By Janan Shoja Doost
A University of Guelph researcher is advancing sustainable agricultural practices by leveraging innovative technologies to improve the accuracy, affordability and accessibility of soil data collection.
Dr. Asim Biswas, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, Ontario Agricultural College and Canada Research Chair in Digital Agriculture, focuses on soil variability and its impact on crop productivity. His research aims to address modern agricultural challenges sustainably by equipping farmers with digital tools to streamline their operations.
“Traditionally, soil data collection is time-consuming and costly, limiting its widespread application,” he says. “Nowadays, new technologies allow soil properties to be measured on a larger scale, which enables farmers to make informed decisions to optimize productivity while preserving resources.”
Biswas’ approach involves integrating inexpensive technologies into soil management practices, enhancing data collection and analysis. His advancements in sensor technology and satellite data have significantly improved these processes' efficiency, precision and affordability in this field.
By combining data from multiple nearby soil sensors, he has improved the accuracy of predicting soil properties – such as organic matter, pH and nutrient content – compared to using single sensors methods. This has resulted in improved soil mapping and resource management in agriculture.
“We need accurate data to manage soil health effectively, but traditional methods are expensive and slow,” he says. “By integrating affordable technologies into agricultural practices, we can not only democratize access to crucial information but also empower farmers across diverse regions to make data-driven decisions that drive sustainability and productivity,” he says.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in Biswas’ work. Working with experts in computer science, engineering and social sciences, he develops interdisciplinary solutions that address the challenges of modern agriculture.
“The University of Guelph’s collaborative environment allows us to integrate diverse expertise, whether it’s developing Internet of Things (IoT) platforms or exploring the social dimensions of agricultural technology,” he says.
“Data management and governance are also essential for ensuring that data sharing is secure, ethical and beneficial for all stakeholders,” says Biswas. “Optimizing these systems is critical to advancing this field, and robust frameworks are necessary to ensure data privacy and responsible sharing.”
Looking ahead, Biswas is committed to driving impactful changes in agriculture.
“We’re facing new problems, like feeding more people with less land in harsher climates,” says Biswas. “Technology and data innovation are the way forward.”