https://www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture/special_issues/0907QFQ318

Dear Colleagues,

In modern societies, an ample food supply remains a critical challenge. Projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggest a staggering 70% increase in the global food demand by 2050. To meet this demand, it is crucial to improve agricultural machinery for sustainable farming, which serves as a cornerstone via the enabling of large-scale crop cultivation, which is essential for feeding our growing population. However, the efficiency and productivity of broadacre farming both heavily depend on the utilized machinery systems. Different mechanical systems are used in various types of cropping systems, including monoculture, multicropping, contour cropping, strip cropping, shifting cultivation, and intercropping. There is an urgent need for innovative and common mechanical systems to meet the growing global demands. The rising costs of energy, fertilizers, chemicals, and labor only add to the urgency, thus compelling farmers and the agricultural industry to seek more cost-effective solutions. These solutions must enhance production efficiency, while ensuring profitability and affordability for consumers. Moreover, the imperative of environmental sustainability urges the adoption of novel agricultural techniques that safeguard soil health and minimize ecological impact.

With these challenges and opportunities in mind, we are excited to announce this Special Issue, aimed at showcasing the groundbreaking research in the designs and applications of modern agricultural machinery systems. We welcome original contributions and comprehensive reviews from various research fields. These themes encompass a range of topics which are crucial for advancing agricultural production, including tillage, seeding, fertilization, harvesting, tractor technology, and control and automation systems.

Themes and Topics:

-Innovative tillage and seeding technologies
-Advances in fertilization methods and equipment
-Cutting-edge harvesting technologies
-Modern tractor technologies and their applications
-Control and automation systems in agriculture
-Sustainable agricultural machinery solutions
-Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies
-We look forward to your insightful contributions.

Dr. Mustafa Ucgul
Prof. Dr. Chung-Liang Chang
Guest Editors