Introduction to Sustainable Farming 4.0 Practices
摘要
The shift to Sustainable Farming 4.0 signifies a significant advancement in agricultural practices by integrating digital technologies with agricultural operations and environmental management principles. This chapter examines the progression of agricultural technology from traditional practices to contemporary farming utilizing data-driven and intelligent technologies characteristic of Agriculture 4.0. Recent advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and notably Digital Twin technologies, are catalyzing significant transformations in agricultural operations by providing real-time modeling and forecasting data for crop and animal control. A special focus of this chapter is on Digital Twin applications in agriculture, which create virtual copies of physical systems (e.g., soil conditions, crop growth, greenhouse environments), then focusing on optimization of resource use, reducing risks, and enhancing productivity. The pressing need for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and global food insecurity is also highlighted in this chapter. Based on the discussions, the chapter will emphasize how Farming 4.0 improves efficiency and supports long-term sustainability through precision input management, reduced environmental impact, and data-informed decision-making. By transitioning toward Farming 4.0, agriculture can evolve into a more adaptive and sustainable sector, aligned with the circular economy principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).