Impact of new technology
Machinery
Since the 1950s there has been a massive increase in the use of farm machineryMechanically operated equipment, eg a tractor. such as tractorA machine used to do various types of work on a farm., ploughA farm machine used to turn over the soil in preparation for seeds to be sewn., combine harvesterA farm machine used to gather cereal crops such as wheat from fields. and seed drillA farm machine used to sow seeds.. Some farmers also use drones to take pictures of their fields to check for soil, irrigation or pest problems. The use of modern farming technology has had both a positive and negative impact on rural areas:
| POSITIVE | NEGATIVE |
| Increased crop yield as work can be done faster and more efficiently. | Loss of animal habitats and shelter belts, as hedgerows were removed to increase field size, and accommodate large machinery |
| Increased profit for the farmer | Increase in noise pollution |
| Less physical work for people | Fewer jobs available |
| Fewer workers so less wages for farmer to pay | As people become unemployed they move away to find work, leading to rural depopulation |
| Crops are harvested faster so they are fresher | Machines are expensive to buy and repairs can be costly |
| POSITIVE | Increased crop yield as work can be done faster and more efficiently. |
|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | Loss of animal habitats and shelter belts, as hedgerows were removed to increase field size, and accommodate large machinery |
| POSITIVE | Increased profit for the farmer |
|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | Increase in noise pollution |
| POSITIVE | Less physical work for people |
|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | Fewer jobs available |
| POSITIVE | Fewer workers so less wages for farmer to pay |
|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | As people become unemployed they move away to find work, leading to rural depopulation |
| POSITIVE | Crops are harvested faster so they are fresher |
|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | Machines are expensive to buy and repairs can be costly |
Chemicals - fertilisers and pesticides
There has been an increase in the use of chemical fertiliserA nutrient added to the soil to increase the soil fertility. and pesticideGeneral name for chemicals used to kill pest species that feed on crops and reduce crop yield. to try to improve crop yieldThe amount of crops harvested from a certain area. and farmers profitThe difference between revenue and costs. A key aim for all businesses.. Chemical fertilisers have also enabled crops to be grown on marginal areasLand which is poor and not particularly good for growing crops. with poorer quality soil. The use of modern chemicals has brought both advantages and disadvantages.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Increased crop yield as fertiliser makes crops grow better. | Increased river pollution due to chemical run-off. |
| Fewer plants being eaten by pests so more crops to sell. | Polluted river water leads to problems such as algae bloom which starves the river of oxygen affecting wildlife. |
| ADVANTAGES | Increased crop yield as fertiliser makes crops grow better. |
|---|---|
| DISADVANTAGES | Increased river pollution due to chemical run-off. |
| ADVANTAGES | Fewer plants being eaten by pests so more crops to sell. |
|---|---|
| DISADVANTAGES | Polluted river water leads to problems such as algae bloom which starves the river of oxygen affecting wildlife. |
Irrigation equipment - canals and sprinklers
In drier areas canalA man-made waterway. and sprinklersA spray used to water crops artificially. - artificial irrigationThe channelling of water from rivers and streams to fields in order to help crops grow.- are necessary to water the crops. Without irrigation apparatus large agribusinesses would not be able to make big profits.