A Systematic Review of Soil Properties to Support Mycotoxin Model Development with In-Field Soil Sensing
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Recently, mycotoxin prediction has mainly relied on meteorological data and crop physiology. The contribution of soil characteristics as additional environmental variables remains largely unexplored. A systematic literature search was carried out to analyze the latest research (from 2020 to 2025) on the relationship between soil properties (temperature, water content, pH, and electrical conductivity), fungal communities (particularly Aspergillus and Fusarium), and different crops (mainly peanut, wheat, and maize). Measurement methodologies were analyzed, with a focus on the use of in-field soil sensors in correlation studies and predictive models. Disease incidence and mycotoxin occurrence were related to stressful soil conditions, such as different pH levels, wetness or drought, and temperatures above 25 °C. Other external variables (crop and field management) must also be considered. Laboratory equipment was primarily used in correlation studies, with limited in-field sensor implementation. Although recent predictive models included soil properties as effective inputs, they mostly relied on satellite data. However, real-time conditions and fluctuations, which can be captured by in-field soil sensors, are essential for training new functional models. To monitor soil properties, IoT technologies must be considered, but their implementation is still not sufficient to collect widespread data. Therefore, groundwork is needed to fill this gap with high-quality soil data for future in-field experimentation.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s26134044
Institutions: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Politecnico di Torino
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7165838834