Application of Digital Technologies in Horticulture

Djair Alves da Mata; Teonis Batista da Silva; Romildo Araújo  Macena; Flaviano Moura Pereira; Fernanda de Sousa Veloso; Cícero Henrique de Sá; Isabele Rodrigues de  Oliveira; Geiziane de Fátima da  Silva

doi:10.21664/2238-8869.2025v14i4.8337

Authors

Djair Alves da Mata Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3457-6430
Teonis Batista da Silva Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0315-6257
Romildo Araújo Macena Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3311-644X
Flaviano Moura Pereira Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1111-5784
Fernanda de Sousa Veloso Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (Univasf) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9649-2908
Cícero Henrique de Sá Universidade Federal do Vale do São francisco (Univasf) https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0661-1699
Isabele Rodrigues de Oliveira Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3574-2926
Geiziane de Fátima da Silva Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2428-6704

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21664/2238-8869.2025v14i4.8337

Keywords:

emerging technologies, rural inclusion, agricultural sustainability

Abstract

The present study discusses perspectives on the current role of major digital technologies in modern agriculture, highlighting their contributions to productivity, sustainability, and food security. To this end, a search was conducted in leading databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo, examining articles published between 2015 and 2025 related to IoT, drones, sensors, big data, and AI, with a focus on applications aimed at family farming. The key topics addressed in the review include IoT, drones, sensors, big data, and AI. The main technologies identified are drones for monitoring pests and diseases, sensors for optimizing water use in irrigation, IoT-based automated irrigation, climate analysis for forecasting, and “growth chambers” such as hydroponics. Reported benefits include a reduction of up to 30% per hectare in water waste, more efficient use of inputs, improved product quality and traceability, and expansion of the industry into international markets. However, small producers continue to face challenges such as high costs, lack of knowledge, limited infrastructure in rural areas, civic and bureaucratic barriers, and the absence of public policies. Looking ahead, proposed solutions include open-source and low-cost tools, farmer cooperatives, and sustainable approaches. The conclusion emphasizes the digitalization of the horticulture sector, which promotes social inclusion, reduces inequality, and strengthens both capacity-building and resilience needs.

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