Nitrogen Management in Agroecosystems Using Industry 4.0 Principles

This article examines nitrogen management in agroecosystems using Industry 4.0 principles. It demonstrates the potential for integrating IT and communications technologies with agricultural production and environmental sustainability, where smart networked systems that integrate various types of data from multiple sources enable increased productivity and nitrogen application efficiency (NUE). Field and laboratory studies illustrate methods for increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer application in precision farming using digital twins of agronomic and agrochemical technologies to reduce their environmental impacts. It is noted that the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies increases the effectiveness of precision farming as a combination of best sustainable farming practices (BSFPs). Life cycle assessments of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are presented, taking into account the risk of eutrophication of natural waters. This enables economic and environmental optimization of nitrogen management in agroecosystems and agriculture in general.