More than just air: Why compressed air is indispensable in agriculture

Efficiency is key in modern agriculture. Every action, every process and every resource must be precisely managed to keep operations both profitable and sustainable. Often underestimated, compressed air plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Far from being just another tool, it has become a versatile energy source that helps optimise workflows throughout the farm, from cleaning tasks to automation. How compressed air supports agricultural work is explained in detail in our blog post.

There are countless ways compressed air can be used in agriculture. Here are just a few examples of how farmers benefit from this powerful resource:

• Cleaning without water: Whether for machinery, barns or installations, compressed air removes dirt and dust quickly and thoroughly – without risking damage to sensitive electronics or components. This not only saves water, but also valuable time.
• Pneumatic conveying: Compressed air can transport feed, seed and other bulk materials easily and hygienically. 
• Workshop all-rounder: Whether powering impact wrenches, spray guns or other tools, a reliable compressor is an indispensable piece of equipment in every agricultural workshop. 
• Automation: From controlling milking and feeding systems to managing irrigation or operating gate openers, compressed air is the key to smart, automated farming. 
• Slurry aeration: Aerating slurry with compressed air is an effective way to increase homogeneity, reduce odours and enhance fertiliser quality. 
• Biogas plants: Agricultural biogas plants rely on compressed air for two key functions: to control slurry flow via pneumatic valves and to maintain reliable sealing of double-membrane roofs. 
• Silo applications: Compressed air is used to empty silos and to clear blockages, ensuring smooth material flow.
• Soil aeration and loosening: Special compressed air applications loosen and aerate the soil, improving its structure and increasing yields.

Compressed air also enables accurate and resource-efficient feeding. Pneumatically controlled dosing systems dispense exactly the right amount of feed and deliver it precisely to where it is needed. This minimises feed losses, boosts efficiency and ensures every animal receives optimal nutrition. 

Another advantage: Modern compressors can be equipped with heat recovery systems. This allows up to 96% of the energy used to be recovered – for example, to heat livestock buildings or to warm water. In this way, compressed air provides a perfect blend of technology, animal welfare and sustainability.

Processes that once required considerable time and manual effort can now be automated using pneumatic systems, significantly reducing workload. 

• Automated feeding: Even distribution, significant time savings 
• Milking robots/systems: Less manual effort, improved milk quality
• Barn climate and ventilation control: Stable climate for healthy livestock 
• Cleaning and manure removal systems: Reduced labour, improved hygiene 
• Seed and fertiliser application: High precision, better yields 
• Gate and pasture systems: Greater comfort, structure and safety 

Agriculture challenges both people and machinery every single day. Dust, moisture and temperature fluctuations place heavy demands on technical equipment – conventional compressors quickly reach their limits under such conditions. KAESER compressors, on the other hand, are specifically designed to meet these challenges: They are engineered to be robust, reliable and energy-efficient, even when external conditions are far from ideal. 

Which compressor for which application?

• Powerful portable compressors MOBILAIR series portable compressors are designed for flexible use on the farm and out in the field. Whether cleaning machinery, operating air tool tools or loosening soil: they deliver the power you need – wherever you need it. 
• Efficient rotary screw compressors: Reliability is crucial in livestock farming. Rotary screw compressors provide a continuous, stable supply of quality compressed air for milking robots, feeding systems and ventilation equipment. The major advantage: their energy efficiency, which reduces operating costs over the long term. 
• Robust reciprocating compressors: Reciprocating compressors are the perfect choice in workshops for pneumatic tools or to provide control air in biogas plants. They are renowned for their exceptional durability, ease of maintenance and their ability to handle fluctuating compressed air demand with ease.
• Reliable blowers: Blowers make the pneumatic conveying of bulk materials in agriculture simple, hygienic and gentle. They also ensure dry and safe storage conditions when aerating silos. 
• Compressed air treatment: KAESER offers reliable solutions for compressed air treatment: With our filters and dryers, you can achieve food-grade compressed air – safe, hygienic, and perfectly matched to your applications.

What makes a KAESER compressor so reliable?

• High-performance filters: Special intake filters offer dependable protection against dust and particulates– a must in dusty barns or out in the field. 
• Corrosion-resistant housings: Engineered for durability. Even in environments with high humidity or dust, the technology remains fully protected. 
• Efficient cooling systems: Even in the heat of summer, the compressors operate smoothly with no loss in performance. 
• Low maintenance: Long service intervals and user-friendly design help minimise downtime. 

Your benefits at a glance:

• Everyday reliability: KAESER compressors deliver dependable performance whenever you need it – without compromise. 
• Exceptional energy efficiency: Reduces operating costs and conserves valuable resources. 
• Long service life: Robust construction and high-quality materials ensure durability that pays off for years to come. 
• Flexible applications: Whether for the barn, workshop or out in field – there's a model to suit every task. 
• Service-friendly: Easy maintenance means more time for what matters most – your work on the farm.

Compressed air is a powerful, flexible and efficient energy source that boosts productivity, hygiene and profitability across all areas of agriculture. With KAESER’s durable, reliable compressors, you’re investing in a solution that’s built to withstand daily demands and help you meet the challenges of modern farming with confidence.