Smart technologies in agriculture: water and resource management in the Era of climate change

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Dryland Agricultural Research Institute (DARI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), East Azerbaijan, Maragheh, Iran.

2 Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI), Agricultural Research , Education and Extension Organization ( AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

3 Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

4 Department of Water Sciences and Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin., Iran

Abstract

Objective: Driven by the motivation to find innovative and efficient solutions for irrigation management, this research delves into the precise examination of indirect methods for measuring soil moisture and advanced techniques in automated and smart irrigation. Its ultimate goal is to explore current knowledge and evaluate new approaches that can, while optimizing water consumption and increasing productivity, effectively address the complex technical challenges in this field. With a focus on practical and sustainable solutions, this study strives to establish a foundation for the development of smart and environmentally friendly agriculture.
 
Method: The study reviews sensors used in smart agriculture (rainfall, temperature, etc.) and equipment for irrigation, frost monitoring, plant protection, and crop monitoring. It analyzes their features to optimize farming and reduce resource use, improving efficiency and sustainability.
 
Results: Smart technologies can boost agricultural efficiency and productivity, especially for water management in water-scarce countries like Iran, making smart agriculture essential. While proven in developed countries, Iran needs specific infrastructure for success. Intelligent systems improve plant performance, cut water waste, and reduce pollution. With internet access in rural areas, smart irrigation, using sensors like TDR and PR2, can automate irrigation via the Internet of Things. Important factors include sensor accuracy, power, cost, and salinity effects. Two-way wireless networks (WSAN) enable monitoring and control of irrigation. Future planning should combine soil, water, and climate monitoring with predictive control, focusing on dynamic processes and the impact of intelligent monitoring on irrigation efficiency, given the uncertainties in agricultural-irrigation systems.
 
Conclusions: With the power to prevent diseases, protect crops from frost, and eliminate storage losses, these technologies revolutionize the efficiency and performance of agricultural processes. Ultimately, implementing smart agriculture and using soil moisture sensors goes beyond just saving water; it's an unparalleled strategy for overcoming climate challenges and the overwhelming pressures on agricultural systems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 5, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 20-43

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 12 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 29 June 2025

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