Old problem, the Millennial solution: using mobile technology to inform decision making for sustainable fertilizer management

Abstract

According to the World Bank, as of mid-2000s, more people have access to mobile technologies than clean water. Mobile technologies were quickly recognized as excellent high performing work tools and became adapted early on for use in the agricultural sector. They offer exciting opportunities for improving farming practices, including operating sustainable fertilizer management strategies and related extension support. From assessing potential Nitrogen losses in California to fine-tuning fertilizer recommendations in Thailand — harnessing the potential of mobile technologies was recognized as an essential piece in the worldwide move towards information-driven, efficient, and sustainable agriculture. In this review, mobile technologies designed to augment existing methods of fertilizer management were reviewed and challenges to their adoption together with missing links in their development process were emphasised.