| Popis: |
The rapid advancement in science, technology, and information over the past decades has led to a wide application of intelligent irrigation technologies worldwide. Using the multi-faceted approach, we analyze the past trajectory and future perspective of intelligent irrigation technologies by depth-examination of theoretical and engineering research as well as the granted patent applications over the past decades. The data used in the analysis were based on the publications indexed by Science Citation Index of Web of Science and Engineering Index (EI) of Scopus, as well as granted patents indexed in Derwent Innovations. This paper focused on performance index, competitiveness, research hotspots, and developing trend of intelligent irrigation. The results show that intelligent irrigation has well steadily established worldwide in terms of its perception, control, decision-making and management. In addition, six research areas have emerged over the past decades: irrigation technologies under drought stress, field experiments and water and fertilizer use efficiency, monitoring soil and water, intelligent irrigation systems, sustainable development and water-saving irrigation, and water balance and irrigation water management. Technologically, there are two active research areas in intelligent irrigation: real-time irrigation control and developing water-saving intelligent irrigation devices. Looking ahead, research in intelligent irrigation is expected to be in sustainability and scalability, as well as its combinations with other technologies. It has potential to safeguard food security and revitalize rural regions worldwide. |
