From robots and drones to sheep tracking systems: new technology can help farmers monitor and improve soil health

Special drones can be used to investigate soil health on agricultural land. Mitchell Williams, MBM Vision / University of Plymouth, CC BY-ND " src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/I6rJGeIO9oklh2564mZcIA-/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_conversation_464/92ce872900f55aa6f4745112e990ca9c" data-src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/I6rJGeIO9oklh2564mZcIA-/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_conversation_464/92ce872900f55aa6f4745112e990ca9c"/>

Globally, 12 million hectares of agricultural land are lost to soil degradation each year. As an ecologist, I work with farmers and growers in the field and have seen how agriculture can help solve this global soil crisis.

A 2019 report by the UK government's Environment Agency estimated that 17% of soils in England and Wales showed signs of erosion. An estimated 4 million hectares of farmland were at risk of compaction, where ...