Novel Theories, Methodologies and Application Paradigms of Smart Agriculture and Forestry

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

As agriculture and forestry evolve from the digital era into the intelligent era, the underlying paradigm is undergoing a fundamental shift—from data acquisition and processing toward knowledge-driven autonomy and smart decision-making. Smart agriculture and forestry are characterized by intelligent data acquisition equipment and methodologies, intelligent data processing and information extraction, knowledge mining and smart decision-making, enabling the deep cross-domain integration of modern information technology and agriculture and forestry. We are now witnessing the emergence of smart agriculture and forestry 2.0, a new phase defined by the deep convergence of intelligent perception, ubiquitous connectivity, autonomous operations, and collaborative systems. This transformation is propelled by breakthroughs in generative artificial intelligence, large foundation models, embodied intelligence, and multi-source Earth observation technologies. These advances enable systems that not only sense the environment but also understand, reason, learn, and act with minimal human intervention across the entire agricultural and forestry value chain.

Building on the success of the previous two volumes of this Topic, we are pleased to announce the launch of Volume III, entitled “Novel Theories, Methodologies and Application Paradigms of Smart Agriculture and Forestry”, which will seek to advance the theoretical foundations, methodological innovations, and technological breakthroughs that define this new era. Particular emphasis will be placed on the synergistic integration of artificial intelligence and remote sensing, as well as the application of emerging paradigms in agriculture and forestry. The objective is to explore the transformative potential of these technologies in developing scalable, resilient, and sustainable solutions that enhance productivity, reduce costs, improve quality, and safeguard ecological integrity.

We invite authors to submit high-quality contributions that address theoretical advancements, novel methodologies, technological innovations, and application paradigms in intelligent agriculture and forestry. Submissions presenting original algorithms, transferable frameworks, interdisciplinary approaches, and transformative applications are particularly encouraged. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

I. Theoretical Foundations of Smart Agriculture and Forestry

• Foundational theories of smart agriculture and forestry
• Knowledge representation and discovery
• Theories of intelligent optimization and decision-making

II. Intelligent Perception, Multi-Modal Fusion, and Embodied Systems

• Advanced AI architectures for multi-modal data fusion
• Large models for scenario simulation, diagnosis, and advisory services
• Embodied intelligence and autonomous platforms
• Novel sensors and intelligent equipment

III. Precision Monitoring, Modeling, and Evaluation

• Multi-source remote sensing thematic mapping and parameter estimation for agriculture and forestry resource investigation and assessment
• Disturbance and degradation monitoring
• Disaster monitoring and prediction
• Digital twins and 4D spatiotemporal modeling for sustainable management
• Forest visualization and management

IV. Methodological Innovations in Smart Agriculture and Forestry

• AI-driven high-throughput plant phenotyping for crop and tree breeding programs
• Precision orchard and field management
• Stress monitoring using explainable AI and multimodal sensing
• AI-driven controlled environment simulation for agriculture and forestry

V. Ecological Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

• Ecosystem service assessment using geospatial big data analytics and AI for mapping biodiversity, habitat quality, and ecological connectivity
• Precision carbon accounting supported by AI and remote sensing approaches for estimating carbon stocks, sequestration potential, and greenhouse gas emissions
• Vegetation diversity mapping and assessment
• Farmland and forest conservation planning supported by intelligent analysis techniques
• Climate-smart practices in sustainable land management and climate-resilient agriculture and forestry systems

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews that push the boundaries of smart agriculture and forestry by presenting innovative theories, methodologies, technologies, and applications.

Note to Contributors: Submissions presenting novel algorithms, hybrid models, explainable and trustworthy AI, theoretical advancements, and transferable methodologies are especially welcome. Interdisciplinary research integrating computer science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, agronomy, forestry, ecology, and socioeconomics is strongly encouraged. Both fundamental studies and applied innovations with clear pathways to real-world impacts will be considered for publication.

Prof. Dr. Xiaoli Zhang
Prof. Dr. Dengsheng Lu
Dr. Ning Zhang
Dr. Langning Huo
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	4.5	7.8	2011	17.4 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
AgriEngineering agriengineering	3.1	4.7	2019	25.8 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	4.1	7.6	2011	17.7 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Forests forests	3.1	5.4	2010	17.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Remote Sensing remotesensing	4.3	9.4	2009	22 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	4.1	8.9	2009	16.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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