Electrochemical Sensors for Sustainable Precision Agriculture—A Review

Abstract

Greenhouse gases released by agriculture account for 19% of global greenhouse gas emission. Moreover, the abuse of pesticides and fertilizers is a fundamental cause of soil and water pollution. Finding sustainable countermeasures for these problems requires completely new approaches and the integration of knowledge. Precision agriculture (PA) is a technology that reduces environmental pollution with minimal input (e.g., fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides) and maximize the production of high-quality crops by monitoring the conditions and environment of farmland and crops. However, the lack of data—a key technology for realizing PA—remains a major obstacle to the large-scale adoption of PA. Herein, we discuss important research issues, such as data managements and analysis for accurate decision-making, and specific data acquisition strategies. Moreover, we systematically review and discuss electrochemical sensors, including sensors that monitor the plant, soil, and environmental conditions that directly affect plant growth.

Decarbonization of Agriculture: The Greenhouse Gas Impacts and Economics of Existing and Emerging Climate-Smart Practices

“…To facilitate the gathering of large data sets, more research also is needed in the development of sensitive microsensors and nanosensors with strong connectivity and resistance to adverse weathering conditions that can be used in distributed sensor networks to continuously collect data in different ecosystems. While remote sensors are the most used DA technology, sensor adoption by famers has been limited primarily due to technological and data management barriers . For example, the ability of sensors to measure complex soil variables such as plant stress factors or nutrient concentration and cycling processes, especially over the long-term (for minimal maintenance) and in extreme conditions (over seasons of sun and storms), is not yet robust .…”

“…107 For example, the ability of sensors to measure complex soil variables such as plant stress factors or nutrient concentration and cycling processes, especially over the long-term (for minimal maintenance) and in extreme conditions (over seasons of sun and storms), is not yet robust. 107 While physical sensors can measure traditional phenomena such as soil moisture, pH, and temperature and imaging sensors can help inform yield and system health projections, next-generation sensors using advanced technology (such as quantum or electrochemical) are needed to accurately prescribe the state of GHG fluxes and mitigative actions. Additionally, the ability of farmers to meaningfully use the big data in agricultural systems needs to be better understood so that decision-making by farmers is supported, rather than becoming overwhelming and leading to inaction.…”

“…While remote sensors are the most used DA technology, 106 sensor adoption by famers has been limited primarily due to technological and data management barriers. 107 For example, the ability of sensors to measure complex soil variables such as plant stress factors or nutrient concentration and cycling processes, especially over the long-term (for minimal maintenance) and in extreme conditions (over seasons of sun and storms), is not yet robust. 107 While physical sensors can measure traditional phenomena such as soil moisture, pH, and temperature and imaging sensors can help inform yield and system health projections, next-generation sensors using advanced technology (such as quantum or electrochemical) are needed to accurately prescribe the state of GHG fluxes and mitigative actions.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of ZIF 67 Manganese Bimetal for Electrochemical Sensor Application

“…Recent advancements are closely associated with sensors and biosensors. This approach is extensively applied in agriculture, food, oil, environment, and medicine [2].…”