In the heart of Turkey, a researcher is making waves in the world of agriculture, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the way we farm. Gülfinaz Özoğul, from the Agricultural Machinery Program at Yozgat Bozok University, has been delving into the applications of AI in agriculture, and her findings are nothing short of compelling.
Özoğul’s research, published in the journal *Cogent Food & Agriculture* (which translates to *Intelligent Food & Agriculture*), explores how AI technologies can be used to develop high-precision, low-cost smart agricultural systems. These systems, she argues, are crucial for meeting the growing global demand for high-yield agricultural production.
The advantages of AI in agriculture are manifold. For producers, AI can improve decision-making processes, increase productivity, and facilitate agricultural operations. Consumers benefit from improved product quality and safety, while the environment gains from better soil protection, water conservation, and reduced carbon emissions.
“AI technologies in agriculture are expected to be among the most significant research topics of today and the future,” Özoğul states. “They contribute to sustainability by monitoring farm conditions, improving decision support, and developing solutions to pending problems.”
However, the path to AI-driven agriculture is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is the need for large amounts of high-quality data to create effective AI models. This is a hurdle that all agricultural enterprises must overcome, according to Özoğul’s research.
The study, which analyzed research conducted over the last 15 years from databases like Web of Science, Scopus, and the National Thesis Center, also highlights the potential risks of AI in agriculture. These include data privacy issues, the need for specialized skills to implement AI technologies, and the high initial costs of investment.
Despite these challenges, the prospects for AI in agriculture are promising. Özoğul envisions a future where AI technologies are integral to agricultural research and practice, driving sustainability and efficiency in the sector.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As AI technologies become more prevalent in agriculture, the demand for energy to power these systems will likely increase. This presents an opportunity for energy providers to innovate and develop sustainable solutions to meet this growing need.
Özoğul’s research serves as a reminder that the future of agriculture lies in the intersection of technology and sustainability. As we navigate this exciting frontier, the insights from her work will be invaluable in shaping the policies, practices, and technologies that will define the future of farming.