A Bibliometric Analysis of the Evolution of IoT Applications in Smart Agriculture

This study presents a bibliometric analysis to map the evolving landscape of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in smart agriculture, identifying pivotal research, influential authors, and significant trends from 2016 to 2023. Utilizing the SCOPUS database, the research compiled a dataset of 1277 documents, from which the 100 most-cited articles were meticulously analyzed. Employing VOSviewer for bibliometric evaluations, this study explored keyword occurrences, co-authorship networks, and bibliometric coupling networks. The findings indicate a marked increase in research interest in IoT applications in smart agriculture during the studied period, with India, the United States, and China leading in contributions, supported by various global researchers. Key journals contributing to this field include "Sensors (Switzerland)" and "Computers and Electronics in Agriculture." This analysis illuminates the field's trajectory, spotlighting essential authors, prevalent keywords, and leading journals. Dominant keywords encompassed IoT, smart agriculture, smart farming, precision agriculture, crops, irrigation systems, and agricultural technology. The research underscores the significant potential of IoT in enhancing agricultural institutions, farmers, producers, and researchers globally, contributing to increased agricultural productivity, performance, and food security. However, the study's limitations include reliance on a single database, SCOPUS, and a focus on highly cited publications. Future research would benefit from incorporating multiple databases and considering a wider range of publications. Further investigation in smart agriculture should prioritize how digital technology can optimize decision-making and bolster the sustainability of agricultural practices.