By Scout Nelson
Researchers working in food, energy, and water systems now use Artificial Intelligence to better understand how soil, crops, water, and energy connect. Their goal is to create tools that help producers manage resources in smarter and more sustainable ways.
AI helps scientists process large amounts of information from sensors, soil samples, and drone or satellite images. This allows them to find patterns, identify problems early, and share recommendations faster than traditional methods. Researchers explain that AI makes complex work easier because it can connect many types of data that once took weeks to study.
AI is already used in different parts of agricultural research. Some teams use machine learning to study soil salinity, soil organic matter, and crop health. AI models can quickly tell the difference between weeds and crops in the field, helping experts monitor weeds like Palmer amaranth and kochia. Image-based tools also help detect plant diseases in real time, improving early response.
Another group uses AI to turn drone images into accurate field data. Their software can map small field plots, calculate vegetation indexes, and help crop breeders study traits more easily. This work supports faster progress in plant breeding, which is important for future food security.
AI also plays a major role in studying water needs. Researchers have created low-cost soil moisture sensors that work with AI models to improve accuracy. This helps farmers make better choices about irrigation and drought planning.
Robot-based weed control is another area where AI is showing progress. AI models guide robots to identify weeds and target them with lasers instead of chemicals, supporting cleaner and more sustainable farming.
Overall, researchers say AI helps them work faster, make clearer decisions, and understand systems that were once too complex to analyze. AI is now an important tool for improving food, energy, and water security and supporting strong and sustainable agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture