Agriculture Technologies

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Agriculture technologies

Agriculture technologies are tools and techniques farmers use to grow plants for food.

Some of the simpler techniques include improving the seed density or plant spacing and calibrating the amount of fertilisers used.

More advanced tools and techniques include using natural predators to control pests and diseases, as well as vertical farming.

SFA partners industry and academia to conduct R&D on various agricultural technologies suitable for local farms. There are three main types of agricultural farms in Singapore.

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Land-based agricultural farms

These farms grow vegetables directly on the land, using the soil to provide support and to supply nutrients to plants. They are typically housed in netted growing houses. In Singapore, land-based farms are located in Lim Chu Kang and Sungei Tengah.

Indoor agricultural farms

Indoor farms grow produce in enclosed environments, such as within a building. They often grow their produce in a vertical or multi-tier system using artificial lighting and a recirculating hydroponics system. Singapore’s first indoor farm was established in 2014, and more indoor farms being set up since then.

Rooftop agricultural farms

Rooftop farms are located on the rooftops of buildings, such as multi-storey carparks, to make productive use of areas that are otherwise underutilised. These farms use various types of growing systems, ranging from soil-based planter beds to hydroponic systems.

Resources on agriculture technologies

Agricultural farms in Singapore can use the resources below to improve their yields and increase resource efficiency in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

	Preparing Vegetable Farms for El Niño A practical guide to help Singapore vegetable farms prepare for and manage the heat, dry spells and root-zone stress brought on by El Niño. Preparing Vegetable Farms for El Niño
	Guide to Optimising pH for Hydroponics Asian Leafy Vegetables Asian leafy vegetables each have their own ideal pH range, making careful pH management essential for healthy growth, nutrient efficient growth and optimal yields. Guide to optimising pH for Hydroponics Asian Leafy Vegetables
	Guide to Optimising Indoor Nursery Conditions A practical guide for optimising indoor nursery conditions for higher vegetables yields based on SFA's research findings. Guide to optimising indoor nursery conditions
	Guide to Nutrient Management This guide explains the importance of each nutrient for plant growth and how to identify when nutrients are deficient. Guide to nutrient management
	Guide to Pesticide Application This guide outlines pre-, during and post-application of pesticides. List of common pesticides included. Guide to pesticide application
	Guide to Light Use Efficiency for Indoor Crop Production This guide explains how to improve the light-use efficiency in an indoor farm for better productivity and lower cost of production. Guide to light use efficiency
	Guide to Diamondback Moth (Pest Management) This guide introduces the diamondback moth (DBM), a common insect pest and methods to manage it. It includes details to purchase pheromone traps. Guide to diamondback moth (pest management)
	Guide to Algae and Biofilm Management This guide outlines the risks, safety concerns and cleaning/sanitizing instructions of algae and biofilm in tropical hydroponic systems. Guide to algae and biofilm management
	List of Biological Control Agents (BCAs) for Vegetable Farms in Singapore This document lists approved biological control agents (BCAs) for use on vegetable farms in Singapore. List of BCAs for vegetable farms in Singapore
	Guide to Waste Matters This guide includes an overview of “wastes” generated from our farms and to rethink these “wastes” as “by-products”. Also includes tips on how to track and record these by-products, and possible valorisation pathways. Guide to waste matters
	Guide to Seed Selection and Storage Quick user guide on vegetable seeds management and understanding the value of high-quality seeds. Guide to seed selection and storage
	Guide to Carbon Accounting for farms This guide introduces the importance and purpose of carbon accounting and how farms can account for their greenhouse gas emissions. Guide to carbon accounting for farms
	Guide to Hydroculture (soilless farming) This guide outlines greenhouse designs and benefits of soilless farming, along with suitable vegetable varieties to grow. Guide to hydroculture (soilless farming)
	Guide to Pest Management for farms This guide outlines the concepts of pest management, including best practices for prevention and tools for control. Guide to pest management for farms
	Guide to Mobile Gully System for farms This guide includes benefits and challenges of mobile gully system. It details the uniqueness of the system that allows for optimized leafy vegetable growth. Guide to mobile gully system
	Guide on Nursery Management for farms This guide provides information on the recommended seedling growth conditions in nursery facilities, along with tips for germination. It provides insights to enhance nursery management practices. Guide on nursery management
	Guide on effects of light spectrum in light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights for farms This guide covers how the light spectrum in LED grow lights and different wavelengths can influence leafy vegetable growth. Guide on light spectrum in LED grow lights for farms
	Guide to light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights for farms This guide provides tips on choosing the right LED grow lights for farms. It includes information on the common terminologies and what to consider for LED light energy efficiency. Guide to LED grow lights for farms
	Guide to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Singapore vegetable farms This guide provides information on IPM and how you can use it to monitor your crops and manage pests and diseases. Photos of common pests and diseases like aphids, diamondback moths, bacterial rot, and mildew are also included. Guide to IPM for Singapore vegetable farms
	*Growth performance of xiaobaicai* under different light conditions** SFA conducted trials to understand the growth performance of xiaobaicai seedlings under different light conditions. Seedlings with 25% shade were found to have the highest yield. Download this resource to learn more about the trials. Growth performance of xiaobaicai under different light conditions
	Use of biochar for growing vegetables SFA conducted a study to investigate the impact of adding biochar to the soil for growing xiaobaicai. Biochar is a type of charcoal. As biochar has a lot of tiny holds, it holds more nutrients and water than soil. Xiaobaicai grew the best when 30% of the soil was made up of biochar. Use of biochar for growing vegetables
	Guide to Grow Asian Leafy Vegetables (greenhouses, with soil) Includes transplanting and harvesting times, fertilising schedules and amounts, as well as estimated yield. Guide to grow Asian leafy vegetables (greenhouses, with soil)