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## Meet the editors

Dr. Subhan Danish is a guest lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan. He has a bachelor's degree in agriculture, a master's degree and a Ph.D. in agriculture (soil science). Dr. Danish teaches at undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on soil science and plant nutrition. His current research interests include soil microbial and nutrient dynamics, their regulation pattern with non-coding and their role in plant growth, abiotic

stress alleviation, nanoparticles in agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture with artificial intelligence. His papers have been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including *Scientific Report, Journal of Environmental Management, Science of the Total Environment, Cleaner Production*, and Chemosphere. His work has been cited over 3980 times by researchers from all over the world and has an H-index of 32 and i10-index of 98. He is a reviewer for a number of international journals: *Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Remote Sensing, Scientific Report, Environmental Technology, and Innovation and Frontiers in Plant Science.*

Dr. Hakoomat Ali is a Professor of Agronomy and is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan, where he established the Advanced Crop Nutrition Laboratory. He obtained his Ph.D. in crop nutrition and physiology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK, having received a Merit Scholarship for a Ph.D. undertaken abroad from Pakistan's Ministry of Education

in 1994. He has supervised over 100 MPhil and Ph.D. students and received the National Best Teacher Award for the year 2014 from the Islamabad Higher Education Commission. His current research focuses on nutrient management of arable crops and he is working to devise production technologies for different crops against the background of worldwide climate change. He has won many valuable research projects from national and international funding agencies. He has published about 127 articles in peer-reviewed journals and eight book chapters. According to Scopus®, his publications have received roughly 2200+ citations with an H-index of 31 and i10-index of 52. He is an editor and reviewer for more than 100 peer-reviewed international journals as well as editor-in-chief of the *Journal of Arable Crops and Marketing.* He has been honored by different authorities for his outstanding performance in research and education and received a Research Productivity Award from the Pakistan Higher Education Commission in 2011 and 2014.

Dr. Rahul Datta is an assistant professor at Mendel University, Czech Republic, where he obtained his MSc and Ph.D. He is a soil microbiologist and enzymologist. His research is focused on sustainable agriculture and food security, with specific reference to the application of biochar, soil molecular and microbiological techniques to improve soil quality and crop productivity. He has published about 75 research articles and review papers and two

books with Springer and IntechOpen, and has reviewed more than 300 papers in peer-reviewed journals. At present, he is an Honorary International Advisor at the Asian PGPR Society.

### Contents


Preface

Agriculture is a fundamental sector in the development of any nation. With growing populations, the demand for food has increased, and so has the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Smart farming is an emerging field that integrates modern technologies and sustainable practices to enhance crop production, reduce environmental impact, and increase farmers' profits. This book explores the latest

The introductory chapter provides an overview of smart farming and its significance in the context of sustainable agriculture. It discusses the principles and practices of smart farming and highlights the benefits and challenges of adopting this approach.

Chapter 2 focuses on the adoption of conservation agriculture as a driver of sustainable farming. It examines the opportunities, constraints, and policy issues related to conservation agriculture and how it can contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Chapter 3 explores the role of information technology drivers in smart farming management systems. It discusses the use of sensors, data analytics, and machine learning in precision farming, which can optimize crop yield, reduce resource wastage, and

Physiological breeding as a smart farming approach is the subject of Chapter 4, which discusses the latest advances in plant breeding techniques that can improve plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhance nutrient uptake, and boost productivity.

Chapter 5 focuses on recent advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials, nanofertilizers, and their applications in smart farming. It discusses the potential benefits of using nanotechnology in agriculture, including improved nutrient uptake, enhanced

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in smart farming and how it can contribute to sustainable agriculture. It is intended for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of agriculture who are

> **Dr. Subhan Danish** Guest Lecturer,

> > Multan, Pakistan

Bahauddin Zakariya University,

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,

developments and opportunities in this field.

crop growth, and reduced environmental impact.

interested in exploring the latest advances in smart farming.

improve sustainability.

## Preface

Agriculture is a fundamental sector in the development of any nation. With growing populations, the demand for food has increased, and so has the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Smart farming is an emerging field that integrates modern technologies and sustainable practices to enhance crop production, reduce environmental impact, and increase farmers' profits. This book explores the latest developments and opportunities in this field.

The introductory chapter provides an overview of smart farming and its significance in the context of sustainable agriculture. It discusses the principles and practices of smart farming and highlights the benefits and challenges of adopting this approach.

Chapter 2 focuses on the adoption of conservation agriculture as a driver of sustainable farming. It examines the opportunities, constraints, and policy issues related to conservation agriculture and how it can contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Chapter 3 explores the role of information technology drivers in smart farming management systems. It discusses the use of sensors, data analytics, and machine learning in precision farming, which can optimize crop yield, reduce resource wastage, and improve sustainability.

Physiological breeding as a smart farming approach is the subject of Chapter 4, which discusses the latest advances in plant breeding techniques that can improve plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhance nutrient uptake, and boost productivity.

Chapter 5 focuses on recent advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials, nanofertilizers, and their applications in smart farming. It discusses the potential benefits of using nanotechnology in agriculture, including improved nutrient uptake, enhanced crop growth, and reduced environmental impact.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in smart farming and how it can contribute to sustainable agriculture. It is intended for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of agriculture who are interested in exploring the latest advances in smart farming.

> **Dr. Subhan Danish** Guest Lecturer, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

#### **Dr. Hakoomat Ali** Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

#### **Dr. Rahul Datta**

**1**

Section 1

Introduction

Assistant Professor, Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic

Section 1 Introduction

#### **Chapter 1**

## Introductory Chapter: Smart Farming

### *Subhan Danish, Hakoomat Ali and Rahul Datta*

#### **1. Introduction**

Farming has always been an essential human activity that has sustained civilization for thousands of years. With the rapid growth in population and the consequent demand for food, it has become increasingly important to optimize farming practices to meet the needs of the world's growing population [1]. In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionized the way we approach farming, leading to the emergence of a new approach known as "smart farming" [2]. Smart farming is an innovative approach to agriculture that integrates technology into farming practices, enabling farmers to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and improve efficiency [3]. This approach uses a range of technologies, including sensors, drones, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things (IoT), to collect data and provide real-time insights into crop health, soil quality, and other key indicators [4]. Smart farming also offers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, reduced labor costs, improved crop quality, and a more

sustainable approach to farming. This approach also offers greater precision, enabling farmers to target specific areas of their farms that require attention and reduce the use of chemicals and fertilizers (**Figure 1**) [5].

#### **2. The evolution of farming: from traditional to smart farming**

The evolution from traditional to smart farming can be traced back to the early 1990s when precision agriculture (PA) was first introduced. PA is a farming approach that involves using technology to target specific areas of the farm that require attention, such as soil moisture levels or nutrient deficiencies. This approach uses data analysis tools to optimize inputs and minimize waste, resulting in higher crop yields and reduced costs [1].

Over the years, smart farming has evolved to include a range of advanced technologies. For example, drones equipped with cameras and sensors can provide detailed images and data on crop health and yield. Soil sensors can measure soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, providing insights into the health of the soil and enabling farmers to make informed decisions about fertilization and irrigation [6]. Another technology that has revolutionized smart farming is the IoT. IoT-enabled sensors and devices can be placed throughout the farm to monitor environmental conditions, track crop growth, and optimize irrigation and fertilizer applications. This data is transmitted to a central platform, where it is analyzed and used to generate insights that can help farmers make informed decisions [7].

#### **3. The benefits of smart farming**

#### **3.1 Increased productivity**

Smart farming allows farmers to collect data on crop health, soil quality, and other key indicators in real time. This data can be analyzed to optimize inputs such as fertilizers, water, and pesticides, resulting in higher crop yields. By targeting specific areas of the farm that require attention, farmers can also reduce waste and ensure that resources are used efficiently [8].

#### **3.2 Sustainability**

Smart farming promotes sustainable farming practices by minimizing the use of resources such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides. By using precision agriculture techniques, farmers can reduce the amount of chemicals used on crops, resulting in a more environmentally friendly approach to farming. In addition, smart farming can help farmers adapt to climate change by providing insights into weather patterns and enabling them to adjust farming practices accordingly [9].

#### **3.3 Cost savings**

By optimizing inputs and reducing waste, smart farming can lead to significant cost savings for farmers. For example, by using sensors to monitor soil moisture levels, farmers can reduce water usage and save money on irrigation costs. By reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, farmers can also save money on these inputs, while also reducing the environmental impact of their farming practices [10].

#### **3.4 Improved crop quality**

Smart farming can help farmers improve the quality of their crops by providing insights into crop health and identifying potential issues early on. By using data to optimize inputs and target specific areas of the farm that require attention, farmers can produce higher-quality crops that are more resistant to pests and disease [11].

#### **3.5 Better decision-making**

Smart farming provides farmers with real-time data and insights into their farming practices. This data can be used to make informed decisions about inputs, planting schedules, and other factors that can impact crop yields. By using data analysis tools, farmers can also identify trends and patterns that can inform long-term decision-making [12].

#### **4. Challenges to adopting smart farming: costs, training, and infrastructure**

While smart farming offers numerous benefits, there are also several challenges that farmers face when adopting this innovative approach to agriculture. Here are some of the main challenges to adopting smart farming:

#### **4.1 Costs**

One of the main challenges to adopting smart farming is the cost. Investing in technology such as sensors, drones, and IoT devices can be expensive, particularly for small farmers who may not have the financial resources to invest in this technology. In addition to the initial cost of the technology, there may also be ongoing maintenance and repair costs to consider [13].

#### **4.2 Training**

Another challenge to adopting smart farming is the need for specialized training. Farmers need to be trained on how to use the technology, collect and analyze data, and interpret insights. This can be a time-consuming process and may require farmers to take time away from their daily farming activities [12].

#### **4.3 Infrastructure**

Smart farming relies on a robust infrastructure to collect and transmit data. This can be a challenge in rural areas where there may be limited access to high-speed internet and other necessary infrastructure. Farmers may need to invest in infrastructure upgrades to support the use of smart farming technology [8].

#### **4.4 Data management**

Smart farming generates a large amount of data, and farmers need to have the necessary tools and skills to manage and analyze this data effectively. This can be a challenge for farmers who may not have experience with data analysis or may not have access to the necessary software tools [10].

#### **4.5 Security and privacy**

The use of technology in farming raises concerns about data security and privacy. Farmers need to ensure that their data is protected from unauthorized access and that they are complying with relevant data privacy regulations [14].

Despite these challenges, the benefits of smart farming make it an attractive option for farmers looking to increase productivity, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. As technology continues to evolve and become more affordable, it is likely that the adoption of smart farming will continue to grow, enabling farmers to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability.

Keeping in mind the importance of smart farming in our future, this book was planned to provide a comprehensive overview of smart farming, covering topics such as the technologies involved, their applications, and the benefits they offer. We have examined some of the challenges that farmers face when adopting smart farming practices and explore the potential of smart farming to transform the agriculture industry. In this book, we also explore the various aspects of smart farming in greater detail, providing a practical guide for farmers and agricultural professionals seeking to adopt this approach. We hope that the book will inspire more farmers to embrace smart farming and realize its potential to revolutionize the way we produce food.

### **Author details**

Subhan Danish1 \*, Hakoomat Ali2 and Rahul Datta3

1 Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Department of Soil Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

2 Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

3 Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Geology and Pedology, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

\*Address all correspondence to: sd96850@gmail.com

© 2023 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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### Section 2
