Adaptive Agriculture: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Biodiversity for Resilient Farming Systems Under Climate Stress

Closes:
Submission deadline date: 31 May 2025

Introduction

This Special Issue (SI) aims to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and biodiversity to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems under climate stress. We seek to advance understanding of how AI can optimize farming practices, enhance soil health, and protect biodiversity, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity amidst changing climatic conditions. By publishing cutting-edge research on AI applications in agriculture and soil biodiversity, this issue will showcase case studies and models that demonstrate successful adaptation strategies.

Furthermore, the SI will facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue between climate scientists, agronomists, ecologists, and AI experts, providing a platform for innovative solutions that combine AI with ecological principles to bolster ecosystem resilience. We aim to highlight policy recommendations that support the adoption of AI-driven sustainable farming practices, contributing significantly to the development of robust, climate-resilient agricultural systems.

This SI will make a novel contribution by focusing on the intersection of AI, biodiversity, and agricultural resilience in the context of climate change, with a particular emphasis on developing countries. By highlighting innovative research and case studies from these regions, the issue will provide unique insights into how AI can be tailored to enhance agricultural systems and soil biodiversity under diverse climatic and socio-economic conditions.

Moreover, the SI will foster collaboration with international knowledge networks, facilitating the exchange of best practices and cutting-edge solutions across borders. This approach will not only showcase groundbreaking findings but also promote global cooperation and knowledge transfer, thereby supporting the development of sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices worldwide. Through these contributions, the Special Issue will offer a comprehensive and original perspective on leveraging AI and biodiversity for agricultural adaptation in the face of climate stress.

The urgency of addressing climate change impacts on agriculture is well-documented in recent literature, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. The integration of AI in agriculture is emerging as a critical area of research, with studies demonstrating its potential to optimize crop yields, manage resources efficiently, and enhance soil health. Concurrently, preserving soil biodiversity is recognized as vital for ecosystem resilience and agricultural sustainability.

Recent events, such as extreme weather patterns and their devastating effects on food security, highlight the societal implications of climate change on agriculture. This SI addresses these critical challenges by focusing on the synergies between AI and biodiversity to develop resilient farming systems. By drawing on current research and case studies, particularly from developing countries, and fostering international collaboration, the SI responds to an urgent global need, supported by a robust body of existing literature and practical evidence. 

This SI will address several critical societal challenges by enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change. By integrating AI and biodiversity, the research will contribute to improving food security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and protecting ecosystem health. This directly addresses SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).

The issue will showcase innovative solutions that can be implemented in developing countries, where the impacts of climate change on agriculture are most severe. By fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Special Issue will support the development of resilient, sustainable farming practices that can be adapted to diverse climatic and socio-economic contexts. This approach not only improves local agricultural productivity and livelihoods but also contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity, ultimately benefiting society at large.

List of topic areas

  • AI-Driven Precision Agriculture: Exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance precision farming techniques to optimize resource use, increase crop yields, and reduce environmental impact.
  • Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Investigating the role of soil biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems and how it contributes to agricultural productivity and resilience against climate change.
  • Climate Adaptation Strategies: Showcasing successful case studies of climate adaptation in agriculture from developing countries, highlighting innovative practices and lessons learned.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promoting research that integrates insights from climate science, agronomy, ecology, and AI to develop holistic solutions for sustainable agriculture.
  • Citizen Science and Education: Encouraging community involvement in agricultural research and promoting educational initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity for sustainable farming practices.

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to "Please select the issue you are submitting to". 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else while under review for this journal.

Click here to submit!

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions (if agreed with publisher): 30th September, 2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31st May, 2025    

Email for submissions: [email protected]