Jun 11, 2024

Growing tomatoes amidst climate change

A recent study published in Nature, a distinguished British journal, forecasts a more than 5% decrease in tomato yields in approximately 30 years in key regions including Italy and California. 

Even in California tomato growers face significant obstacles such as water scarcity and soil degradation due to intensive agricultural methods. To combat these challenges, agricultural producers have increasingly turned to integration of satellite crop monitoring. A pioneering adopter of this technology is The Morning Star Co. — a global tomato processor that we will use as an example of how satellite data can help in tomato farming. 

Global tomato production declines

Annually, the world harvests an impressive 40 million tons of processed tomatoes, with the lion’s share — 60% — originating from the fertile fields of California, China and Italy, according to the World Processing Tomato Council. 

Recent years have seen a decline in tomato productivity, particularly in California. The state, which traditionally sees a yield of nearly 12 million tons, reported only 9.5 million tons in 2022. This shortfall was primarily attributed to a combination of unprecedented high temperatures and prolonged drought conditions, challenging even the most resilient of growers.

Extreme weather conditions as the main threat

As global average air temperatures rise and climatic patterns shift dramatically, global warming and climate change are becoming formidable catalysts in shaping agricultural outputs across all crops. And tomatoes are no exception.

One significant impact of these changes is the imposition of stricter water restrictions. The scarcity of water might compel farmers to resort to using water of inferior quality for irrigation. Such practices increase the risk of soil salinity, creating an inhospitable environment for tomato plants. 

Often, there is a propensity among growers to over-irrigate, overlooking the fact that efficient water management and reliance on existing soil moisture could substantially mitigate water wastage. This overuse not only strains limited water resources, but also undermines long-term sustainability in tomato farming. 

Implementing an agriculture monitoring system could be a solution for enhancing water management strategies and crop health in general. 

Solutions on the horizon

The demand for innovative agricultural technologies has never been more acute than now. Morning Star, a tomato processor, is navigating these challenges by pioneering smart crop monitoring solutions in California. 

Despite its leading positions and substantial contribution to the national supply of diced tomatoes and tomato paste, the company has made efforts to deal with the adverse effects of changing weather patterns, water scarcity and nutrient management issues.

The company’s proactive approach involves Gradient, a proprietary platform dedicated to precision agriculture. By harnessing a suite of sensors, Gradient aids farmers in optimizing irrigation strategies through real-time data on soil moisture. 

Plus, the Gradient algorithms provide valuable information related to plant vigor, nitrogen content, maturity, crop consistency, disease and insects, water stress, air temperature and more, which helps ensure uniformity across 112,000 acres managed by Morning Star. In addition, Gradient’s partnership with EOSDA Crop Monitoring, a satellite images service provider, enables it to deliver Morning Star tomato growers with high-quality crop images. 

Integration of this crop monitoring software also establishes its correlations with NDVI index values to predict field conditions. This method enables technicians to create a holistic picture of the overall health of the fields, providing critical insights that guide irrigation and nutrient application. 

As a result, Morning Star has achieved a significant reduction in irrigation costs, ensuring more efficient water use and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Ultimately, the combination of in-ground sensor data and satellite imagery enables Morning Star to monitor photosynthetic activity, pinpoint stressed regions and correlate these findings with yield projections. This comprehensive approach not only mitigates the risks associated with global warming, but also enhances the predictability and sustainability of tomato yields, ensuring the stability of supply amidst climate uncertainties.

The integration of remote farm monitoring technologies has potential for those who strive towards both yields and sustainability. By providing precise data on crop health and environmental conditions, these advanced tools enable farmers to adapt more effectively to the unpredictable challenges posed by climate change. 

As we look to the future, the role of satellite-driven analytics in agriculture promises to become even more vital, showcasing an inspiring blend of technology and environmental protection.

For more details on mitigating climate change impact on agriculture using satellite technology go to eos.com or morningstarco.com.

— Vasyl Cherlinka, Guest Contributor

BIO

Vasyl Cherlinka, Phd., is a doctor of biosciences specializing in pedology (soil science), with 30 years of experience in the field. With a degree in agrochemistry, agronomy and soil science. Cherlinka has been advising on these issues in the private sector for many years.