Agri-Environmental Measures and the Digital Transition in Arable Farming: A Case Study from Romania

This study explores the effects of applying agri-environmental measures and digitalization on cereal farms in Dunărea de Jos Basin, Romania. Through structured interviews with 40 wheat producers, complemented by field observations and data analysis, effects are identified in highlighting planning, data evaluation and approximation to European environmental requirements. Wheat productivity and input efficiency are investigated in partially technologically advanced farms compared to poorly technologically advanced farms. Regression is used in the relationship between average wheat production and the main agricultural inputs. The results show statistically significant correlations, supported by coefficients (R2 > 0.45). In partially mechanized farms, wheat production is influenced by the use of plant protection products (R2 = 0.943), demonstrating high technological consistency and improved efficiency of phytosanitary applications. In farms not using Geofolia, the application of NPK fertilizers appears as the dominant factor of productivity (R2 = 0.968), indicating that chemical fertilization compensates for limited mechanization and restricted access to technological operations. Digitalization of farms contributes to the optimization of resources, reducing diesel consumption by 45% and developing overall efficiency by 34%, reducing the pressure on the environment by 30%. Technology can be responsible for increasing farm productivity and yield performance, while reducing resource intensity and environmental impact.