Smart Sensors and IoT Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Aquaculture Practices

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Smart Sensors and IoT Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Aquaculture Practices", focuses on the vital role of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and IoT technologies in advancing sustainability in agricultural and aquacultural systems. These technologies, including NB-IoT, Zigbee, and LoRa, enable the widespread deployment of smart sensors that monitor critical environmental conditions, such as soil moisture, temperature, water quality, and oxygen levels. By providing real-time data, these sensors allow for precise management of resources, which is essential for reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices.

 In agriculture, the integration of WSNs with smart irrigation systems allows farmers to use water more efficiently by applying it only when and where it is needed. This targeted approach not only conserves water resources but also maintains soil health, which is crucial for sustainable farming. Similarly, in aquaculture, IoT-enabled sensors continuously monitor water quality and environmental parameters, facilitating timely adjustments to feeding and water treatment processes. This leads to more sustainable aquaculture practices by minimizing waste and ensuring optimal conditions for aquatic species. 

The real-time data collected by these sensors is further analyzed using machine learning and deep learning algorithms to detect patterns and predict potential issues before they escalate. This proactive use of technology reduces the need for reactive interventions and supports a more resilient approach to managing agricultural and aquacultural environments. Such predictive management is a cornerstone of sustainability, as it allows for the early intervention and the prevention of problems that could otherwise lead to significant resource wastage. 

Moreover, the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UASs) equipped with sensors and cameras provides high-resolution aerial imagery and data, complementing ground-based sensor networks. This comprehensive monitoring system enhances the ability to assess crop health, water quality, and other environmental factors from a broader perspective, supporting informed decision making that aligns with sustainable development goals. 

By combining these advanced sensor and IoT technologies, this Special Issue aims to demonstrate how innovative approaches in agriculture and aquaculture can drive sustainability. These technologies not only improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental footprints but also foster more resilient systems that are better equipped to adapt to changing conditions and promote long-term sustainability in both fields. 

Topics of Interest: This Special Issue will cover a broad range of topics, including the following:

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies: Integration of smart sensors and IoT solutions to adapt agricultural practices to changing climate conditions and enhance resilience.
2. Machine Learning Applications in Agriculture and Aquaculture: Use of machine learning algorithms to analyze data from smart sensors for improving crop yields and optimizing aquaculture practices.
3. Smart Irrigation and Aquaculture Management Systems: Development of IoT-enabled systems for real-time monitoring and automated control of irrigation and aquaculture environments.
4. Environmental Sensing for Sustainable Practices: Implementation of advanced sensors to monitor environmental factors such as soil moisture, water quality, and air conditions to promote sustainability.
5. Digital Agriculture and Aquaculture Solutions: Deployment of digital technologies, including IoT and AI, to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agriculture and aquaculture systems.
6. AIoT in Agri-Aqua Management: Application of artificial intelligence and IoT (AIoT) for intelligent decision making and automation in agricultural and aquacultural operations.
7. Wireless Sensor Networks for Agri-Aqua Monitoring: Utilization of NB-IoT, Zigbee, and LoRa technologies for creating robust wireless sensor networks to support large-scale environmental monitoring.
8. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technologies: Innovations in managing indoor and greenhouse farming environments using IoT and smart sensors to optimize growth conditions.
9. UAVs and UASs for Precision Agriculture and Aquaculture: Use of unmanned aerial vehicles and systems for detailed aerial monitoring and management of crops and aquaculture systems.
10. Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Data Analysis: Employing deep learning and AI techniques to process and analyze data from sensors and imaging systems for improved decision making and predictive management.

Dr. Li-Wei Liu
Prof. Dr. Yu-Min Wang
Dr. Hsin-Wei Kuo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• agri-aqua sustainability
• smart irrigation and aquaculture management
• machine learning in agriculture and aquaculture
• digital agriculture and aquaculture
• climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture
• controlled environment agriculture and aquaculture
• environmental sensing
• wireless sensor networks
• remote control
• IoT
• UAV
• Zigbee
• LoRa
• deep learning
• artificial intelligence