Gov. Perry recently announced the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) is investing $250,000 in Smartfield Inc., of Lubbock, for the commercialization of its crop irrigation management technology.
I have often said we are very proud of our bigger tractors and more horsepower, but science has led the way to the unprecedented level of productivity American agriculture enjoys today.
According to the governor’s release, Smartfield’s technology uses sensors to monitor rainfall, crop canopy temperatures and stress levels, and informs growers of the real-time irrigation demands of virtually any type of row crop. This method makes it easier for growers to determine the ideal conditions for watering crops, ultimately reducing pumping and labor costs, saving water and improving crop yields.
This technology offers tremendous potential benefits to all Texans as we struggle to manage water resources for a state growing in agriculture as well as population.
No comments:
Post a Comment