5 technologies set to revolutionise the forestry sector

So what new technology can aid in the establishment of large forest areas – as our latest Spotlight on Forestry points out, the sector is ripe for the tech revolution. Here are five technologies to watch out for:

1. The full picture

Keeping an eye on hundreds of thousands of trees is a herculean task, traditionally carried out on foot in all weathers. Imagery, whether it be taken by a drone or satellite, is a more efficient way to see the landscape. 

Using satellite images can help keep track of the forest's condition and check the health of trees. Drones can fly among the trees and gather similar information, like tree density and health status. This way, areas needing attention can be quickly identified and necessary actions taken. However, it's challenging to detect smaller trees, which can be overlooked in the images.

2. Connect with your sensors

A sensor for the air, monitoring temperature, humidity and quality. A sensor for the soil, monitoring moisture content. A sensor for the tree, monitoring growth. Combine all of these through an Internet-of-Things network, and an expansive, real-time and accurate picture of the forest can be created. While this can be used to optimise conditions, it can provide early warnings of wildfire or disease ensuring damage is minimised.

3. A more intelligent approach

Images and sensors provide vast quantities of potentially useful data. Without analysis, that data remains useless but analysing it is a complex and time consuming process. Thankfully, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) can expedite the process while also providing far higher quality insights. By rapidly identifying patterns and anomalies in vast quantities of data, AI promises to enhance forest management.

4. Control the environment

As the name suggests, controlled environment technologies involve controlling the environment to optimise growth. This is most obviously known in the form of vertical farming where light, temperature, nutrients and water levels are controlled to optimise the growth of crops, all on a smaller footprint of land due to the stacking of growing surfaces. The same can be applied to trees too, by growing seedlings through vertical farming, ensuring optimal conditions, before being planted outdoors. This has the added benefit of growing saplings faster and in a bio-secure environment, reducing the risk of disease.

5. The rise of robotics

Forestry has been a human-centred activity for ages but robotics and automation have made their way into the sector to increase productivity. Robotic harvesters are already available commercially, operating tasks such as pruning, harvesting, inventorying and planting. Teaming robotics with automation, as has been done in certain agricultural sectors, could further optimise the time and quality of these operations.

How far away is the future?

Many of these technologies are already being explored within the forestry sector. For example, in Devon and Cornwall, drones have been used not for imaging, but to plant 75,000 seeds as a means of tripling rainforest cover in the area. As these technologies are adopted more widely, they will continue to be improved, and the value proposition will become more evident. Although early adopters may face initial challenges, they are also more likely to gain the greatest rewards rather than being left to play catchup.

Further information

Contact Joe Lloyd or James Adamson