Automated crop cultivation and pesticide scheduling: a case study

Pesticides are being used intensively during agricultural farming for its number of benefits, including the inhibition of the growth of weeds, insects, and such other pests and increased yield of the desired crop. However, they also pose fatal health hazards, including reduction in lung and thyroid function, infertility, and asthma. Inhalation, swallowing, and absorption through skin are the different ways through which pesticides may enter the human body causing heart diseases, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Further, biomagnification of pesticides is a major concern. Pesticide scheduling is, therefore, necessary. Pesticide scheduling is a technique where pesticides are placed in government-prescribed schedules to determine its toxicity. Farmers find it tedious to schedule the pesticides using traditional methods. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a significant role in agriculture. “Management Decision and Support Systems” are used to schedule the management activities of crops during the season. Such technologies reduce the excess use of pesticides, herbicides, and even water along with offering several benefits. Besides, they are easier for the farmers and inspectors to use. This chapter discusses automations in crop cultivation focusing on AI and pesticide scheduling, two major case studies of such techniques, and implementation challenges and explores the future opportunities in the area.