Agriculture at the Intersection of History and Technology: From Antiquity to the AI-Enabled Future


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Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14510224

Keywords:

Agriculture 4.0, Mechanization, Digital Agriculture, Neolithic Revolution, Agricultural Innovation

Abstract

Agriculture has been a cornerstone of human civilization, evolving to meet the changing needs and challenges of societies. Beyond fulfilling basic nutritional demands, it has played a critical role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and promoting environmental sustainability. The historical progression of agriculture can be delineated into three major phases of mechanization: the initial reliance on hand tools, the integration of animal-powered technologies, and the mechanization brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Key agricultural innovations throughout history have shaped human survival and societal advancement. Hand tools facilitated early hunting efficiency and the transition to settled life, marking the first agricultural revolution. The second revolution introduced animal-powered tools like the plow, enhancing productivity and fostering the development of structured communities. The Industrial Revolution further transformed agriculture with steam engines and internal combustion technologies, revolutionizing productivity and economic systems globally. In the modern era, digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, are driving Agriculture 4.0. These innovations enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impacts, contributing to global food security and poverty reduction. This study explores the historical evolution of agriculture, emphasizing how emerging technologies continue to reshape agricultural practices and offering sustainable solutions to address the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.

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Published

2024-12-25

How to Cite

Öztürk, Y. K., & Çelik, B. (2024). Agriculture at the Intersection of History and Technology: From Antiquity to the AI-Enabled Future. Atlas Journal, 10(55), 149–163. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14510224

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Articles