Land Based: Use of Technology

Use of Science in land based industries:
In this topic, we will examine how technology is used within land based industries.

The role of technology:
There are lots of examples where technology is used to great effect in the land-based sector. Here are some examples, however, this list is certainly not complete:
• Data storage - from invoices to cow passports,
• Climate control - from lambing sheds to moisture protected seeds,
• Computer controlled hydroponics - ensuring maximum photosynthesis with optimal temperature, moisture and CO₂ levels,
• Precision farming - RTK to generate exact paths for sewing seeds and tending to the crops,
• Robotic milking parlours - fast, efficient and no work force cost or reliability (robots don't book holidays),
• GPS - accurate measurement of field size and the ability to locate staff, vehicles and livestock,
• CCTV - from monitoring lamb births to security during the rise of thefts of expensive machinery,
• Communication - to the outside world, to fellow farmers/staff and real-time information about animal weight, milk yield and location.

Factors that affect the choice of technology used in different sectors:
The tractor has been the symbol of farming for years. People who have never been on a farm can easily draw the shape of a stereotypical tractor. Tractors are not only essential in farming, they are very expensive and farmers need to consider many factors before investing in one:
• The tractor needs to be affordable, either outright or paying back the business in a reasonable amount of time.
• The tractor needs to be able to do the right job. suitable size, power, range, mass, flexibility of use. It must have the correct attachments and ensure that there are local engineers/garages who know how to repair them, maintain them and where to get parts quickly.
• That there are no restrictions in using them. Can they be used on UK roads? Do you need a special driving licence? Can you insure this particular one? Is there an age restriction for driving and/or operating it?

Range of technology and design features (land management & production):

Range of technology and design features (Animal health & welfare):

Range of technology and design features (environmental industries):

The impact of the advances in science on new technologies:
New machinery has made farming much more efficient and it increases production. Areas that could not be farmed are now being used to their maximum output. These new machines reduce the cost of overall production which means that the business can now compete with other firms that may have lower wages costs etc such as with cheaper imports. These machines can increase the sustainability of a business.

Using the Scientific Principles: