TY - JOUR
T1 - Current remote sensing applications for sustainable agricultural transitions and nature-based solutions
AU - S. Vesterdal, Maria
AU - Gislum, René
AU - Dalgaard, Tommy
PY - 2026/1/1
Y1 - 2026/1/1
N2 - The utility of remotely sensed data is becoming increasingly relevant for agroecological studies and practical agricultural applications, promoting a more sustainable development. Advancements in satellite technology continue to progress, offering higher spatial resolutions, a greater variety of sensors, and improved temporal frequencies. These developments enhance the accessibility and applicability of remote sensing data, enabling more precise monitoring of agricultural systems and providing new perspectives for implementing more efficient, environmentally friendly practices. This review aims to present a selection of current remote sensing applications in agriculture, with a focus on their potential to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable management practices. A systematic approach was used to identify, select, and synthesize relevant studies that demonstrate different applications of remote sensing methods in agriculture. The selected studies were examined within three key areas of sustainable agricultural management: i) nutrient management, ii) the environmental impacts of production, and iii) food security. The findings highlight that while remote sensing technologies offer valuable insights into agricultural sustainability, challenges remain in terms of data integration, accuracy, and scalability. Overcoming these challenges will require interdisciplinary collaboration, advancements in data processing techniques, and the integration of remote sensing with other agricultural management tools, ultimately enabling implementation of data-driven decision-making that promotes long-term sustainability in agriculture.
AB - The utility of remotely sensed data is becoming increasingly relevant for agroecological studies and practical agricultural applications, promoting a more sustainable development. Advancements in satellite technology continue to progress, offering higher spatial resolutions, a greater variety of sensors, and improved temporal frequencies. These developments enhance the accessibility and applicability of remote sensing data, enabling more precise monitoring of agricultural systems and providing new perspectives for implementing more efficient, environmentally friendly practices. This review aims to present a selection of current remote sensing applications in agriculture, with a focus on their potential to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable management practices. A systematic approach was used to identify, select, and synthesize relevant studies that demonstrate different applications of remote sensing methods in agriculture. The selected studies were examined within three key areas of sustainable agricultural management: i) nutrient management, ii) the environmental impacts of production, and iii) food security. The findings highlight that while remote sensing technologies offer valuable insights into agricultural sustainability, challenges remain in terms of data integration, accuracy, and scalability. Overcoming these challenges will require interdisciplinary collaboration, advancements in data processing techniques, and the integration of remote sensing with other agricultural management tools, ultimately enabling implementation of data-driven decision-making that promotes long-term sustainability in agriculture.
KW - Crop
KW - Land use land cover
KW - Nitrogen leaching
KW - Nutrient management
KW - Review
KW - Satellites
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024191364
U2 - 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128263
DO - 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128263
M3 - Review
C2 - 41365215
AN - SCOPUS:105024191364
SN - 0301-4797
VL - 397
JO - Journal of Environmental Management
JF - Journal of Environmental Management
M1 - 128263
ER -