A mixed method approach to integrate digitization and sustainability on German farms
2025
Julius Brinken | Sebastian Trojahn | Fabian Behrendt
The agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices amid rising regulatory complexity and environmental concerns. Digital tools offer substantial opportunities for optimizing agricultural logistics; however, practical adoption remains challenging due to regional specificities and implementation complexities. This study addresses these issues through a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review (SLR) using the recently established PSALSAR method with qualitative farm interviews in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Specifically, we identify key aims, prevalent optimization methods (e.g., heuristics, vehicle routing), and critical parameters (e.g., cost, emissions, operational efficiency) for enhancing agricultural logistics. Our qualitative analysis contextualizes these findings, highlighting how theoretical advantages—such as improved logistics efficiency and reduced resource waste, demonstrated by recent advancements like automated harvesting and sensor-based monitoring systems—translate practically to regional farming challenges. Based on these insights, we propose a feasible and regionally adaptable decision-support model that bridges existing gaps between theoretical potential and practical implementation. Ultimately, this research provides concrete pathways toward sustainable and efficient agricultural logistics tailored explicitly to regional operational realities.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]