Precision Agriculture in the United States: A Comprehensive Meta-Review Inspiring Further Research, Innovation, and Adoption

Precision agriculture has emerged as a dominant force in the United States, with widespread adoption of advanced technologies and decision support systems (DSS) since the 1980s. Key tools such as variable rate application (VRA), autopilot systems, and remote sensing have become integral for U.S. farmers, offering invaluable insights from crop, soil, and weather information to optimize agricultural production while minimizing environmental impact. To synthesize and categorize the extensive research available on precision agriculture, a systematic review protocol has been designed. Our objective is to offer clear and authoritative insights into the nature, scope, and volume of this field. Implementing a rigorous search strategy, we utilized renowned databases such as ScienceDirect® and Web of ScienceTM to gather relevant and significant materiality. The retrieval process involved the use of indexing terms and Boolean operators, with a focus on 'precision agriculture' and 'precision farming', striking a balance between specificity and comprehensiveness. To ensure the credibility of our findings, only peer-reviewed papers authored by individuals affiliated with U.S. institutions have been included. Expert reviewers with deep knowledge in the field independently assessed the selected papers, thoroughly evaluating titles, abstracts, keywords, methods, conclusions, and declarations. Consistency and eligibility were paramount in determining which papers met the criteria for inclusion. Any discrepancies or disagreements were resolved through rigorous consensus-building discussions among the reviewers. Through this comprehensive meta-review, we provide a scientific contribution that enhances our understanding of precision agriculture, highlighting focus areas for further research and development (R&D). By synthesizing and categorizing the existing literature, we offer authoritative insights into the research landscape, informing future investigations and fostering innovation. Focusing specifically on the U.S., we shed light on the unique aspects and pioneering advancements in precision agriculture within the country. Ultimately, our findings have the potential to drive progress, contributing to sustainable development, increased productivity, enhanced environmental sustainability, and responsible agricultural practices.

精准农业（precision agriculture）自20世纪80年代起，凭借先进技术与决策支持系统（decision support systems, DSS）的广泛应用，已成为美国农业领域的主导力量。变量率施用（variable rate application, VRA）、自动驾驶系统与遥感等核心工具已成为美国农户的必备配置，可通过作物、土壤与气象信息提供宝贵决策依据，在优化农业生产的同时最大限度降低环境影响。为梳理并分类现有精准农业领域的海量研究成果，本研究设计了一套系统性综述方案。本研究旨在清晰、权威地阐明该领域的研究本质、范畴与规模。本研究采用严格的检索策略，依托ScienceDirect®与Web of ScienceTM等权威数据库收集相关且具有重要学术价值的研究资料。检索过程采用索引词与布尔逻辑运算符，以"精准农业"与"精准耕作"为核心检索词，在检索专指度与全面性之间取得平衡。为确保研究结果的可信度，本研究仅纳入由美国机构科研人员撰写的同行评议论文。该领域的资深评审专家独立评估入选论文，全面审阅论文的标题、摘要、关键词、研究方法、结论与声明。评审过程以一致性与合规性为核心判定标准，筛选符合纳入要求的论文。评审间若出现分歧或异议，将通过严谨的共识协商会议予以解决。通过本次全面的元综述研究，本研究为精准农业领域的学术认知提供了科学贡献，明确了后续研发（research and development, R&D）的重点方向。通过梳理与分类现有文献，本研究为该领域的研究格局提供了权威解读，可为后续研究提供参考并推动创新发展。本研究聚焦美国本土，阐明了该国精准农业领域的独特特性与开创性进展。最终，本研究成果有望推动行业进步，助力可持续发展、提升生产效率、强化环境可持续性，并促进负责任的农业实践。