A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management

Agriculture is the foundational industry for human survival, profoundly impacting economic, ecological, and social dimensions. In the face of global challenges such as rapid population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change, achieving technological innovation in agriculture and advancing smar...

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Main Authors: Zhijie Cao, Shantong Sun, Xu Bao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8438
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author Zhijie Cao
Shantong Sun
Xu Bao
author_facet Zhijie Cao
Shantong Sun
Xu Bao
author_sort Zhijie Cao
collection DOAJ
description Agriculture is the foundational industry for human survival, profoundly impacting economic, ecological, and social dimensions. In the face of global challenges such as rapid population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change, achieving technological innovation in agriculture and advancing smart farming have become increasingly critical. In recent years, deep learning and computer vision have developed rapidly. Key areas in computer vision—such as deep learning-based image processing, object detection, and multimodal fusion—are rapidly transforming traditional agricultural practices. Processes in agriculture, including planting planning, growth management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, are shifting from experience-driven methods to digital and intelligent approaches. This paper systematically reviews applications of deep learning and computer vision in agricultural growth management over the past decade, categorizing them into four key areas: crop identification, grading and classification, disease monitoring, and weed detection. Additionally, we introduce classic methods and models in computer vision and deep learning, discussing approaches that utilize different types of visual information. Finally, we summarize current challenges and limitations of existing methods, providing insights for future research and promoting technological innovation in agriculture.
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spelling doaj-art-de785c8519a24ca5a07d5937bcbfbb772025-08-20T03:36:35ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011515843810.3390/app15158438A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth ManagementZhijie Cao0Shantong Sun1Xu Bao2School of Computer Science and Communication Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, ChinaSchool of Computer Science and Communication Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, ChinaSchool of Computer Science and Communication Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, ChinaAgriculture is the foundational industry for human survival, profoundly impacting economic, ecological, and social dimensions. In the face of global challenges such as rapid population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change, achieving technological innovation in agriculture and advancing smart farming have become increasingly critical. In recent years, deep learning and computer vision have developed rapidly. Key areas in computer vision—such as deep learning-based image processing, object detection, and multimodal fusion—are rapidly transforming traditional agricultural practices. Processes in agriculture, including planting planning, growth management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, are shifting from experience-driven methods to digital and intelligent approaches. This paper systematically reviews applications of deep learning and computer vision in agricultural growth management over the past decade, categorizing them into four key areas: crop identification, grading and classification, disease monitoring, and weed detection. Additionally, we introduce classic methods and models in computer vision and deep learning, discussing approaches that utilize different types of visual information. Finally, we summarize current challenges and limitations of existing methods, providing insights for future research and promoting technological innovation in agriculture.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8438agricultural applicationscomputer visiondeep learningtarget recognitioncrop gradingdisease monitoring
spellingShingle Zhijie Cao
Shantong Sun
Xu Bao
A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
Applied Sciences
agricultural applications
computer vision
deep learning
target recognition
crop grading
disease monitoring
title A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
title_full A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
title_fullStr A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
title_full_unstemmed A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
title_short A Review of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Applications in Crop Growth Management
title_sort review of computer vision and deep learning applications in crop growth management
topic agricultural applications
computer vision
deep learning
target recognition
crop grading
disease monitoring
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8438
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