs and maximal outputs with zero or limited negative impact in the environment.