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

https://doi.org/10.18280/isi.280606 ABSTRACT
Received: 16 October 2023
Revised: 24 November 2023
Accepted: 5 December 2023
Available online: 23 December 2023
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 ca