Geostatistics and machine learning for analyzing spatial data

Next-Gen Smart Farming presents a thorough, evidence-based assessment of using emerging physical and computerized systems designed to enhance agricultural efficiency. It balances demonstrated benefits with a clear articulation of potential risks. The work surveys the entire pipeline, from sensing technologies and data collection to artificial intelligence and machine learning, spatial analysis, decision modeling, and automation. It highlights how these technologies can strengthen crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and farm management, while it also examines governance, equity, and ethical considerations essential for responsible deployment. Economic, environmental, and social impacts are analyzed, providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating trade-offs and outcomes in real-world contexts. Framed as an interdisciplinary resource, the volume equips researchers, industry practitioners, extension specialists, and policymakers with practical methodologies, metrics, and narratives needed to implement scalable digital agriculture solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability across diverse real-world settings.