The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to cause consternation from those who worry about “robots taking over” to lawmakers in Congress who grapple with what, if any, regulation is needed for the technology. 

On the farm, however, growers are increasingly using AI-powered tools to improve efficiency in applications of fertilizer and weed and insect controls — adding to their bottom line by reducing waste and over application.

We recently visited with irrigation specialist Younsuk Dong at Michigan State University about the LOCOMOS (Low Cost Monitoring System) he’s been evaluating over the past several years to boost water-use efficiency for irrigators by better timing of water application in corn and soybeans. He says MSU’s studies are also looking at the interaction of irrigation events with plant disease incidents involving white mold and tar spot.

Dong has partnered with federal and state agencies, commodity groups, and other stakeholders to conduct on-farm research with the technology and has already installed over 80 LOCOMOS systems on farms across Michigan.   

Over three years of on-farm demonstrations in Michigan, LOCOMOS was responsible for an annual profit boost of $7,700 on one 100-acre irrigated field, and $1,300 per year for soybeans – without increasing disease incidence. Overall, the sensor-based irrigation scheduling significantly improved annual water use efficiency on each of five demonstration farms 

“The profit figures included improved yields and reduced energy costs associated with pumping water,” Dong explains. 

In a test on a farmer-field of tomatoes the sensor-based scheduling saved 30% on water use…