Summary
Agricultural engineering, also known as agricultural and biosystems engineering, is the application of engineering principles to agriculture. It combines various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering, to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farms and agricultural businesses.
Agricultural engineers design and implement systems for irrigation, drainage, crop production, livestock management, and food processing. They play a crucial role in developing technologies that reduce labor requirements, increase crop yields, and protect the environment. In the 20th century, the introduction of mechanization, precision agriculture, and genetically modified foods led to significant productivity gains. Today, agricultural engineers continue to innovate, using advanced technologies such as drones and sensors to optimize farm operations and ensure the future sustainability of agriculture.