[Database] 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，随着先进技术与决策支持系统（decision support systems, DSS）的普及应用，已成为美国农业领域的主导发展模式。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不可或缺的生产设施，可通过作物、土壤与气象数据提供极具价值的决策参考，在优化农业生产的同时最大限度降低环境负面影响。为系统梳理并分类现有海量精准农业相关研究成果，本研究设计了一套标准化的系统综述方案。本研究的目标在于清晰且权威地阐释该领域的研究本质、覆盖范畴与研究规模。研究采用严谨的检索策略，依托ScienceDirect®与Web of Science™等权威数据库，采集相关且具备重要学术价值的文献资料。检索过程运用索引词与布尔运算符，以“精准农业”与“精准耕作”为核心检索词，在检索的特异性与全面性之间实现了平衡。为确保研究结果的可信度，本研究仅纳入由美国机构所属作者发表的同行评议论文。本领域资深专家独立对入选论文开展评审工作，逐一评估论文的标题、摘要、关键词、研究方法、结论与声明内容。一致性与合规性是判定论文入选资格的核心标准，评审人员间若存在分歧或争议，将通过充分的共识协商予以解决。通过本次全面的元综述研究，本研究为深化精准农业领域的认知提供了学术支撑，明确了未来研发（Research and Development, R&D）的重点方向。通过梳理并整合现有文献，本研究对该领域的研究图景提供了权威解读，可为未来研究提供方向指引并推动创新发展。本研究特别聚焦美国本土，深入阐释了该国精准农业领域的独特特征与开创性进展。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。