Cotton Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 48-56 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/cgg 48 Research Insight Open Access Comprehensive Precision Agriculture Technology to Achieve Maximum Cotton Yield Shanjun Zhu, Mengting Luo Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: mengting.luo@jicat.org Cotton Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/cgg.2025.16.0006 Received: 03 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 18 Feb., 2025 Published: 01 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhu and Luo, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu S.J., and Luo M.T., 2025, Comprehensive precision agriculture technology to achieve maximum cotton yield, Cotton Genomics and Genetics, 16(2): 48-56 (doi: 10.5376/cgg.2025.16.0006) Abstract Cotton is an important cash crop and textile raw material globally, playing a vital role in the economies of many producing countries, but its yield growth has stagnated under conventional farming methods. This study comprehensively reviews the application of precision agriculture technologies in cotton production, focusing on key innovations such as remote sensing, GPS-guided machinery, variable rate technology (VRT), the internet of things (IoT), and data analytics platforms. It explores how these tools can help improve yields, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The integration of big data, machine learning, and decision support systems (DSS) further enhances field decision-making, forecasting, and risk management. A case study in Xinjiang, China illustrates the real-world benefits and challenges of implementing precision agriculture in major cotton-producing regions. While these technologies have shown clear advantages in increasing productivity and reducing input costs, barriers such as high investment, technical skills gaps, and data management issues remain. Future advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and supportive policy frameworks will play a key role in scaling up smart farming practices, ensuring sustainable and profitable cotton cultivation in the face of global agricultural challenges. Keywords Precision agriculture; Cotton yield; Remote sensing; IoT; Decision support systems 1 Introduction Cotton is a vital crop with significant economic importance, particularly in regions where it serves as a primary agricultural product. The global cotton industry supports millions of jobs and contributes substantially to the economies of many countries. Cotton production is not only crucial for the textile industry but also plays a role in the agricultural sector's overall economic health (Lambert et al., 2015; Jumanov et al., 2022). Precision agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach in cotton farming, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability. This method leverages advanced technologies such as remote sensing, yield monitors, and soil testing to optimize resource use and improve crop yields (Neely et al., 2016). The integration of internet of things (IoT) devices and machine learning further enhances the ability to monitor and manage crops effectively, reducing environmental impact and increasing economic returns (Sharma et al., 2021; Nyéki and Neményi, 2022; Durai et al., 2024). The need for precision agriculture in cotton farming is driven by the challenges of resource limitations, climate variability, and the necessity to increase efficiency and profitability (Watson et al., 2016; Baio et al., 2017). This study aims to comprehensively analyze precision agriculture technologies and their applications in cotton cultivation and explore the economic benefits, technological advancements, and practical applications of these technologies in achieving maximum cotton yields. The scope of the study includes reviewing the current practices, challenges, and future prospects of precision agriculture with a focus on improving cotton production efficiency and sustainability. 2 Core Components of Precision Agriculture in Cotton 2.1 Remote sensing and satellite imaging Remote sensing and satellite imaging are pivotal in precision agriculture, particularly for cotton production. These technologies enable the monitoring and assessment of agricultural lands, providing critical data on crop biomass,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==