A Detailed Survey of Machine Learning Applications, Methods, and Future Prospects in Agriculture

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 39 45
    By

    Arvinder Kaur,

  • Shalu Gupta,

  • Nomsa C. C. Kamgwira,

  1. Student, Department of Computer Applications, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Applications, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, India
  3. Student, Department of Computer Applications, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, India

Abstract

Agriculture is undergoing a digital transformation driven by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence. The integration of ML techniques with data from sensors, drones, satellites, and IoT devices has enabled precision agriculture, early disease detection, optimized resource use, and improved yield prediction. This paper presents a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in modern agriculture, covering key areas such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, irrigation scheduling, pest, and disease detection, yield forecasting, and livestock management. We discuss commonly used ML paradigms including supervised, unsupervised learning, and deep learning along with specific algorithms such as Support Vector Machines, Random Forests, and Convolutional Neural Networks. Recent advancements, practical implementations, major challenges (e.g., data scarcity, infrastructure limitations, and adoption barriers), and future research directions are critically analyzed. This review highlights how ML is contributing to sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural systems. Furthermore, the adoption of machine learning in agriculture has significant implications for enhancing climate resilience and supporting decision-making at both farm and policy levels. By enabling real-time analysis and predictive insights, ML-driven tools can assist farmers in adapting to climate variability, reducing production risks, and minimizing environmental impacts through precise input management. Despite promising outcomes, the scalability and accessibility of these technologies remain uneven, particularly in developing regions where limited digital infrastructure and technical capacity pose major constraints. Therefore, collaborative efforts among researchers, technology developers, policymakers, and extension services are essential to bridge existing gaps and promote inclusive digital agriculture. Continued research focusing on explainable AI, low-cost sensing technologies, and farmer-centric ML solutions will be crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and global food security

Keywords: Crop disease detection, deep learning, IoT in agriculture, machine learning, precision agriculture, sustainable farming, yield prediction

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Arvinder Kaur, Shalu Gupta, Nomsa C. C. Kamgwira. A Detailed Survey of Machine Learning Applications, Methods, and Future Prospects in Agriculture. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):39-45.
How to cite this URL:
Arvinder Kaur, Shalu Gupta, Nomsa C. C. Kamgwira. A Detailed Survey of Machine Learning Applications, Methods, and Future Prospects in Agriculture. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):39-45. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoast/article=2026/view=236732


References

  1. Botero-Valencia J, et al. A review of machine learning in sustainable agriculture. Sustainability. 2025;17(3):1052.
  2. Bergmann D. Data-driven insights: How machine learning is transforming modern agriculture. J Agric Inform. 2025;12(1):45–60.
  3. Sawhney D, Kumar R. Machine learning applications in precision agriculture: Focus on fertilizer and pesticide optimization. In: Editor A, editor. Proc Int Conf Smart Agriculture. 1st ed. City, Country: Publisher; 2024. p. 112–119.
  4. Aladhadh M, et al. A review of modern methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens using machine learning. Microorganisms. 2023;11(8):1923.
  5. Sawhney D, et al. Classic survey on deep learning applications in crop monitoring, disease detection, and yield prediction. Comput Electron Agric. 2023;207:107789.
  6. Li L, et al. Deep learning for plant disease detection: A survey. Comput Electron Agric. 2021;188:106345.
  7. Elijah O, et al. Enabling smart agriculture in Nigeria using IoT and machine learning. Sci Afr. 2022;16:e01187.
  8. Attallah O. Tomato leaf disease classification via compact convolutional neural networks with transfer learning and feature selection. Horticulturae. 2023;9(2):149. Available from: doi:10.3390/horticulturae9020149
  9. Li Z, Nie Z, Li G. Integrating crop modeling and machine learning for the improved prediction of dryland wheat yield. Agronomy. 2024;14(4):777. Available from: doi:10.3390/agronomy14040777
  10. De Lima DS, dos Santos LM, da Silva JA. Scoping review of precision technologies for cattle monitoring. In: Editor A, editor. Precision Livestock Farming. 1st ed. City, Country: Publisher; 2024. p. 45–60.
  11. Tugrul B, Elfatimi E, Eryigit R. Convolutional neural networks in detection of plant leaf diseases: A review. Agriculture. 2022;12(8):1192. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081192
  12. Kumar V, Singh SK, Yadav J, Sundararajan M. A comparative study of different architectural models of CNN for plant leaf disease detection. In: Editor A, editor. Int J Computing Sciences Research. 1st ed. City, Country: Publisher; 2023. p. 2415–2430.
  13. Wang A, Peng T, Cao H, Xu Y, Wei X, Cui B. TIA-YOLOv5: An improved YOLOv5 network for real-time detection of crop and weed in the field. Front Plant Sci. 2022;13:1091655. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1091655
  14. Milioto A, Lottes P, Stachniss C. Real-time semantic segmentation of crop and weed for precision agriculture using an encoder–decoder network (U-Net). Remote Sens. 2018;10(9):1464. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10091464
  15. Khan A, Sohail A, Zahoora U, Qureshi AS. A survey of the recent architectures of deep convolutional neural networks. Artif Intell Rev. 2020;53:5455–5516.
  16. Barbedo JGA. Plant disease classification in the real world: A review of deep learning challenges and opportunities. Comput Electron Agric. 2022;193:106724.
  17. Hasan MM, et al. Deep learning approaches for plant disease detection: A review. Plant Phenomics. 2021;2021:8302940.
  18. Gupta S, Singh YJ, Kumar M. Object detection using multiple shape-based features. In: Editor A, editor. IEEE Fourth Int Conf Parallel, Distributed, and Grid Computing (PDGC 2016). 1st ed. City, Country: IEEE; 2016. p. 433–437.
  19. Gupta S, Singh YJ. Glowing window based feature extraction technique for object detection. In: Editor A, editor. Int Conf Data Management, Analytics, and Innovation. 1st ed. New Delhi, India: Publisher; 2020. p. 17–19.
  20. Gupta S, Singh YJ. Object detection using peak, balanced division point and shape-based features. In: Editor A, editor. 6th Int Conf Data Management, Analytics, and Innovation. 1st ed. City, Country: Publisher; 2022. p. 14–16.
  21. Gupta S, Singh H, Singh YJ. Comprehensive study on edge detection. In: Editor A, editor. Int Conf Communication, Electronics, and Digital Technology (NICE-2023). 1st ed. City, Country: Publisher; 2023. p. 10–11.

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 20/12/2025
Accepted 15/01/2026
Published 11/02/2026
Publication Time 53 Days


Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics