The Impact of Smart Farming Technologies on Intensive Potato Farming: Evidence from Cyprus

This study evaluates the impact of a decision support system (DSS) on the sustainability of potato production in Cyprus. Field experiments were conducted over three consecutive years (2022–2024), comparing conventional farming with smart farming (SF) guided by the DSS. Thirteen sustainability indicators were assessed, revealing clear trade-offs between input-use efficiency and yield stability. While SF significantly reduced input use—fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation water, and labor—average yields declined by 21%. These results provide new evidence on the environmental and economic implications of SF in high-input farming systems, supporting efforts to promote more sustainable agricultural practices in Cyprus and beyond.