Improving Food Production with Color Technology: Feeding the World Through Innovation

The Expo Milano 2015 brought together millions of supporters from around the world to focus on the important topic “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” The discussions centered on new innovations and technologies used to aid food production and increase agricultural yields. Color technology in farming plays and important role in this effort and offers a simple, portable, and effective method for improving agriculture through the use of science. This technology has many applications in food production and farming and can help us reach the goals of global sustainability.

Even with many advancements in agricultural sciences and food production, many people around the world still suffer from hunger on a daily basis. Image Source: Flickr user thebittenword.com

Despite advancement in food and farming technology, many people around the world still go hungry. This worldwide mission promotes the use of technology in the areas farming and agriculture, and finds ways to utilize these advancements in every nation. The purpose of this article is to expose the value of color technology as a leading tool in agricultural science and food production and to show how it can make a difference in a global effort to end hunger.

Starting from the ground up

Soil quality is the first step towards advancement in agriculture sustainability. Color technology provides a quantitative analysis of the micronutrients needed to improve soil quality. Using spectral technology, soil quality analysis can be measurement by the levels of important elements need for optimal growing conditions. Advanced spectrophotometers measure nitrogen and phosphorous levels, and this data is often used to evaluate fertilizer formulation for food safety and increased production.

Quality soil analysis is the first step towards improving food production and increasing agricultural yields. Image Source: Flickr user Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Health Campaign

Color technology is both portable and durable, making it an ideal method of analysis both in-field and beyond. Spectrophotometric instrumentation is designed for the rugged conditions of farming and can be used for a variety of applications in the agricultural industry. Both affordable and effective, this tool can be used to revolutionize farming worldwide.

Water quality and safety

Another important part of agriculture depends of clean water and irrigation needs. Providing a clean and healthy water source is essential for meeting the growing needs of feeding the world. Once thought to be an abundant resource, clean water is now in high demand in many places in order to meet the growing nutritional needs of a worldwide population. Color technology is now being used to evaluate agricultural wastewater (irrigation tailwater) as a reusable resource for irrigation needs. With the high levels of organic matter, pesticides, and chemicals often found in agricultural wastewater, it is crucial that proper methods of evaluation are used to ensure safety and reusability. Contaminated water used for irrigation poses serious risks to human health. Spectral technology offers a fast and effective method for analyzing water quality and promoting safer methods of water reuse. This technology can be applied around the world to help meet the demand for a safer water supply and promote higher levels of sustainability.

From farm to table

The benefits of color technology extend far beyond the basic agricultural foundations. New innovations in spectrophotometric analysis have been used to monitor growth rates and predict peak harvesting cycles. This innovation has led to an increased rate of production and longer shelf-life of perishable food products, both of which are essential in the efforts needed to provide dietary needs around the world.

The United States alone has increased its food production and agricultural stability by feeding more people than ever before. By emphasizing the use of technology in agriculture, nutrition, and health, new innovations are leading to higher quality and quantities of foods. Color technology has aided these advancements with the ability to measure protein content and chlorophyll saturation levels, and set tolerance levels for monitoring food contamination and ensuring safety.

Spectral analysis provides quantitative data that can be used to improve both nutrition and agricultural yields. Image Source: Flickr user U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Northeast Region

Instrumentation and innovation

Spectrophotometers are a leading tool in color technology and innovation. Color technology is highly adaptable and provides a rapid and precise method of analysis for a variety of applications in the agricultural and food industries. This technology can be used to support food production from the beginning stages of soil quality and water safety all the way through packaging and preservation of foods for extended freshness. All of these applications lead to an increase in food production and sustainability that is needed to meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population. As we work together to find better ways to feed a nation, spectrophotometers provide an affordable, durable, and compact method of analysis that can be applied around the world. HunterLab is a leader in color technology and innovation and can provide information on the latest technologies in agriculture, farming, and food quality analysis. For more information, please contact HunterLab today.