Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Use of Digital Technologies into Agroforestry Systems: A Review

Lorenzo Pippi, Michael Alibani, Daniele Antichi, Giovanni Caruso, Matteo Finocchi, Marco Fontanelli, Michele Moretti, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini, Andrea Peruzzi, Alice Ripamonti, Samuele Risoli, Nicola Silvestri, Lorenzo Gabriele Tramacere, Lorenzo Cotrozzi

Agronomy · 2025

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Summary

This review examines the integration of digital agricultural technologies into agroforestry systems, addressing key management and investment challenges. The authors present evidence that precision sensing and data systems can optimise irrigation and nutrient management whilst enhancing overall system sustainability and productivity. The review emphasises that scaled adoption requires increased R&D investment and supportive policy frameworks.

UK applicability

The findings are relevant to UK agroforestry policy and practice, where digital tools could support the management complexity of integrated tree-crop systems and improve economic viability. However, UK-specific evidence on cost-effectiveness, technology accessibility for smaller holdings, and climate-adapted agroforestry designs would strengthen local applicability.

Key measures

Soil moisture, nutrient levels, plant health metrics; system productivity and sustainability indicators; adoption barriers and enabling factors for digital agroforestry

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises evidence on how digital agriculture technologies (sensors, data systems) can address agroforestry management challenges and enhance productivity. It presents case studies demonstrating the integration of sensing technologies for soil moisture, nutrient, and plant health monitoring within agroforestry systems.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Agroforestry & intercropping
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Agroforestry
DOI
10.3390/agronomy15122671
Catalogue ID
SNmojxd89c-zw7lbp

Topic tags

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