IoT-enabled agronomic systems: Real-time field intelligence for smarter farming

Abstract

The convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology with modern agronomic science is redefining how crops are produced, managed, and marketed. IoT-enabled agronomic systems integrate networks of sensors, actuators, connectivity modules, and cloud-based analytics to generate real-time field intelligence. This intelligence supports precision interventions—from irrigation scheduling and nutrient management to disease prediction and autonomous operations—across agronomic crops, fruit orchards, vegetable fields, floriculture units, and medicinal-aromatic plantations. Drawing on the latest global and Indian data, historical milestones, and cross-disciplinary research, this article reviews the principles, applications, economic-environmental impacts, and future directions of IoT in agriculture. Original case studies from India, the Netherlands, Israel, and Brazil illustrate both opportunities and continuing challenges.