Advancing Sustainability and Productivity: The Role of Precision Agriculture in Vineyards and Olive Groves

Precision agriculture has emerged as a vital approach to modern agricultural management, addressing the dual challenge of increasing food production while preserving the environment. Its importance lies in its ability to leverage advanced technologies to optimize productivity, reduce waste, and ensure sustainability, particularly in high-value crops such as vineyards and olive groves. This study explores the application of precision agriculture tools, such as sensors, drones, geolocation systems, and data analytics, in these crops to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and minimize environmental impact. In vineyards, precision viticulture focuses on managing spatial and temporal variability within plots to increase economic performance through higher productivity, superior fruit quality, and reduced production costs. The targeted application of inputs and precise management practices result in resource savings and uniform fruit quality, crucial for producing premium wines. Similarly, in olive groves, technologies enable effective plant health monitoring and early disease detection. At the same time, drones assist in evaluating plant vigor and planning optimal harvest times, ultimately maximizing yield and olive oil quality. By integrating traditional agricultural practices with modern technological advancements, this study anticipates a range of positive outcomes, including reduced resource waste, improved competitiveness in global markets, and strengthened sustainability in production networks. The findings underscore the transformative potential of precision agriculture, offering valuable insights into sustainable agricultural development and setting a pathway for further innovation in the sector.