1 Introduction

Wheat is an important staple food in the world. It has a great impact on global food security. As the population continues to grow, the demand for wheat is also increasing. Therefore, we need to improve agricultural methods to meet future needs (Abideen et al., 2023). In order to increase production, we need to use some new methods, such as improving varieties, adjusting planting methods, and improving field management (Sharma et al., 2015). Now there are some new problems, such as climate change, new diseases, and soil deterioration, which also make us need to find good ways to increase wheat production.

Precision agriculture is a relatively new agricultural method. It can use fertilizers and water reasonably according to different conditions in the field, helping farmers to grow crops better (Finco et al., 2023). Precision agriculture uses some modern technologies, such as sensors, computer systems, and data models, to help farmers make smarter decisions (Gebbers and Adamchuk, 2010). Because it determines how to apply fertilizer and irrigation according to the actual conditions of the plot, it can not only increase yields, but also reduce damage to the environment, and is also helpful for the development of green agriculture (Diacono et al., 2012).

This study intends to explore the application of precision agriculture methods in increasing wheat yields. This study examines the effectiveness of precision agriculture technologies in improving yield stability and the ability to cope with climate change, as well as their role in improving nitrogen management and reducing environmental footprint. By analyzing the latest advances and challenges in precision agriculture, this study aims to explore how these methods can be used to meet the growing demand for wheat and ensure global food security.

2 Core technologies of Wheat Precision Agriculture

2.1 Remote sensing and satellite images

Remote sensing and satellite images are an important part of precision agriculture. They can be used to observe the growth and health of wheat. These technologies can capture very clear ground images, and by analyzing these images, we can understand the growth status of wheat, such as indicators such as greenness (Shafi et al., 2019). Data such as NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and GCI (Chlorophyll index) have been shown to help us predict wheat yield and quality (Figure 1) (Rebouh et al., 2023). With this information, farmers can better arrange fertilizers, irrigation and other tasks, use them more accurately, and improve their yields.

Figure 1 Wheat crop. (A) Optical image; (B) spectral image; (C) NDVI mapping (Adopted from Shafi et al., 2019)

2.2 Geographic information system (GIS) and GPS

GIS and GPS are commonly used tools in precision agriculture. They can help farmers accurately map their fields and record the specific conditions of each field (Hanson et al., 2022). In this way, targeted arrangements can be made for how to plant, how much fertilizer to apply, and how much water to irrigate in different areas. GIS and GPS can also integrate various data together, allowing us to see the overall situation of the field more clearly (Finger et al., 2019). With this information, farmers can make more reasonable planting plans, reduce waste, and be more environmentally friendly.

2.3 Internet of things (IoT) and sensor networks

The Internet of Things and sensor networks are changing the way wheat is grown. Now, sensors can be placed in many fields. These devices can collect real-time information, such as soil moisture, temperature, weather, and whether the wheat is sick (Sharma et al., 2021). This data can be directly transmitted to mobile phones or computers, so that farmers can understand the situation in the fields at the first time and make timely adjustments. These technologies can also automatically control operations such as irrigation and fertilization, reduce labor, and save time and effort. Coupled with machine learning algorithms, problems such as drought, pests and diseases can be predicted in advance, helping farmers prepare in advance, increase yields, reduce waste, and promote the development of green planting.

3 Improving Resource Efficiency and Yield through Precision Agriculture

3.1 Optimizing irrigation practices

In areas where water is scarce, how to use water more effectively and produce more wheat is a key issue. There are many ways to use precision agriculture, such as "water shortage irrigation" and "wide-width precision planting", which have been proven to use less water and increase yields (Li et al., 2015). This approach arranges irrigation plans based on how much water wheat needs and what the climate is like. In this way, water is saved, more grain can be harvested, and farming can be more adaptable to climate change and more stable.

3.2 Site nutrient management

Rational fertilizer use is also an important part of precision agriculture. Different plots of soil nutrients are different, so fertilization cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, precise control of the use of nitrogen fertilizer can not only make wheat absorb better, but also make the yield more stable (Sadhukhan et al., 2024). Now we can also use remote sensing and sensor technologies to help farmers know which plots of land are lacking what fertilizers, and then prescribe the right medicine. This not only reduces the use of fertilizers and pollution, but also makes the land healthier and the environment safer, which is really a win-win situation.

3.3 Integrated pest and disease management

Pests and diseases are a long-standing problem that affects wheat yields. The solution of precision agriculture is to monitor early and deal with them in a timely manner. Farmers can use remote sensing and IoT devices to check the situation in the fields in real time. Once a problem is found, they can take action immediately without waiting for the spread of pests and diseases to remedy it (Barrile et al., 2025). This approach is more accurate and more environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned spraying of pesticides. It can also reduce dependence on chemical agents and protect the surrounding biodiversity. Moreover, wheat is more resistant to pests and diseases, and the yield is naturally more stable.

4 Data analysis and Decision Support Systems

4.1 Big data in agricultural decision-making

Nowadays, agriculture is no longer based on experience alone, but also on data. Big data can collect a lot of information from sensors, satellites, weather stations and other places. After analyzing this data, farmers can know the situation of the land and crops more clearly and make better decisions (Chukwuma et al., 2024). For example, they can understand whether the soil is lacking water, whether the wheat is sick, or whether the weather will get bad. This information can help farmers save resources and increase yields (Saggi and Jain, 2022).

4.2 Machine learning and artificial intelligence

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are now also used in farming. They can use data to make predictions, such as how much wheat can be harvested, when to water, and whether to add fertilizer (Araújo et al., 2023). Some AI tools can also help reduce the use of pesticides and improve crop quality. These technologies are particularly suitable for responding to climate change or emergencies. Farmers can use these smart tools to farm more easily without having to rely on experience all the time.

4.3 Decision support system (DSS) for farmers

A decision support system, or DSS, is a tool used to help farmers make decisions. It integrates data from different places (such as soil, water, pests and diseases information) and then gives suggestions through analysis (Zhai et al., 2020). For example, there is a tool called AgroDSS, which allows farmers to upload their data and see some prediction results and know which parts of the field need special attention (Rupnik et al., 2019). These systems can help farmers avoid detours and make farming more efficient and environmentally friendly.

5 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Precision Agriculture (PA) in Wheat Cultivation

5.1 Cost-benefit analysis and farmers’ return on investment

Precision agriculture can help farmers save a lot of money. For example, it can adjust the amount of fertilizer and pesticides according to different conditions in the field, which can not only save input but also increase income. Studies have found that the use of precision technologies such as "variable rate fertilization technology" (VRT) can reduce costs and increase profits, especially in areas where wheat is more cultivated (Fabiani et al., 2020). In winter wheat cultivation, if precision agriculture methods are used, the cost of fertilizers and pesticides can be greatly reduced. Although it costs some money to buy equipment or install systems at the beginning, farmers can generally make back the money later because of the high efficiency and stable yield, so the investment is still very cost-effective.

5.2 Reduce environmental footprint

Another great benefit of precision agriculture is that it is more environmentally friendly. It allows us to use fertilizers and water more rationally, without more or less. As mentioned earlier, VRT technology can help us control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer, reduce nutrient loss, and protect groundwater from pollution (Denora et al., 2023). In addition, with precision agriculture, energy use is more economical and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced (Balafoutis et al., 2017). This is particularly important for green agriculture. If you want wheat to grow for a long time and grow steadily, the environment cannot be destroyed.

5.3 Sustainability and climate resilience

Now that weather changes are becoming more and more unstable, precision agriculture can also help. It allows farmers to flexibly adjust according to actual conditions, such as which fields should be irrigated and which fields should be fertilized. These technologies can improve resource utilization efficiency and prevent wheat production from decreasing in various climates (Yost et al., 2016). Once the climate changes suddenly, the system can respond quickly, and farmers can take measures before problems arise. This is very useful for ensuring food security and responding to future climate challenges (Wang et al., 2024).

6 Challenges and Barriers to Implementation

6.1 Technology and infrastructure limitations

Although precision agriculture is very useful in wheat cultivation, it is not easy to promote in many places. The most common problem is that the technology is expensive and small farmers cannot afford these equipment and services (Mizik, 2022). Sometimes, equipment from different brands is not compatible, and data security issues are also a headache (Wang et al., 2023). In some places, even the Internet is not stable, let alone using advanced agricultural machinery. These problems are even more obvious in rural areas or developing countries.

6.2 Economic and knowledge barriers

Many farmers dare not try precision agriculture easily because the initial investment is too high and they are afraid of losing money (Kroupová et al., 2024). Especially for small farmers, funds are already tight, and they are even more afraid to invest when the payback period is long. Another practical problem is that many farmers do not know much about these new technologies and do not know how to use them. Many people have to relearn and train for a period of time before they can figure it out. Sometimes, we need the help of agricultural consultants or professional teams to really use these technologies well.

6.3 Policy and regulatory considerations

Policies also have a great impact on the promotion of precision agriculture. If there is good policy support, farmers are more willing to try. But now, many regions do not have relevant subsidies or incentives (Kendall et al., 2021). In addition, everyone has concerns about data privacy. If the equipment is used, whether the information is safe and who can see the data also needs to be managed (Ofori and El-Gayar, 2020). The government can introduce some more practical policies, such as subsidies for the purchase of equipment, or investment in the construction of networks and infrastructure. In addition, the national level can also promote the popularization of agricultural technology, so that precision agriculture can be implemented faster and truly help farmers.

7 Case Study: Precision Agriculture for Wheat Production in the Indo-Gangetic Plain

7.1 Background and environment

The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is an important agricultural region in South Asia, where wheat is grown extensively (Jain et al., 2017). However, the region is facing many problems, such as slow growth in wheat yields, declining soil quality, and the impact of climate change, which puts food security at risk (Figure 2). Many lands here are cultivated intensively, resulting in less groundwater being pumped out and greenhouse gases being emitted into the air (Benbi, 2018). Precision agriculture has become a good solution, which can help farmers grow more while protecting the environment.

Figure 2 Climatic changes between the RCP8.5 scenario and present-day (Adopted from Daloz et al., 2021) Image caption: Spatial maps of the differences between the RCP8.5 scenario (2046-2065) and the present climate (1986-2005) in: a) mean precipitation (mm.day-1) and b) mean surface temperature over India simulated by the climate model WRF. The dashed lines indicate when the differences are statistically significant at the 99% level using a t-test. Blue dots show the placement of the DSSAT simulation sites spread across the IGP. The areas encompassed by the black and white boxes represent the IGP (Adopted from Daloz et al., 2021)

7.2 Implementation of PA technology

Many precision agriculture technologies have been used in this region. For example, "no-tillage" is one of them, as well as "precision fertilization" and "using satellite data to monitor yields" (Dinesh et al., 2024). Studies have found that no-tillage combined with retaining crop residues can prevent soil hardening and make the soil more water-retaining, resulting in better wheat growth (Kumar et al., 2013). Using tools like Green Seeker to apply nitrogen fertilizer can help farmers use fertilizer more rationally, saving money and protecting the environment (Kumar et al., 2018). In addition, using satellites to see the situation in the field can help farmers find where the yield is low, so that they can manage it in a targeted manner, and the yield will increase.

7.3 Results and lessons learned

After using precision agriculture in the IGP region, wheat yields have increased significantly. No-tillage has made yields more stable and farmers have earned more, especially in places with large weather changes (Keil et al., 2020). Precision fertilization has also led to higher yields and improved the nutrient structure of the soil, indicating that this method is suitable for long-term use (Pooniya et al., 2015). Through satellite data, farmers can better understand the situation in their fields and know where they can be improved, thereby reducing yield gaps. However, it is not easy to make these technologies more popular. For example, network equipment and agricultural machinery are not enough, and farmers also need more training and guidance. Moreover, there must be some government policies to support it, such as subsidies, training programs, etc. (Park et al., 2018).

8 Future Directions and Research Focus

8.1 Integration with climate-smart agriculture

Combining precision agriculture (PA) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a good direction to improve wheat's ability to cope with climate change in the future. Doing so can help farmers make better use of resources such as water and fertilizer, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Finger et al., 2019). These two methods are combined to use data to guide planting, so that planting methods can be adjusted in time according to changes in weather and environment, which not only stabilizes yields but also reduces the impact on the environment (Mgendi, 2024). Future research can focus on how to better combine these two technologies to solve the two problems of food security and climate change.

8.2 Advances in automation and robotics

Robots and automatic equipment are now also used in agriculture. These technologies can help farmers do many things, such as planting, weeding and harvesting, and they are fast, accurate and labor-saving. Many robots are supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can analyze complex data and make decisions on their own (Sharma et al., 2021). Next, research can go in the following directions: how to make robots cheaper and more suitable for small farmers; and how to make these machines work well in different environments and less prone to problems.

8.3 Capacity building and digital literacy

Although precision agriculture is easy to use, many farmers still don’t know how to use it, especially in developing countries. Some people don’t understand technology very well and have no chance to use these devices (Kendall et al., 2021). Therefore, training farmers is very important. Through education and training, farmers can learn how to use digital tools, such as looking at data and using mobile phone software to determine when to water or fertilize (Paustian and Theuvsen, 2016). Governments, research institutions and companies can cooperate more to carry out some practical projects to bring knowledge to rural areas. In the future, we can also study some new training methods to see how to more effectively help farmers in different regions and types learn these new technologies.

Acknowledgments

CropSci Publisher thanks to the anonymous peer review experts for their time and feedback.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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