Paper short abstract:

The research explores how sensors in agriculture are embedded in farmers' sensing practices, shedding light on the nuanced contributions to different types of agricultural knowledge and highlighting the role of sensors and sensing in promoting biodiversity-based farming system strategies.

Paper long abstract:

Contemporary research extensively delves into the technical efficacy of innovative sensors in agriculture (Lobsey & Biswas, 2023). However, a gap exists in understanding the nuanced integration of sensors within the broader context of farmers' sensing practices. Drawing on Shove et al. (2012), this study recognises that sensors are not isolated tools but are intricately embedded in practices of sensing, encompassing materials, competences and meanings. Furthermore, it recognises that sensing practices are intertwined with larger farming system strategies, influencing these practices' broader role and meaning.

This research sheds light on the multifaceted role of sensors and sensing within distinct farming system strategies. Employing semi-structured interviews and observations, we engaged farmers in showcasing their sensing practices while physically walking through their farming operations. We included farmers along a spectrum of farming system strategies distinguishing between chemical input-based and biodiversity-based systems, building upon Duru et al. (2015a, b) and Therond et al. (2017).

Our findings reveal how farmers' sensing practices contribute to diverse types of agricultural knowledge, depending on the meanings associated with practices and the competences and materials involved. The identified types of agricultural knowledge can be ideal-typically distinguished in creating oversight (encompassing short-term decision-making and optimisation) and insight (involving strategic decision-making and holistic understanding). While these two types are found to be relevant in both chemical input-based and biodiversity-based systems, we observed differences in the prevalence of these knowledge types in specific systems. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of the type of sensors and sensing practices promoting biodiversity-based farming.