Smart Agriculture: Technologies, Practices, and Future Directions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of innovative agriculture research. Because IoT is still in its early stages, it must be widely tested before it can be widely deployed in many agricultural applications. In this paper, I look at different prospective IoT applications, as well as the unique concerns and constraints connected with IoT deployment for better farming. The gadgets and wireless communication technologies linked with IoT in agricultural and farming applications are thoroughly researched to focus on the unique requirements. Sensor-enabled IoT systems that deliver intelligent and smart services for smart agriculture are being investigated.Several case studies are offered to investigate the existing IoT-based solutions implemented by various organizations, individuals, and groups depending on their deployment criteria. The difficulties in these solutions are addressed, as are the factors for improvement and the future roadmap of work with IoT. Smart farming is a trend that emphasizes the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in machinery, equipment, and sensors in network-based hi-tech farm supervision cycles. Innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing are expected to spur growth and kickstart the usage of robotics and artificial intelligence in agriculture. Such radical departures are upsetting established agricultural practices while also posing several obstacles. This study explores the techniques and equipment utilized in wireless sensor applications in IoT agriculture, as well as the predicted problems encountered when integrating technology with traditional farming practices. Furthermore, this technical knowledge is useful to growers during crop times ranging from planting to harvest, and applications in packing and transportation are being researched.

Stocks and Distribution of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System Treated with Phosphates

Abstract Conservation agriculture practices can contribute to changes in soil nutrient dynamics over time. This experiment evaluated the changes in total stocks and distribution of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations in soil, during 60 months, in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) due to anticipated fertilization of sources and doses phosphates applied in soil surface. The experiment was conducted over a period of five years, under Typic Dystrudept, using a randomized block design, in an incomplete factorial scheme (3×3+1), with four replications. Treatments consisted of three sources of P [triple superphosphate (TSP), rock phosphate - Arad (RP) and magnesium thermophosphate (MTP)], along with four doses of P (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 P2O5 total). Samples of soil were collected in 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 and 20-30 cm layers at 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after beggining of experiment where the following chemical attributes were evaluated: (i) total organic carbon (TOC); (ii) total nitrogen Kjeldahl (TNK); (iii) available P by ion exchange resin method (P-IER); and (iv) available S-SO4 2-. The ICLS conditions provided increased total stocks and concentrations of TOC, TNK, P-IER and S-SO4 2- over time. The applications of different phosphates had no influence on soil TOC concentrations during the five years of experimentation. The concentrations of TNK, P-IER and S-SO4 2- showed an increase in different layers of soil, with the application of sources and doses of P. The P fertilization practice that was anticipated can consist of an efficient management of soil fertility, using properly managed conservation systems.