Disadvantages of Terrace, Carbon Farming & IoT in Agriculture: A Critical Examination for 2025
Introduction
In 2025, agriculture continues an accelerated evolution, characterized by the integration of traditional techniques and modern technological advancements. As growers, researchers, and businesses explore new ways to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience, prominent innovations like terrace farming, carbon farming, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture are shaping the future of the industry. While these practices and technologies offer numerous benefits—from improved soil retention to real-time data and carbon sequestration—they also present significant disadvantages, challenges, and concerns that must be critically assessed to ensure sustainable development.
This blog post provides a comprehensive, unbiased, and detailed critical examination of the disadvantages of terrace farming, carbon farming disadvantages, disadvantages of IoT in agriculture, with a clear focus on the realities that farmers, stakeholders, and decision-makers may face as these methods become more prevalent in 2025 and beyond. Each technique is explored with depth, context, and actionable insights, empowering the path towards more sustainable agricultural systems.
“Terrace farming can increase erosion by 15% if not properly maintained, risking long-term land degradation.”
The Disadvantages of Terrace Farming
Terrace farming is an ancient agriculture technique involving the carving of flat platforms or steps across steep, hilly, or mountainous terrain. Its main aim is to prevent soil erosion, improve water retention and increase opportunities for cultivation in regions with challenging topographies. While the method has proven value, it is crucial to consider the drawbacks that limit its effectiveness, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
1. High Initial Cost and Labor-Intensive Construction
- Construction requires significant initial investment. Building terraces often demands substantial financial resources and human labor. Estimates suggest investments can reach over $1000 per hectare depending on terrain, soil, and local economic factors.
- Labor intensity is a prohibitive factor. The manual effort of constructing and shaping terraces makes this method less accessible for small-scale farmers or communities in developing regions, hindering wider adoption and scalability.
2. Maintenance Challenges and Potential for Failure
- Terraces demand regular upkeep. Without continuous maintenance, terraces can deteriorate quickly, losing their effectiveness and potentially exacerbating soil erosion rather than preventing it.
- Improperly maintained terraces can collapse. If upkeep is neglected, the risk of terrace failure rises—this can lead to severe land degradation and loss of productive soil.
- Water drainage challenges. Mismanaged terrace systems may disrupt natural drainage patterns, causing waterlogging, reducing crop growth and even triggering the collapse of terraced sections.
3. Restricted Mechanization and Scalability
- Limits mechanization and modern agricultural machinery. The narrow platforms and interrupted topography on steep slopes in terrace farming severely limit the ability to use large, modern machinery, making the process less efficient and more labor-intensive.
- Reduces opportunity for scaling operations. Scalability remains a core issue. As demand for higher output grows in 2025, terrace farming often struggles to meet modern efficiency standards due to physical and logistical limits.
4. Environmental Risks and Soil Degradation
- Risk of increased erosion if improperly maintained. As revealed in our trivia, erosion rates may jump as high as 15% in cases where maintenance is overlooked.
- Potential waterlogging. Disruption in drainage can cause crop failure due to waterlogged soil.
5. Region-Specific Limitations
- Less adaptable in non-mountainous regions. The effectiveness of terrace farming is tied to hilly or mountainous terrain—it is unsuitable for flat land, making it a niche solution.
Summary: Major Disadvantages of Terrace Farming
- High initial construction cost
- Intensive human labor and investment
- Continuous maintenance required to prevent failure
- Water drainage and erosion control difficulties
- Limits on mechanization and scalability
- Potential for soil degradation if mismanaged
Carbon Farming Disadvantages: Key Challenges in 2025
Carbon farming refers to a suite of practices designed to capture and store carbon dioxide in soil or vegetation—thereby mitigating climate change and enhancing soil health. Typical approaches in carbon farming include cover cropping, agroforestry, residue management, and conservation tillage. While the benefits are well-promoted, there is growing recognition in 2025 of important disadvantages and uncertainties that may impact the sustainable adoption of these methods.
1. Uncertainty and Variability in Carbon Sequestration Rates
- Variability affects measurement and monetization. Numerous factors such as soil type, climate variability, farming practices, and regional conditions mean the amount of carbon stored may vary greatly—leading to uncertainty in reported outcomes.
- Undermines the reliability of carbon markets. The uncertainty in sequestration rates challenges the credibility and effectiveness of carbon credit markets and related financial incentives.
2. Potential Trade-Offs With Food Crops and Yield
- Competition with food crops. Practices such as cover cropping or increasing vegetation cover may result in competition for water, nutrients, and land, impacting the productivity of primary cash crops.
- Productivity may decrease. Farms that focus on maximizing carbon sequestration through non-edible biomass may risk reduced profitability and food production, posing dilemmas in regions with food security concerns.
3. Permanence and Risk of Reversal
- Carbon storage is not permanent. Changes in land use or natural disturbances (e.g. drought, wildfire, tilling) can quickly release stored carbon, invalidating claims of long-term sequestration.
- Ongoing monitoring and verification required. Systems require continuous data collection and verification, adding layers of cost and complexity.
Looking to monitor the environmental impact or carbon footprint of your agricultural land? Farmonaut’s Carbon Footprinting service leverages satellite data to offer accurate, real-time carbon monitoring, enabling compliance and sustainability reporting in 2025 and beyond.
4. Socioeconomic Barriers and Access Inequality
- Access to carbon markets and expertise. Smallholder farmers in developing regions may lack access to carbon credits, accurate data, or the technical knowledge required for effective participation.
- Potential for inequitable distribution of benefits. The concentration of financial rewards among large agribusinesses, rather than local communities, can exacerbate socioeconomic disparity.
5. Technical Complexity and Verification Challenges
- Specialized monitoring systems required. Tracking changes in soil carbon levels over time needs sophisticated data collection, often involving IoT devices, satellite-based apps, or lab soil sampling.
- Complexity may deter small-scale adoption. Many farmers find the technological and administrative burden overwhelming, requiring external support.
Summary: Major Disadvantages of Carbon Farming
- High variability in carbon sequestration rates
- Potential productivity reduction due to resource competition
- Lack of permanence and risk of carbon release
- Access barriers for smallholders
- Ongoing need for verification and data collection
- Socioeconomic and administrative hurdles
Disadvantages of IoT in Agriculture: Risks and Drawbacks
By 2025, the Internet of Things (IoT)—wearable devices, remote sensors, drones, networked irrigation systems, and cloud-based data platforms—has become deeply integrated into modern agricultural practices. IoT promises increased precision, efficiency, and data-driven management. However, a growing body of evidence highlights the disadvantages of IoT in agriculture, especially when it comes to accessibility, cost, data security, and operational complexity.
“Over 40% of farmers using IoT in 2024 cited high implementation costs as a major barrier.”
1. High Initial Cost and Ongoing Expenses
- IoT infrastructure deployment is capital-intensive. Initial outlays for devices, connectivity modules, software licenses, and maintenance can be prohibitively high—especially for small and marginal farmers.
- Across 2024 and into 2025, over 40% of adopters cited upfront cost as the main limit on adoption.
Interested in leveraging advanced satellite-driven insights for your farm or agri-business? Try Farmonaut’s Large Scale Farm Management Platform for seamless operational monitoring powered by satellite and AI—no expensive on-ground IoT installation required.
2. Connectivity Limitations in Remote Regions
- Internet connectivity is a bottleneck. IoT systems require reliable wireless network coverage. Many rural or off-grid regions lack sufficient infrastructure, leading to delays, coverage gaps, or system failures.
- Real-time data transmission or cloud-based analytics may not be feasible everywhere, particularly in developing markets.
3. Complexity, Technical Knowledge Gaps, and Support Issues
- IoT adoption demands technical expertise. While user-friendly dashboards are improving, many farmers face steep learning curves managing data streams, troubleshooting devices, ensuring regular maintenance, and interpreting analytics.
- Limited support in some regions. In developing areas, on-ground support and training may be insufficient—leading to frustration or system abandonment.
For seamless integration and advanced analytics without the hassle of hardware installation or onsite maintenance, Farmonaut’s Satellite API and Developer Documentation make satellite data-driven monitoring and automation a reality for both developers and enterprises.
4. Data Security and Privacy Concerns
- Risks of data breach and third-party misuse. As IoT devices collect and transmit large quantities of sensitive agricultural data over the internet, security challenges become more prominent—especially regarding unauthorized access, hacking, and espionage.
- Regulatory and liability gaps. Many regulatory environments are not yet fully equipped to safeguard rural IoT networks or enforce stringent privacy protections.
5. Obsolescence and Electronic Waste
- Short device life cycles. Rapid advances in IoT technologies quickly render previously installed devices obsolete—leading to increased costs and a growing problem of e-waste in rural environments.
Summary: Major Disadvantages of IoT in Agriculture
- High initial cost and ongoing expenses
- Connectivity and infrastructure limitations
- Complexity and need for technical expertise
- Data privacy and security risks
- Potential for fast obsolescence and e-waste
- Varying levels of user support and training
Comparative Disadvantages Table: Terrace Farming vs. Carbon Farming vs. IoT in Agriculture
To make complex information both accessible and actionable, the following table offers a side-by-side comparison of the key disadvantages associated with each agricultural practice. This chart can help readers critically examine and assess which approach suits their needs in 2025, and where particular care must be taken with maintenance, costs, scalability, and technology.
| Disadvantage Category | Terrace Farming | Carbon Farming | IoT in Agriculture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | High initial investment (~$1000/hectare); labor-intensive construction | Costs for soil analysis, continuous monitoring, specialized inputs | High setup costs for devices & connectivity; expensive for smallholders |
| Maintenance Challenges | Continuous upkeep needed; improper maintenance leads to failure | Ongoing monitoring, data collection, and verification required | Regular hardware/software maintenance; battery/device replacement |
| Environmental Risks | Potential for increased erosion (if not maintained), waterlogging, land degradation | Risk of carbon reversal due to drought, land-use change, or disturbances | E-waste; dependency on network infrastructure; cumulative impact of frequent upgrades |
| Scalability Issues | Mechanization is limited; not easily scalable across vast or flat regions | Varying carbon rates across geographies; smallholders may be excluded from carbon markets | Large farms more likely to adopt; small or remote farms face barriers due to cost/connectivity |
| Technical Expertise Required | Basic knowledge for construction and maintenance; not highly technical | Requires understanding of carbon measurement, records, verification protocols | High: Training needed to handle devices, platforms, troubleshooting |
| Potential Yield Reduction | Spacing and non-arable sections may reduce total productivity | Competition with main crops for land, water, or nutrients | Rare; more of a management burden unless devices malfunction |
Addressing the Disadvantages: Sustainable Solutions for 2025
Recognizing the specific disadvantages of each agricultural practice is the first step toward building more resilient, sustainable systems in 2025. Here are best practices, innovations, and strategic ideas to mitigate these challenges for farmers, businesses, and policymakers.
For Terrace Farming
- Community-Driven Maintenance. Cooperative systems and public investment can help distribute labor and maintenance costs, preventing neglect.
- Adoption of Modern Engineering Methods. The use of geotextiles, vegetative reinforcements, and remote monitoring (e.g., via satellite) improves terrace longevity.
- Efficient Water Management. Integrating drainage channels and employing advanced monitoring solutions reduce waterlogging risks.
Consider using Farmonaut’s Crop Plantation, Forest & Advisory App for actionable insights into land use and environmental risks without costly on-site maintenance.
For Carbon Farming
- Leverage Digital and Satellite Monitoring. Remote sensing (eg., NDVI), as provided by Farmonaut, reduces manual labor and improves accuracy in monitoring carbon sequestration.
- Blend Economic and Environmental Goals. Implementing rotational strategies that support both yield and carbon storage minimizes trade-offs.
- Equitable Access to Carbon Markets. Policy interventions, knowledge-sharing platforms, and digital services should be tailored to include smallholders and marginal farmers.
For IoT in Agriculture
- Hybrid Data Solutions. Satellite-based remote monitoring platforms, such as Farmonaut’s, can provide crucial data without the costs & connectivity challenges of IoT hardware.
- Emphasize Data Privacy and Security. Choose platforms that enforce data encryption, secure transmission, and rigorous privacy policies.
- Modular, Scalable Systems. Start with minimal infrastructure and expand as technical and financial capacity grows.
For transparent tracking of produce or farm inputs, Farmonaut’s Traceability Solution leverages blockchain for secure, end-to-end visibility — reducing risk of data misuse while opening up new market avenues.
Farmonaut: How Satellite Solutions Support Modern Agriculture
Farmonaut is a global satellite technology company dedicated to empowering farmers, businesses, and governments through affordable, actionable data. By delivering real-time crop health monitoring, AI-based advisory via Jeevn AI, blockchain-based traceability, and fleet/resource management, Farmonaut helps users navigate the challenges of modern agricultural practices such as terrace farming, carbon farming, and the adoption of IoT.
- Satellite-Based Monitoring of fields for soil health, vegetation indices, water stress, and more
- AI & Blockchain Integration enables precise advisory, traceability, and fraud prevention
- Environmental Impact Tracking, including carbon footprint monitoring and resource optimization
- Access via Mobile, Web, and APIs for seamless integration and device-agnostic data access
Unlike conventional IoT systems that may require heavy hardware investment and infrastructure, our satellite-based approach lowers cost barriers, increases scalability, and ensures reliable data delivery—even in the most remote agricultural regions.
Read more or access solutions for carbon footprint monitoring, traceability, fleet management for agricultural vehicles, and crop loan & insurance (see details).
FAQs: Disadvantages of Terrace, Carbon Farming & IoT in Agriculture (2025 Edition)
Q1: What are the main disadvantages of terrace farming in 2025?
The disadvantages of terrace farming include high initial construction costs, labor-intensive maintenance, increased erosion risk if not maintained, limited use of modern machinery, and unsuitability for flat terrains. If terraces are not regularly maintained, they may collapse, leading to land degradation.
Q2: How does carbon farming present disadvantages for farmers?
Carbon farming disadvantages revolve around uncertain and variable sequestration rates, ongoing monitoring and verification challenges, potential reduction of main crop yields due to competition for land, and inequitable access to carbon markets, particularly for smallholder farmers.
Q3: Why do some farmers hesitate to adopt IoT in agriculture?
The disadvantages of IoT in agriculture include high setup and maintenance costs, limited connectivity in remote areas, concerns around data security and privacy, technical complexity requiring significant expertise, and the risk of device obsolescence and e-waste.
Q4: Can Farmonaut help address the challenges mentioned?
Yes, Farmonaut’s suite of satellite-driven, AI-powered, and blockchain-integrated solutions helps cut costs, reduce hardware dependency, empower decision-making, and provide data-driven support for carbon tracking, land monitoring, traceability, and resource management.
Q5: What’s the future outlook for these practices?
While terraces, carbon farming, and IoT will continue to shape agriculture, their disadvantages will persist unless strategic measures, education, policy innovation, and accessible satellite data platforms (like Farmonaut) are integrated to promote sustainability and equity.
Conclusion: A Critical Examination for the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
As we step further into 2025 and beyond, the landscape of agriculture will remain a composite of traditional wisdom and modern innovation. The disadvantages of terrace farming, carbon farming disadvantages, disadvantages of IoT in agriculture—including high initial costs, maintenance burdens, technical complexity, and scalability issues—demand serious and ongoing consideration. It is imperative that farmers, agronomists, policy makers, and agri-tech leaders continue to critically assess their choices, weigh both the benefits and drawbacks, and harness technology such as satellite-based solutions to maximize sustainability, productivity, and climate resilience.
With data visibility, advanced monitoring, and collaborative knowledge, we collectively move toward a future where the limitations of powerful practices are not only acknowledged but effectively mitigated for the betterment of the entire agricultural ecosystem.
Farmonaut Subscriptions: Affordable Satellite-Driven Insights
Ready to experience the next level of agricultural intelligence, operational efficiency, and sustainable monitoring? Explore Farmonaut’s subscription options for affordable, data-driven solutions tailored to your needs:
