Agricultural Technology- Save Our Citrus

 

Save Our Citrus

 

     This is a unique iPhone application made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through this application, users can easily report and identify the four major citrus diseases, such as citrus canker, citrus greening, sweet orange scab, and citrus black spot. They just need to upload photos of the damaged citrus and will receive a response back from citrus experts regarding how to manage the disease. 

 

Pros: It is free and very easy to use.

 

Cons: This app is only for citrus-related things. 

 

 

Link for more information 

Agricultural Technology- IveGot1

 

IveGot1 

 

IveGot1 is also an iPhone application developed by the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. Through this application, users can easily and quickly report invasive species observations from their phones. The reports will be uploaded to EDDMapS and e-mailed directly to local and state authorities for verification. The goal of IveGot1 is to make quick identification and prevent any dangerous animals or plants from harming our environment.

 

 

 

 

 

Pros: The app allows the users to save their reports for uploading later when they have network connection. It also provides various images and information on Florida’s worst non-native invasive animals and plants. 

 

Cons: The species reported have to be in Florida in order to be handled by the local and state authorities. 

 

 

Link for further details 

Agricultural Technology- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

 

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

     The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the measure by which both farmers and gardeners can decide upon which plants or crops are most likely to thrive at a given location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones. Strong internet connection is strongly recommended for using the map. However, users with slow internet connection can still effectively utilize the map because it also provides static images. Users only have to type in the location that they are interested in, and the minimum temperature of the soil in the area will come up.

Pros: Users with various internet connectivity can use this map without any obstacles.

 

Cons: The map does not tell its users exactly which plants or crops are suitable for the soils. Users have to find that out themselves. The map only provides the minimum temperature of the soil. 

Link for further information 

Agricultural Technology- iCow

iCow

iCow Logo

   

   iCow was developed by Green Dreams TECH Ltd with an ambition to assist smallholders in maximizing their returns. As in the name of the application itself, the app specifically helps farmers or anyone who are involved with dairy industry. This app can be accessed through mobile phones or internet. To optimally utilize the app, farmers have to subscribe first to Mashauri-Farmer Tips from which they will get 3 SMS tips each week at Ksh 3 per SMS. Upon subscription, they also can receive several tips concerning each specific cow, calf or heifer at Ksh 3 per SMS. This app is fortunately available in both English and Kiswahili so that farmers from all around the world can subscribe and utilize this helpful application.

Pros: It is available in both English and Kiswahili so all farmers worldwide can utilize it. It provides many kinds of information regarding breeding cows, along with both diet information and diseases information of various types of cows. 

 

Cons: Farmers unfortunately have to pay to utilize the app. Not many farmers are willing to pay for such information. 

Link for more information 

Agricultural Technology- Farming Simulator 2013

Farming Simulator 2013

     First released in 2011 only for PCs, the Farming Simulator game has been very popular in Europe. The Farming Simulator 2013 was just released by Giants Software, a European-based developer, to attract young American gamers who more often play games on consoles. This newest version is available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Europe, Japan, and the US. It realistically simulates farming so that its users may get real farming experience from playing this game. Users can plant crops, harvest them, feed the livestock, and expand their farms. 

Farming Simulator 2013

 Pros: We will not find ourselves failing in this game because there are not any objectives to pursue for the players. Whichever way we desire to plant our crops will work because the game does not tell you any specific ways to grow the crops.

Cons: Lack of competition because there are no objectives or long-term goals other than making as much profit as possible. There are also no scores and storyline.

Link for more details