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. 2025 Jul;12(27):e2503102.
doi: 10.1002/advs.202503102. Epub 2025 Apr 25.

Blockchain-Empowered H-CPS Architecture for Smart Agriculture

Xiaoding Wang  1   2 , Qibin Wu  1 , Haitao Zeng  2 , Xu Yang  3 , Hui Cui  4 , Xun Yi  5 , Md Jalil Piran  6 , Ming Luo  7 , Youxiong Que  1   8
Affiliations

Blockchain-Empowered H-CPS Architecture for Smart Agriculture

Xiaoding Wang et al. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Jul.

Abstract

This study integrates blockchain technology into smart agriculture to enhance its productivity and sustainability. By combining blockchain with remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), a Human-Cyber-Physical System (H-CPS) architecture tailored for agricultural applications is proposed. It supports real-time crop management, data-driven decision-making, and transparent trading of agricultural products. A semantic-based blockchain framework is introduced to address challenges in data management and AI model integration, optimizing production, improving traceability, reducing costs, and enhancing financial security. This framework directly addresses real-world agricultural challenges, such as optimized irrigation, improved crop breeding efficiency, and enhanced supply chain transparency. These innovations provide practical solutions for modern agriculture, contributing to sustainable development and global food security. Further research and collaboration are encouraged to unlock its full potential in transforming agricultural practices.

Keywords: blockchain; human‐cyber‐physical systems; prospect; semantic blockchain; smart agriculture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Smart agriculture integrates IoT devices (soil moisture sensors, drones), AI‐driven analytics (crop health prediction models), and blockchain‐based traceability (supply chain ledgers). The architecture enables real‐time data collection, automated decision‐making, and transparent transactions across stakeholders.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Blockchain‐empowered H‐CPS architecture for smart agriculture.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Blockchain applications in smart agriculture: 1) Supply chain traceability—farm‐to‐table data (e.g., seed origin, pesticide logs) is hashed and stored on‐chain; 2) IoT security—device authentication via smart contracts; 3) Insurance automation—weather data triggers payout via oracles; 4) Subsidy distribution—eligibility checks through consensus; 5) Machinery leasing—ownership records updated via decentralized ledgers; 6) Transaction integrity—timestamped orders prevent fraud.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A typical scenario of human‐machine interaction in the blockchain‐empowered H‐CPS architecture for smart agriculture.
Figure 5
Figure 5
A digital crop pilot project based on H‐CPS, blockchain and AI.
Figure 6
Figure 6
A semantic blockchain.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Federated learning on the shards of a semantic blockchain.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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