Recent trends in biosensor development for climate smart organic agriculture and their role in environmental sustainability

Abstract

This article intends to provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of recent research in the area of biosensors and their potential applications in climate-smart organic agriculture in order to ensure food availability for the growing population, which largely depends on the collaborative effort resulting in technology development to address the top challenges associated with agriculture and environmental sustainability. Continuous monitoring and early detection of pests, pathogens, contaminants, and disease outbreaks with the help of biosensors can certainly improve the productivity of farming landscapes. In addition to that, biosensors are also used to monitor farmland growing conditions with the objective of assessing and reducing the challenging issues of climate change. Recent advancements in this domain can assist farmers in reducing overall energy consumption and carbon footprints, as agriculture not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but is also a victim of climate change. Reducing emissions from agricultural farm fields—primarily methane and nitrous oxide—has a prominent influence on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The main task of the deployed biosensors is the detection and timely removal of biochemicals and other categories of contaminants from the farm fields to maintain the quality and safety of the food items while disposing of pests, pathogens, and weeds. Consequently, growing demand for bio-sensing technologies exists in the agriculture and food industries. Applications of biosensors in the agriculture sector would be important for capacity building, skill development, and intelligent management of natural resources. This article will help researchers in proffering valuable insights and inferences for their research work as a contribution to the comprehension of associated challenges, potential solutions, and advancements for the development of cost-effective solutions for farmers based on bio-sensing technologies.