AgriERP Wins The "Farm Management Solution of The Year 2024" Award by Agtech Breakthrough.
AgriERP Recognized & Mentioned On Forbes Magazine
Samuel Bamidele has given a unique perspective on improve soil health. and sustainable agriculture. With a background in soil science and experience working in both academia and the agriculture industry, Samuel Bamidele shares his thoughts on the challenges facing farmers today and the future of farming.
He began his career working in soil stabilization in the construction industry. Later, he pursued a master’s degree at the University of Delaware, focusing on smart irrigation solutions and rice residue management. His work often intersects with climate-smart agriculture and smart agriculture farming, aligning innovative solutions with environmental responsibility
AgriERP: From your experience, what are the biggest soil health challenges globally and in the U.S.?
Samuel Bamidele: Soil is increasingly seen as a living ecosystem, not just a medium for growing crops. The rise of regenerative agriculture shows promise, with practices like no-till and cover cropping gaining traction. However, many farmers still focus primarily on short-term profits rather than long-term soil health management such as carbon content or soil structure. There’s a critical need for greater awareness and education, along with stronger public-private partnerships to support climate-smart agriculture.
AgriERP: How do extreme weather and conventional farming impact soil quality and food production?
Samuel Bamidele: Over-application of inorganic fertilizers and monoculture contribute to regenerative agriculture soil health, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This harms aquatic ecosystems and accelerates climate change. Soil degradation reduces arable land, threatening global food security. Restoring soil health takes time, Adopting smart agriculture solutions during this transition can help mitigate food insecurity and boost soil health improvement.
AgriERP: How does regenerative agriculture compare to traditional farming in terms of yield and sustainability?
Samuel Bamidele: Regenerative agriculture prioritizes protecting and improving soil health through organic matter addition, minimal tillage, and crop diversity. It’s a long-term strategy that maintains productivity while sustaining the soil. Traditional farming often relies on heavy tillage and monoculture, which can degrade soil and reduce its productivity over time. Regenerative practices lead to healthier soils and more resilient farming systems. Smart farm management plays a key role in optimizing these regenerative methods at scale..
AgriERP: How is technology influencing soil health management and precision agriculture?
Samuel Bamidele: Technology is crucial, but it must be accessible and easy to use for farmers. Tools like digital soil maps, sensors, and AI-driven nutrient plans are improving real-time decision-making. However, many farmers in rural areas prefer traditional methods, so education and support are essential to encourage adoption Implementing smart irrigation. The future of agriculture involves potential for smart irrigation systems with local knowledge to manage soil as a living ecosystem.
AgriERP: What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in agriculture and soil health?
Samuel Bamidele: AI is a powerful tool that provides timely insights and helps farmers and scientists work smarter, not harder. It can analyze data to predict soil health monitoring and optimize inputs. However, AI should complement human expertise, not replace it. When used thoughtfully, AI accelerates progress in sustainable agriculture.
AgriERP: How important are government policies for sustainable agriculture globally?
Samuel Bamidele: Policies vary by region, but strong government support for climate-smart agriculture is essential everywhere. Incentives for soil conservation, carbon management, and sustainable practices help farmers transition to better methods. A sustainable environment benefits both people and governments, making such policies vital for long-term food security.
Challenges Ahead for Climate-Smart Agriculture: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
- Continued soil degradation outpacing restoration
- Climate unpredictability is making farming planning difficult
- Limited access to localized technical knowledge and capital for regenerative practices
- Land-use conflicts, especially around solar infrastructure, impacting soil productivity
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among farmers, researchers, governments, and industry to tackle these complex issues.
Adaptation and Learning
Samuel Bamidele’s international experience has taught him to navigate diverse cultures, policies, and farming practices. He stresses the value of flexibility and communication, ensuring his knowledge bridges gaps between communities and technical experts.
This is where AI-powered smart irrigation systems can make a significant difference in improving smart water management in agriculture.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on importance of soil health in agriculture and regenerative farming! Share your comments and follow us for more expert conversations.
