Reviewing the evidence on precision agriculture and environmental sustainability

Summary

This systematic review evaluates the empirical evidence base for precision agriculture as an environmental sustainability solution, examining 444 English-language publications and finding that 45 of 54 field-trial studies reported environmental benefits, primarily for variable rate technologies in grain farming. The authors note that whilst reduced fertiliser, pesticide, water, and fuel inputs are most robustly documented, the literature contains claims unsupported by adequate evidence, and call for more rigorous definition of sustainability metrics and broader testing across agricultural systems.

Regional applicability

The review's findings on variable rate technologies in grain farming are directly relevant to United Kingdom arable production, where such technologies are increasingly adopted. However, the review is global in scope and the authors identify a need for context-specific sustainability models; UK-specific field trials would strengthen evidence for local policy and practice recommendations.

Key measures

Environmental outcomes from precision agriculture field trials: fertiliser use, herbicide/pesticide use, water use and contamination, soil quality indicators, GHG emissions, fuel consumption

Outcomes reported

Systematic review of 444 publications on precision agriculture and sustainability, identifying 54 field-trial or modelling studies, of which 45 demonstrated environmental benefits including reduced fertiliser use, herbicide/pesticide use, water use, improved soil quality, or reduced GHG emissions. The review also identifies gaps in evidence and unsupported claims in the academic literature.

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