Agriculture is the backbone of human civilization since its inception, serving as a primary source of food, feed and fiber for sustenance. However, with the growing population, the importance of advanced technologies and sustainable practices in agriculture has become increasingly significant. The recent development in agriculture provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and sustainable practices in agriculture, which can significantly enhance crop growth and productivity. This book “Smart Farming the Future of Agriculture” is a compilation of some user-friendly information on smart farming or digital farming and their components, advantages, disadvantages and application of different smart farming components in a very lucid manner. The book is well supplemented with references and indexes which will prove useful study-aids to readers. Owing to its reader-friendly approach to the subject, simple language and lucid style, the book is accessible even to average readers and meet to academic needs of under-graduate and post-graduate students of agriculture science. It is a lasting valuable reference source for researchers and teachers, peasants and geologists. The book will be useful to students at agricultural universities/ institutes, scientists/technicians engaged in agriculture education. The book has been written in a simple language and understandable manner. The contents of the book include 6 chapters. All chapters should be thoroughly viewed as a concise collection of various topics from different books, journals, bulletins, research articles and research papers, etc. Figures and tables have also been provided, wherever necessary. It is hoped that this textbook will help to improve the knowledge of students regarding smart farming or digital farming. All suggestions and criticisms for further improvement of this book will be thankfully acknowledged.
Dr. Shivanna M., Professor and Head, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Bangalore, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. He obtained his B. Sc. (Ag.) in 1991, M. Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 1994 and Ph. D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 2008 from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. He also obtained his PGDAEM (Post-Graduate Diploma in Agriculture Extension Management) in 2019 from MANAGE, Hyderabad. He has an experience for over 29 years in teaching, research, and extension. He has written 5 textbooks. He has to his credit about 65 full length research papers published in peer reviewed journals of National and International repute as author/co-author. He has guided 12 Master’s degree students. Professor Shivanna has received different awards and honours from different professional societies. He has attended many national and international seminars, symposiums, conferences, and workshops. He has delivered number of radio talks, lectures in different training programmes. Email: shivassac@gmail.com
1. Smart Farming ......................................................................................1
1. Introduction to Smart Farming ...................................................1
2. Evolution of Smart Farming ........................................................7
3. Concept of Smart Farming ........................................................10
2. Smart Farming Components ...........................................................15
1. Internet of Things (IoT) .............................................................16
2. Block Chain Technology (BCT) .................................................30
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) .......36
4. Big Data Analytics (BDA) ..........................................................59
5. Cloud Computing (CC) .............................................................64
6. Augmented Reality (AR) ...........................................................68
7. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) ..........................................69
8. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) ..................................................72
10. Digital Twin (DT) ........................................................................73
11. Additive Manufacturing (AM) .................................................75
12. Nanotechnology in Smart Farming ..........................................76
3. Other Emerging Smart Farming Components .............................81
1. Pervasive Automation (PS) .......................................................81
2. Mini Chromosomal Technology for Plants (MCTP) ..............82
3. Satellite Imaging (SI) ..................................................................82
5. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology .............90
6. Computerized Weather Forecasting Modelling or
Tracking (CWM) .........................................................................92
7. Aerial Imagery (AI) ....................................................................94
8. Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology .......................98
9. Agrivoltatics (AV) System .......................................................104
4. Sensors and Their Application in Smart Farming ....................111
1. Introduction ...............................................................................111
2. Importance of Sensors ..............................................................111
3. Different Types of Agricultural Sensors ................................113
4. Application of Sensors in Smart Farming .............................122
a) Soil Health Monitoring (SHM)
b) Smart Irrigation System (SIS)
c) Leaf Disease Identification (LDI)
d) Improving Crop Yield (ICY)
e) Improving Post Harvest Activities (IPHA)
f) Smart Animal Husbandry (SAH)
g) Smart Machinery (SM)
h) Equipment and Remote Monitoring (ERM)
i) Satellite Monitoring (SM)
j) Smart Zone Seeding (SZS)
k) Autonomous Robotics and Mobile Devices (ARMD)
l) Smart Green Houses (SGH)
5. Autonomous Robotic Systems (ARS) in Smart Farming .........135
6. Use of Drone Technology in Smart Farming .............................153
Different types of Sensors Used in Agricultural Drones ............171
References .........................................................................................181
Terminologies ..................................................................................189
Abbreviations ...................................................................................205
