Grainswest - Tech 2024

Tech 2024 Grains West 34 BY IAN DOIG “The algorithmwill improve as we work on this over time.” —Greg Stewart AI HAS ARRIVED Data-driven tools set to improve decision-making in farming and food production FEATURE A rtificial intelligence (AI) is quietly revolutionizing processes that underpin sectors from astronomy and health care to manufacturing and entertainment. Research and development of AI in agriculture and agri-food is likewise revolutionary, with products now available or galloping toward commercial release. Olds College of Agriculture and Technology is a leader in digital ag tech research. With the aid of machine learning (ML) and AI, its HyperLayer Data Concept project works to harness big data to assist farm production. Herman Simons, the College’s smart ag applied research manager, assisted in a recently concluded four-year HyperLayer initiative that studied the potential use of AI to provide agronomic advice. College researchers produced multiple layers of data for a series of crop fields. This included the extensive collection and analysis of soil samples, yield data and satellite and drone imagery. With substantial computing power, the project methodically built an algorithm to predict soil levels of available N-P-K and organic matter. “It takes a lot of time, but as long as you keep adding information it slowly but surely improves the outcome,” said Simons. For instance, the project has drawn a strong link between organic matter and nitrogen availability, but parallels with phosphorous and potassium require more work. AI is a very powerful data management tool well suited to tackle the highly variable nature of farming, said Simons. “Data is the way forward for agriculture. As we gather more data, we become more knowledgeable about AI and how to implement machine learning.” As an example, he noted California farmers now use AI to schedule irrigation more efficiently and make better use of limited water. “You’ll see more and more AI and ML being implemented to make better decisions. There’s very little impact on farmers yet, but it’s going to change how we do things.” A study conducted as part of the Olds College HyperLayer Data Concept project examined the potential use of AI to dispense agronomic advice.