24. From a technological viewpoint, explain why farming has gotten less labor intensive over the last hundred years.
I really need help on this.
Tractors, material handling systems, feeding system, feed and envirnomental controls are automatic, in short, many repetitive functions have been replaced with machines.
Large, gasoline-powered machinery sure uses less labor than a horse-drawn plow.
Thank you guys
Sure, I'd be happy to help explain why farming has become less labor-intensive over the last hundred years from a technological viewpoint.
1. Machinery and Equipment: One major factor is the development and widespread use of machinery and equipment in farming operations. Technological advancements have led to the introduction of tractors, combines, seeders, harvesters, and other specialized equipment. These machines can perform tasks that used to require extensive manual labor in a fraction of the time and with fewer workers.
2. Mechanization: Mechanization has made it possible to automate various farming processes. For example, automated systems can now plant seeds, apply fertilizers, irrigate fields, and control pests with minimal human intervention. This reduces the need for manual labor and allows farmers to accomplish more in less time.
3. Improved Crop Varieties: Advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering have led to the development of improved crop varieties. These include drought-resistant and disease-resistant crops, which require less human effort and interventions for maintenance and protection. By improving crop characteristics, farmers are able to achieve higher yields with fewer labor-intensive tasks.
4. Precision Agriculture: The adoption of precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS-guided machinery and remote sensing, enables farmers to optimize resource allocation and increase efficiency. With precise spatial and variable-rate applications, farmers can reduce waste, enhance productivity, and minimize the need for extensive manual labor.
5. Data and Information Technologies: The integration of data and information technologies in farming has helped optimize decision-making processes. By collecting and analyzing data related to soil composition, weather patterns, and plant health, farmers can make informed choices in terms of irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection. This minimizes the need for random or excessive labor-intensive practices.
Overall, the combination of these technological advancements has led to increased productivity and efficiency in farming operations, resulting in a significant reduction in labor-intensive tasks over the last hundred years.