IoT in Agronomy: Transforming farms into smart agricultural systems

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing agriculture by transforming traditional farming into smart agricultural systems. This article explores the integration of IoT in agronomy, highlighting its potential to address challenges like resource inefficiency, labor shortages, and climate unpredictability. IoT technologies, including sensors, drones, and automated systems, enable precision agriculture, livestock monitoring, and supply chain optimization. Benefits include increased productivity, reduced environmental impact, and data-driven decision-making, promoting sustainable practices. However, barriers such as high initial costs, technical complexities, and data security concerns hinder widespread adoption. A case study from the Netherlands demonstrates the transformative impact of IoT in greenhouse farming, with significant improvements in resource efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The future of IoT in agronomy lies in its integration with AI, blockchain, and renewable energy, supported by collaborative efforts from governments, technology providers, and farmers. This article underscores the need for affordable, scalable, and standardized solutions to ensure global adoption. IoT holds the potential to revolutionize agriculture, creating a sustainable and efficient food production system to meet the demands of a growing global population.