Economic and environmental benefits of digital agricultural technologies in crop production: A review

Abstract

This comprehensive review delved into the economic and environmental benefits of Digital Agricultural Technologies (DATs) in crop production, synthesising data from 136 peer-reviewed papers and 28 documents with empirical data from relevant EU projects. This analysis highlighted the substantial contribution of DATs across five key categories: Recording and Mapping Technologies (RMT), Guidance and Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) Technologies, Variable Rate Technologies (VRT), Robotic Systems or Smart Machines (RSSM), and Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS). Specifically, it provided an overview of the various benefits that these technologies can deliver with the most significant ones revealing reductions of up to 80 % in fertiliser usage with RMT and CTF applications, while VRT demonstrated a 60 % decrease in fertiliser usage and up to 80 % reduction in pesticide use. VRT also showed an increase in yield by 62 %. RSSM was able to reduce labour by 97 % and diesel consumption by 50 %. FMIS improved yield by 10 % to 15 %, facilitating simultaneous reductions in labour and input costs, illustrating the critical role of integrated digital solutions in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability. From an environmental point of view, VRT has emerged as a major factor in environmental sustainability, demonstrating water savings of 20 % to 50 % in vineyards and pear orchards and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These findings highlighted the significant benefits of DATs on enhancing productivity and promoting environmental sustainability. They provided a compelling case for further investment and research in DATs through quantifiable benefits in crop production.