The rapid evolution of climate change, coupled with the increasing demand for food due to population growth, has positioned smart agriculture at the forefront of sustainable crop production strategies. Integrating smart advanced technologies may provide a pathway for mitigating environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. The goal is to enhance crop resilience while preserving ecological balance and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

Smart agriculture leverages data-driven tools like precision farming, IoT-based sensors, remote sensing, and AI-powered predictive analytics. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of soil moisture, nutrient levels, and weather patterns, allowing farmers to make informed decisions. For example, precision irrigation systems adapt water distribution based on plant requirements, minimizing water wastage and enhancing drought resilience. Similarly, drones and satellite imagery offer insights into crop health, detecting early signs of stress to prompt timely interventions.

Moreover, a comprehensive approach to smart agriculture involves not just technological innovations, but also maintaining soil health and biodiversity. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments contribute to resilient agroecosystems by improving soil structure and enhancing microbial diversity, which plays a crucial role in stress mitigation.

Lastly, the integration of renewable energy sources into agricultural practices, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, complements advancements in crop resilience. These technologies not only reduce the carbon footprint of farming operations but also ensure a stable and efficient energy supply for critical functions, particularly in remote areas. The application of ozone into drip irrigation systems, for example, significantly reduces the need for pesticides and chemical disinfectants, effectively controlling pathogens while minimizing environmental impact and leading to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Despite the promising potential, the adoption of the above technologies can be associated to several challenges such as high initial investment costs and the need for robust infrastructure and technical expertise, especially in developing regions. Additionally, ensuring accessibility and knowledge dissemination is key to facilitating widespread adoption.

In light of the importance of this area of research, our Research Topic welcomes studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:

- Smart and Precision Technologies: Utilizing data-driven approaches to optimize water and nutrient management, tailored to address plant physiology and abiotic stress;

- Sustainable Water Use: Implementing strategies such as deficit irrigation and smart water use indicators to improve water efficiency and resilience against water stress and salinity;

- Soil and Water Management: Integrating phytoremediation and soil health practices to enhance ecological balance and crop adaptation to environmental challenges;

- Regenerative Agriculture: Focusing on soil regeneration through practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to improve soil health and biodiversity.

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Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Crop Production: Enhancing Resilience to Environmental Stresses

Topic Coordinator