Handbook of Agricultural Technologies
Springer Major Reference Work
Editors
J.M. Al-Khayri, A.M. Yatoo, S.M. Jain, S. Penna
1 Book Description
Increasing food productivity for growing human population and at the same time managing
environmental issues is a huge challenge for agricultural scientists, researchers, farmers, and
policy makers. Rising human population is expected to reach 9 billion by the end of 2050, and
experts estimating that global food production must increase by 70% to meet future demands.
Mounting urbanization, on the other hand, will exacerbate the situation, as there is already a land
and water shortage in urbans areas. As a result, there is utmost need for new agricultural tools
and techniques to enhance food productivity, maintain soil fertility, sustain food security, protect
human health, and manage environmental pollution.
This book offers the advances in agricultural tools and techniques, which include, but not
limited to, robotics, drones, laser scarecrows, smart phones, remote sensing, geographic
information system, and soil sensors, as well as their applications in how they may be used to
make farming smarter and timely steps can be taken to reduce crop damage, improve water use
efficiency, manage diseases, and enhance productivity. It also provides research and
development-based information related to sustainable and modern agricultural techniques like
biofertilizers, microbial bio-control agents, aeroponics, vertical farming, genetic engineering,
nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, and so on, and their
potential for conserving resources, managing soil fertility, improving crop productivity, reducing
plant diseases, and maintaining food security. The topics covered are timely presented
considering the global climate change and the need to enhance crop productivity to assure food
security. The book consists of 60 chapters grouped in 6 sections. Section I Modern Tools and
Techniques in Agriculture, Section II Green Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture, Section III
Genomics and Genetic Engineering Technologies in Agriculture, Section IV Nanotechnology in
Agriculture, Section V Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Agriculture and
Environmental Sustainability, and Section VI Bioinformatics in Agriculture and Environmental
Sustainability.
Written by leading global experts, this book provides a holistic view for readers interested in
the fields of artificial intelligence, agricultural automation, genetic engineering, robotics, smart
farming, nano-biotechnology, and much more. This book highlights current agricultural problems
and potential solutions based on innovative agricultural technologies to achieve improved
agricultural production and environmental sustainability. It is essential for professionals,
researchers, policymakers, and commercial entrepreneurs concerned with innovative agriculture.
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2 Manuscript Preparation Instructions
The recommended manuscript length is 20–25 pages (500 words per page) including references,
tables and figures. The listed suggested chapter titles in the table of content are tentative and
may be modified by authors. Please refer to the provided formatting chapter sample and springer
key style points for manuscript formatting including page set up, font type and size, page setting,
subheadings, references style (springer basic style) and citations (last name and year without
comma before the year). Multiple citations should be arranged alphabetically and separated with
a semicolon. Use of proper English language and correct formatting of manuscripts are essential.
Manuscripts requiring revisions will be returned to the authors for improvement. Set the spell
check proof language on English U.S.A. when writing begins. In the event previously published
illustrations (tables, figures) are included in the manuscript, a reproduction permission from the
original publisher is required. In addition, the original source or photo credit should be stated
under the illustration.
3 Complimentary E-book Copy
The authors will receive a complimentary electronic book version.
4 Manuscript Due Date
Confirmation: Contributing authors are requested to respond to invitation within 10 days.
Manuscript submission due date: June 30, 2023.
5 Editors Contact Information
Jameel M. Al-Khayri, Ph.D.,
Professor, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi
Arabia
Email: jmkhayri@[Link]; jkhayri@[Link]
Webpage: [Link]
Ali Mohd Yatoo, Ph.D.
Researcher, Centre of Research for Development, Department of Environmental Science,
University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, 190006, Kashmir, India
Email: aliyatoo123@[Link]
Webpage: [Link]
Shri Mohan Jain, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
Email: jain.mohan70@[Link]; [Link]@[Link]
Webpage: [Link]
Suprasanna Penna, Ph.D.
Professor, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University of Maharashtra, Mumbai, India
Email: penna888@[Link], pennabarc@[Link]
Webpage: [Link]
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6 Book Contents
No Tentative Chapter Title
Section I: Modern Tools and Techniques in Agriculture
1 Evolution of modern agriculture and future directions
2 Role of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) in modern agriculture
3 Agricultural drones: An eye in the sky for smart agriculture
4 Robotics: Benefits and challenges in modern agriculture
5 Smart phones and smart applications in smart agriculture: Potential challenges and prospects
6 Radio frequency identification technology (RFID) in modern agriculture
7 Laser scarecrows: An innovative technology to control crop damage from birds
8 Smart irrigation for smart farming
9 Vertical farming: An innovative solution for urban and landless farming
10 Soil sensors: A novel approach for modern agriculture
11 Hydroponics: A novel approach to sustain agriculture in water deficit and urban environment
12 Aeroponics: An innovative technique for production of vegetable crops
13 Aquaponics: A potential alternative to conventional agriculture for sustainable fish and
agriculture production
Section II: Green Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture
14 Organic farming: A potential strategy to improve soil health and mitigate climate change
15 Vermicompost production and its potential in crop productivity, phytopathogen management
and environmental pollution reduction
16 Microbial biocontrol agents: An eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to manage diseases
and pests in crops
17 Biochar: A sustainable approach to improve soil health and crop productivity
18 Phosphorus solubilizing microbes and their potential in sustainable agricultural production.
19 Integrated pest management: An effective way to achieve ecological and agricultural
sustainability
20 Biopesticides and biofertilizers as potent alternatives to toxic agrochemicals for sustainable
agricultural production
21 Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in sustainable crop production
22 Smart greenhouses: A viable option for high-tech farming and food security
23 Plant hormones: Role in mitigating abiotic stress and crop improvement
Section III: Genomics and Genetic Engineering Technologies in Agriculture
24 Genomics breeding – novel tools for improvement of crop plants
25 Minichromosomes: The 2nd generation genetic engineering tool in modern agriculture for better
crops
26 Biofortification: A sustainable agricultural strategy to reduce world hunger
27 Genetically modified crops for pesticide use reduction
28 Genetic engineering: An approach to engineer crops to withstand climate change and sustain
food security
29 Environmental and health risk assessment of genetically modified crops
30 Engineering of plants for achieving environmental security
31 Trait improvement through genome editing- novel tools for precision breeding
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32 Plant genetic engineering for developing bioenergy efficient crops
33 Development of bioplastics through genetic engineering of plants
34 Plant Molecular Farming
Section IV: Nanotechnology in Agriculture
35 Nanotechnology: Potential and challenges in agricultural production
36 Nano-pesticides: A novel way to control phytopathogens
37 Nano-fertilizers: A smart approach to supply nutrients to crops
38 Nano-biosensors: An innovative technology for smart agriculture
39 Potential of nanomaterials in water and soil quality management
40 Nanotechnology: role in remediation of pollutants from soil ecosystems
41 Agricultural food processing and packing using nanotechnology
42 Interaction of nanomaterials with soil biota
43 Effects of nanomaterials on important soil enzymes and their activities
Section V: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Agriculture and Environmental
Sustainability
44 Artificial intelligence: A strategy to revolutionize future agriculture
45 Artificial intelligence and weather forecasting
46 Artificial intelligence in water conservation
47 Artificial intelligence: A real time detector to detect diseases and pests in crops
48 Artificial intelligence and smart spraying of pesticides
49 Crop yield prediction and price forecasting using machine learning
50 Artificial intelligence: A smart way to detect and control weeds
51 Artificial intelligence and smart harvesting of crops
52 Artificial intelligence for crop health and soil nutrition monitoring
53 Machine learning and smart automation in agriculture
Section VI: Bioinformatics in Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability
54 Bioinformatics and its potential in sustainable agriculture
55 Bioinformatics and development of drought resistant varieties
56 Bioinformatics and pest resistance in plants
57 Bioinformatics for plant disease management and crop yield improvement
58 Proteomics: an advancement in agricultural research for smart and sustainable agriculture
59 Crop metabolomics: Potential, challenges, and future perspectives
60 Metabolomics: An advanced approach in crop stress and tolerance
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7 Chapter Content Guidelines
Chapter content is up to the authors discretion. However, the following general structure should
be followed. Kindly, consider the provided Chapter Sample and Instructions to Author.
Main Headings Description and Subheadings
Front Page • Chapter number
• Chapter title
• Authors names (indicate corresponding author)
• Contents (list of all subheadings)
• Abstract (A summary of 200-250 words)
• Keywords: 5-7 keywords or phrases
• Name, affiliation address and official email address of each co-author
1 Introduction • Provide background of the subject matter
• In the last paragraph of the introduction indicate chapter objectives
and brief content description
2 Topic 1 • 2.1 Subtopic
• 2.2 Subtopic, etc.
3 Topic 2 etc. • 3.1 Subtopic
• 3.2 Subtopic, etc.
4 Conclusions and • Provide an overview of current status
Prospects • Recommend future research directions and utilization
References • Must be formatted according to the attached reference style sheet
and chapter sample. Literature should be up to date and include
recent references published within the last 3 years
Index Keywords • A table listing 20-30 words or phrases to be integrated in the book
index
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