The 21st century has brought about many changes in the agricultural and bioresource engineering fields. With an ever-growing world population and increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, strategic themes in these fields have become more important than ever before.

One of the most significant strategic themes in agricultural and bioresource engineering is the need to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. This can be achieved through the development and implementation of precision agriculture techniques, such as sensor technology, remote sensing, and GPS. These technologies can be used to monitor soil health, crop growth, and water usage, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about when and where to apply fertilizers and other inputs. This not only increases yields but also reduces the amount of fertilizer and other chemicals used, minimizing their impact on the environment.

Another important strategic theme is the need to improve food safety and quality. With the increasing demand for organic and locally grown produce, it is important to ensure that food is safe and free from contaminants. This can be achieved through the development of advanced monitoring and detection technologies, such as biosensors and rapid testing methods. These technologies can detect contaminants such as pesticides, bacteria, and viruses in food products, allowing for quick and efficient response to potential threats.

A third strategic theme is the need to develop sustainable and renewable energy sources. Agricultural and bioresource engineering can play a key role in this effort by developing technologies for the production of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. This includes the development of efficient processes for converting agricultural waste and byproducts into biofuels, as well as the development of new crops specifically for use as bioenergy feedstocks.

Another important strategic theme is the need to develop sustainable water management practices. With water becoming an increasingly scarce resource, it is important to develop techniques for conserving and efficiently using water in agricultural and bioresource engineering. This includes the development of irrigation systems that use water more efficiently, as well as the development of techniques for capturing and storing rainwater.

Finally, a key strategic theme in agricultural and bioresource engineering is the need to address global challenges such as climate change and food security. This requires a multidisciplinary approach that brings together experts in fields such as agronomy, ecology, and economics. By working together, these experts can develop solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable, ensuring that food production can meet the needs of a growing global population without harming the planet.

The 21st century has brought about many challenges and opportunities for the agricultural and bioresource engineering fields. By focusing on strategic themes such as increasing productivity while reducing environmental impact, improving food safety and quality, developing sustainable and renewable energy sources, managing water resources, and addressing global challenges, these fields can continue to make significant contributions to the sustainability and well-being of our planet.