Introduction
Weather tracking or forecasting is an evidence-based practice whereby experts and interested group use advanced technology to predict the future atmosphere and conditions of a specific region for a given period. Through the collection of timely and adequate data, these professionals can offer reliable results or explanations. Those involved in agricultural activities require timely weather information in order to make appropriate planting, crop management, and harvesting decisions. The current technologies used today include weather balloons, satellites, and weather station equipment. The purpose of this paper is to describe these technologies, their benefits, and what will replace them in the future. It goes further to explain how weather tracking affects crops and implications on jobs. The final part describes how this practice can impact future agriculture.
Current Technologies
The success of weather forecasting to meet the needs of different stakeholders depends on the tools and technologies put in place. The current ones being utilized include weather balloons, satellites, and weather stations. Balloons measure temperature and analyze the atmosphere’s vertical expanse. Satellites can monitor changing patterns and guide scientists to make accurate predictions (Cristani et al. 853). Weather station instruments are essential since they offer timely information on current patterns and improve record keeping for future references, such as windsocks, rain gauges, anemometers, and hygrometers.
These technologies deliver numerous benefits to weather forecasters. Firstly, they are reliable and can gather numerous parameters from a specified region. Secondly, satellites provide reliable data for effective analysis. Thirdly, the information collected using these systems can be integrated into a computer system for easy interpretation (Wiston and Mphale 229). Fourthly, they can be available to different users, thereby making them more reliable. Finally, they offer timely and more accurate information that can inform positive agricultural and economic activities.
Although modern technologies are changing very fast, chances are high that satellite systems and weather balloons will remain in use in the future. However, new ones have emerged that are currently transforming the field of weather tracking. For example, drones have become efficient since they do not require a pilot and can gather high-quality data. Agricultural satellites are empowering scientists to predict weather patterns more accurately. Towards the future, advanced technologies will emerge that can improve how weather forecasting is done. The best example is an advanced drone that can capture images and send signals from violent storms (Cristani et al. 857). Computer apps and systems will also become more useful and guide scientists to complete simulations and predict future trends.
Effects on Crops
Weather tracking is essential because it presents timely information to farmers and agriculturists. Depending on the acquired data, these people can make appropriate decisions regarding when to plant or spray crops. With long-term forecast results available, farmers can decide when to consider specific farming practices. They will be in a position to predict the availability of water in a given period, the possibility of a storm, and possible droughts. With this kind of information, many farmers have been able to engage in sustainable activities (Sobhani et al. 1513). However, some weather predictions and data tend to be inaccurate or unreliable. The presentation of this kind of information will eventually affect farming practices and result in crop failure. This is usually the case since the level of downpour might decrease or increase unexpectedly.
Similarly, the field of weather tracking has delivered job opportunities to members of the public and upcoming farmers. For instance, many people are now willing to engage in agricultural practices than ever before due to the availability of reliable and timely information (Wiston and Mphale 230). Those who engage in it will make informed decisions, plant on time, and identify the best markets for their produce. Many people have been employed by governmental agencies and institutions that are engaged in weather forecasting activities. This also includes professionals who conduct R&D to design superior technologies and apps.
Weather Tracking for Agriculture’s Future
The future of agriculture depends on the success and effectiveness of weather forecasting. This means that stakeholders involved in different areas should present superior technologies and ideas that will ensure that the available information empowers and guides farmers. When timely and accurate weather information is presented, chances are high that more people will be willing to engage in productive activities (Sobhani et al. 1516). The data will also guide them to consider new plants, crops, cultivars, and varieties that are associated with other regions. The end result is that the quantity of production will increase significantly in every part of the world.
With effective tracking procedures, people living in arid or unreliable regions will consider the importance of irrigation-based farming. The information will make it possible for stakeholders to predict potential diseases and pests that thrive in specified weather conditions and acquire the right pesticides (Wiston and Mphale 231). The final outcome is that more people will have a source of income, be prepared against unpleasant weather conditions, and eventually improve global food security.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified weather tracking as a powerful practice for supporting agricultural practices. Both modern and future technologies will remain reliable and continue to present timely information to every stakeholder. All players in this field should engage in R&D in order to improve the way weather tracking is done and eventually transform agricultural practices for the better.
Works Cited
Cristani, Matteo, et al. “It Could Rain: Weather Forecasting as a Reasoning Process.” Procedia Computer Science, vol. 126, no. 1, 2018, pp. 850-859.
Sobhani, Masoud, et al. “Combing Weather Stations for Electric Load Forecasting.” Energies, vol. vol. 12, no. 8, 2019, pp. 1510-1520.
Wiston, Modise, and Kgakgamatso Mphale. “Weather Forecasting: From the Early Weather Wizards to Modern-Day Weather Predictions.” Journal of Climatology & Weather Forecasting, vol. 6, no. 2, 2018, pp. 229-232.