As population of the world is rapidly growing, the issue of hunger is as relevant as ever. Although technology provides unique opportunities for most individuals, each ninth person in the world experiences hunger or lack of clear water. These facts concern scientists who want to optimize agriculture that to be as efficient as possible. In Netherland, scientists created a smart greenhouse that uses state-of-the-art technologies to grow the maximum number of crops, fruits, and vegetables by using the minimum resources such as water and fertilizers. Other types of urban farming include systems that are integrated into interior design. Such farms include backyard gardens, tactical gardens, green walls and vertical gardens. Other classification includes systems that are integrated into exterior of a city. For example, roof gardens, forest gardens or street landscaping. Such techniques allow farmers to grow crops in places that are incorporated into urban design.
Agriculture and livestock are some of the most resource-demanding industries that involve numerous environmental factors. The main ecological issues include water shortage, soil exhaustion, and greenhouse gas emission. For example, excessive use of chemical fertilizers in traditional agriculture will cause soil fertility decline and eutrophication of water bodies. Similarly, the use of excessive pesticides in traditional agriculture will lead to water pollution and the reduction of biodiversity caused by animal and plant death. Organic farming systems generally offer lower yields in comparison to conventional agricultural practices.
The specialists that work on the development of the smart greenhouse are striving to achieve a fully autonomous greenhouse. In it, the perfect conditions for the growth of crops will be created in any place and climate of the world. In addition, the systems in the smart greenhouse can be managed remotely as they involve technologies such as artificial intelligence that helps with data analysis. Therefore, such technological advancements bring hope for the resolution of world hunger for future generations.
Reference
DW Shift. (2021). Smart City: How Can We Feed 10 Billion People? | Future Smart City Projects | Urban Farming [Video]. YouTube. Web.