Agricultural engineering

Agricultural Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and improvement of farming equipment and machinery. Agricultural engineers integrate technology with farming. For example, they design new and improved farming equipment that may work more efficiently, or perform new tasks. They also plan, and oversee land reclamation projects on farms.

History

The history of Agricultural Engineering dates back to the use of simple tools by early humans. The development of agriculture led to significant changes in human societies and the environment. The invention of the plow in ancient times marked a major turning point in agricultural production. The industrial revolution in the 18th century brought about significant advancements in agricultural engineering with the development of mechanized equipment.

Scope

The scope of Agricultural Engineering is vast and includes areas such as biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, soil science, and agricultural economics. Agricultural engineers may perform tasks such as planning, supervising and managing the building of dairy effluent schemes, irrigation, drainage, flood and water control systems, perform environmental impact assessments and interpret research results and implement relevant practices.

Education and Career

A degree in Agricultural Engineering or agricultural science is typically required for careers in this field. Many universities across the globe offer degrees in these fields. Agricultural engineers often work in research and development, production, sales or management.

Future Trends

With the increasing global population and the consequent need for increased food production, the field of agricultural engineering is expected to grow. Future trends in agricultural engineering may include the development of more efficient equipment, the use of artificial intelligence in farming, and the development of sustainable farming practices.

See Also

• Agricultural machinery
• Agricultural science
• Agricultural economics
• Sustainable agriculture
• Biotechnology