Applications of Sensor Technology to Agri-Food Systems

Dear Colleagues, 

Data acquisition and associated means of automatic or semiautomatic identification are key sensor considerations in seeking effective solutions for resource use efficiency and food loss reduction within primary production and post-harvest handling of agricultural products along supply chains. In particular, new sensors are now available with reduced dimensions, reduced cost, and increased performance, which can be implemented and integrated into production systems, allowing an increase of data and eventually an increase of information. This is of great importance to support the digital transformation of agri-food systems, leading to the reduction of food loss on farm and the optimal use of production inputs. In order to exploit these results, authoritative studies associated with food production, harvesting, and postharvest handling practices are still needed to support the development and implementation of new solutions and best practices. This Special Issue will capture recent developments related to novel sensors and their proven or potential applications in the agri-food sector spanning fundamental scientific concepts, pilot use, and commercial sensing systems. Contributions are expected to deal with, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Soil, vegetation, air, and water sensors;
• Sensors for determination of crop health status;
• Monitoring of different growth stages of crops and phenotyping;
• Early detection of diseases and pests;
• Detection and identification of crops and weeds;
• On the go sensing;
• Non-destructive sensing;
• Proximal and remote sensing;
• Optical sensors and sensing systems;
• Multispectral and hyperspectral sensors;
• Fluorescence and thermal imaging;
• Integration of sensors in agricultural machines;
• Variable rate application;
• Yield monitoring and mapping;
• Multisensor systems, sensor fusion;
• Sensors for detection of fruits and quality evaluation;
• Wireless sensor networks;
• IoT in agriculture and food sectors;
• Smart sensor systems. 

Dr. Dimitrios Argyropoulos
Dr. Dimitrios S. Paraforos
Prof. Dr. Spyros Fountas
Guest Editors

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