Agricultural engineering

Agricultural engineering, often called agricultural and biosystems engineering, is a specialized field. It uses engineering science and design principles to improve farming. This discipline combines many different areas of study. These include mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical engineering. It also uses food science, software, and environmental engineering. The main goal is to make farms and agribusinesses more efficient. Engineers also work to ensure that natural and renewable resources remain sustainable.

An agricultural engineer is a professional with an agriculture background. They usually work in partnership with an agriculturist. An agriculturist is someone highly proficient in farming and agricultural science. While the agriculturist understands the biology of plants and animals, the engineer focuses on the technical designs. They create the plans and models for agricultural projects. This teamwork ensures that technology works perfectly within a living ecosystem.

Humanity has used agricultural engineering for thousands of years. Before 2000 B.C., people introduced large-scale irrigation in the Nile and Euphrates rivers. Large irrigation structures also appeared in Baluchistan and India before the Christian era. In Asia, these techniques were common in China. In South America, the Incas practiced irrigation in Peru. In North America, the Aztecs used similar methods. Later, settlers practiced irrigation near San Antonio in 1715. In 1847, Mormons used irrigation in the Salt Lake Valley.

The Industrial Revolution brought a new age of mechanization and steam power. Mechanical harvesters and planters began replacing human field hands. In 1761, John Lloyd, Magnus Strindberg, and Dietrich introduced mechanical threshing. Andrew Meikle built a beater bar threshing machine in 1786. Between 1790 and 1796, Charles Newbold made a cast iron plow. James Smith constructed a mower in 1811. John Deere created his first steel plow in 1833. Later, George Berry used a steam combine harvester in 1886.

These advancements led to a "second agricultural revolution." This period saw a shift from small subsistence farming to cash-farming for markets. It also included changes in crop rotations and livestock improvement. In the 20th century, engineers used airplanes as cropdusters to disperse pesticides. Benjamin Holt built a petrol-powered combine harvester in 1911. Erwin Peucker constructed bulldog tractors in 1936. In 1961, Deutz-Fahr produced the rotary hay tedder. In the late 20th century, genetically modified foods, or GMOs, helped increase yields and pest resistance.

Agricultural engineering includes many specific sub-disciplines. Common areas include agricultural machinery and agricultural structures. Other fields are aquaculture, forestry engineering, and irrigation. Engineers also study biomechanics, ergonomics, and land development. They work in soil management and precision agriculture. They may also focus on pesticides and surveying. These diverse branches allow engineers to solve very specific problems in the food system.

Agricultural engineers hold many different roles in society. They may work in academia or for government agencies. Some serve as consultants for private engineering firms. Others work in industry to manufacture machinery or processing technology. They might design structures for housing livestock or storing crops. In the Philippines, these professionals are called registered agricultural and biosystems engineers. They must pass a licensure examination after earning a four-year degree. In the United Kingdom, the term often describes people who repair or modify equipment.

The economic impact of agriculture is significant in many nations. In 2006, agriculture accounted for about 20 percent of Armenia's GDP. By 2010, this grew to about 25 percent. This was much higher than in neighboring countries. In 2017, Georgia's agricultural GDP was 6.88 percent. Azerbaijan was 5.63 percent, Turkey was 6.08 percent, and Iran was 9.05 percent. In the United States, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) was founded in 1907. This organization provides important safety and regulatory standards for the global industry.