The Impact of Digital Technology Application on Agricultural Low-Carbon Transformation—A Case Study of the Pesticide Reduction Effect of Plant Protection Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper titled “The Impact of Digital Technology Application on Agricultural Low-Carbon Transformation – A Case Study of the Pesticide Reduction Effect of Plant Protection Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)”presents a topic of considerable academic significance, featuring a unique research perspective. The structure of the manuscript is comprehensive, the content is extensive, and the logic is coherent. By examining the pesticide reduction effects of plant protection UAVs from the viewpoint of promoting and applying digital technology, the study offers both theoretical and practical implications for advancing low-carbon development in agriculture. However, there are still areas that need further improvement:

 

1. The “dual carbon” goal represents a domestic policy in China. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the timeline of the policy’s introduction and its specific requirements.

2. The paper primarily investigates the impact of digital technology application; thus, the literature review section should encompass not only the aerial spraying of plant protection UAVs but also other relevant digital technologies.

3. The analysis of farmer heterogeneity is addressed in the manuscript; however, it is imperative to include a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature on this aspect.

4. In the data introduction section, although the author outlines essential details such as the survey time and sampling methodology, there is a lack of information regarding the response rate of the questionnaire, which should be incorporated.

5. The empirical methods section requires a detailed elucidation of the theoretical basis underpinning the two models employed in the analysis.

6. In the heterogeneity analysis segment, the phrase “based on the internationally recognized standard for aging populations” is imprecise; the legal retirement age varies across nations, hindering the feasibility of a uniform classification of aging populations. Therefore, it is recommended that this statement be reconsidered or omitted.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The paper titled “The Impact of Digital Technology Application on Agricultural Low-Carbon Transformation – A Case Study of the Pesticide Reduction Effect of Plant Protection Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)”presents a topic of considerable academic significance, featuring a unique research perspective. The structure of the manuscript is comprehensive, the content is extensive, and the logic is coherent. By examining the pesticide reduction effects of plant protection UAVs from the viewpoint of promoting and applying digital technology, the study offers both theoretical and practical implications for advancing low-carbon development in agriculture. However, there are still areas that need further improvement:

 

1. The “dual carbon” goal represents a domestic policy in China. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the timeline of the policy’s introduction and its specific requirements.

2. The paper primarily investigates the impact of digital technology application; thus, the literature review section should encompass not only the aerial spraying of plant protection UAVs but also other relevant digital technologies.

3. The analysis of farmer heterogeneity is addressed in the manuscript; however, it is imperative to include a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature on this aspect.

4. In the data introduction section, although the author outlines essential details such as the survey time and sampling methodology, there is a lack of information regarding the response rate of the questionnaire, which should be incorporated.

5. The empirical methods section requires a detailed elucidation of the theoretical basis underpinning the two models employed in the analysis.

6. In the heterogeneity analysis segment, the phrase “based on the internationally recognized standard for aging populations” is imprecise; the legal retirement age varies across nations, hindering the feasibility of a uniform classification of aging populations. Therefore, it is recommended that this statement be reconsidered or omitted.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

My comments are as follows:

1. The introduction identifies policy documents pertinent to China; however, these documents primarily address the reduction of fertilizer application and fail to reference policies advocating for agricultural digitalization. The relevant content should be expanded.

2. In the review of existing literature, the content is excessively intricate. It is sufficient to enumerate specific research findings or salient points, necessitating a simplification of the language used in this section.

3. In the endogeneity analysis, the manuscript does not elucidate the underlying causes contributing to endogeneity issues, such as reverse causation, self-selection, and omitted variable bias. Each of these potential contributors should be thoroughly examined. Moreover, given that multiple factors may induce endogeneity in this context, it is advisable to provide a more comprehensive exploration of this aspect.

4. Within the regression outcomes pertaining to varying types of part-time farming, an explanation for the increased intensity of pesticide application among non-farmers attributable to UAV aerial spraying should be offered. Concurrently, it is essential to articulate the reasons behind the suppression of pesticide application intensity among part-time farmers due to UAV usage, thereby facilitating a comparative analysis.

5. The heterogeneity analysis section would benefit from a comparative framework with existing studies, which would enhance the persuasiveness of the manuscript's conclusions.

6. Several statements within the text exhibit disjointed transitions and obscured clarity. A thorough revision is warranted to improve textual coherence and comprehensibility.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English Language needs to be improved.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The use of UAVs in plant protection for pesticide application and its impact assessment is an exciting research topic. The use of drones in rice fields offers significant potential from both environmental and economic perspectives. The technology is particularly beneficial in moving towards sustainable agriculture. However, successful implementation requires adequate support from farmers, including technology training and access to finance. Therefore, the research questions examined are very important. The hypotheses put forward and the methods used to verify them reflect the precise foundation of the research, the typification of rice farms, the sampling methods, the selected variables, and the statistical methods used convincingly support their conclusions. What surprised me was that the study did not examine the amount of pesticide used, only the cost of the pesticide. However, quantity and price are significantly related to each other.

I congratulate you on this paper.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf