Asheesh Malik
Abstract
Variable Rate Technology (VRT) represents a cornerstone of precision agriculture, enabling farm inputs to be applied according to the spatial and temporal variability of soil, crop, and environmental conditions. This review synthesizes a broad spectrum of researchâcovering economic analyses, deep-learning-enabled spraying systems, drone-based VRT, nutrient management, and spatial modelling. Evidence consistently shows that VRT enhances resource-use efficiency, environmental sustainability, and profitability, especially in highly variable fields. Despite these advantages, adoption remains slow due to high initial investments, technical skill requirements, and data limitations. This study consolidates current knowledge, evaluates the strengths and limitations of VRT systems, and outlines research opportunities for the next generation of precision input technologies.