But what if agribusinesses use efficiency arguments as a pretext for pushing forward high-tech farming solutions, asks Hall, who claims something similar is unfolding in India's Maharashtra state at present.
"Adoption of smart farming solutions is strongly driven by the 'ease of use' feature," says Beecham Research principal analyst, Saverio Romeo, co-author of a report called Towards smart farming - Agriculture embracing the IoT vision.
The proposed concept of combining existing manure storage facilities with high rate AD has, therefore, potential to become a cost-effective individual farm solution for biogas generation.
Increasingly, this knowledge will be supplied by input suppliers who provide total farm solutions rather than standalone inputs.
More likely than not, NRCS agents are listening to renters and designing on-farm solutions in light of particular conservation challenges.
Possible on-farm solutions include increased tillage or incorporation (plowing) to reduce transport via macropores or overland flow, and improved management of field hydrology.
This adaptability and openness implies a promising future for the adoption of conservation practices and climate change adaptations, if local, state, and federal outreach staff can build from one-to-one, interactive networks and work with farmers to co-design socially and ecologically appropriate on-farm solutions.
When a challenge arises that exceeds the limits of traditional farming, seeking solutions through genetics is appropriate.
The reach of vertical farming's solutions makes it a perfect area for investment in the 21st century.
Between job creation and food production, vertical farming offers solutions to many of the problems experienced across the globe -- from unemployment to food shortage and spatial congestion.
