Enhanced cyber-physical system with semantic technologies and machine learning to support smart farming

An important aspect related to the effects of agricultural activities on the environment is represented by the nutrient loss in water and air (specifically nitrogen). The interactions between catchments hydrological processes, management of farm activities, climate changes and nitrogen losses constitute a complex phenomenon yet not well understood, being an important concern from the sustainable agriculture perspective. Nitrogen can be lost with water as leaching or runoff, or as gas as ammonia volatilization. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is particularly problematic because it is also a powerful greenhouse gas. The goal of the current article is to present innovative digital techniques to advance in understanding of this phenomena through an Information System that integrates Artificial Intelligence techniques such as Semantic Technologies and Machine Learning (ML) into Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) to support smart farming and sustainable agriculture.