6. Automation System in Water Energy Food Nexus Applications

Water and food security, ongoing energy crises, and the associated environmental impact constitute global challenges that necessitate integrative and smart solutions to address Water-Energy and Food (WEF) nexus. The optimal feasible nexus can be achieved by employing advanced automation technology based on industry 4, which is defined as Cyber Physical System (CPS) based automation, specifically in agriculture. Employing industry 4 in agriculture is defined as agriculture 4. Agriculture 4 technologies are very important to mitigate many of WEF challenges. CPS based automation employing Internet of Things (IoT), cloud based services, Artificial Intelligent (AI), and Digital Twin (DT) are introduced in this chapter. Moreover, the chapter presents four implementations of advanced automation within agricultural systems: (i) smart irrigation management, (ii) smart fertilization system, (iii) solar-driven water pumping systems, and (iv) smart livestock farming operations. The illustrated examples demonstrate the considerable benefits of digitalization and advanced automation in overcoming some of WEF challenges, optimizing resource allocation, and promoting sustainable systems.