Peer Review Policy

Duties of Reviewers
The peer review process is a critical component of the editorial decision-making at the Journal of Agricultural Digitalization Research. Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the quality, credibility, and integrity of published content. By offering insightful and constructive feedback, reviewers assist editors in making informed decisions regarding the suitability of manuscripts and support authors in refining their work, particularly in the domain of agricultural digital technologies and innovations. The journal encourages all qualified scholars to participate actively in peer review to promote the advancement of agricultural digitalization research.

Timeliness
Reviewers are expected to complete manuscript evaluations within the assigned timelines. If a reviewer feels unqualified to assess a submission—due to a lack of expertise in digital tools, data science applications in agriculture, or other specific aspects—or foresees any delay, they should promptly inform the editorial office and decline the invitation. This allows the journal to assign alternative reviewers and uphold an efficient review workflow, ensuring timely publication of digital agriculture research.

Confidentiality
All manuscripts submitted for review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or disclose any portion of the manuscript with unauthorized individuals unless explicitly authorized by the Editor-in-Chief in rare circumstances. Maintaining confidentiality is especially important considering the proprietary nature of digital methods, algorithms, datasets, or technological innovations under review.

Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviewers must provide objective, unbiased, and scholarly feedback centered on the content and quality of the manuscript—not on the identity of the authors. Comments should be well-reasoned and clearly presented, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement—especially regarding methodology, data analysis, digital tools, and their practical application in agriculture. Personal criticism or inappropriate remarks are strictly discouraged and counterproductive to academic dialogue.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers are encouraged to point out relevant literature the authors may have missed, particularly key studies in agricultural digitalization, remote sensing, AI, IoT, big data, and precision farming. They should also report any indication of plagiarism, redundancy, or significant similarity with existing publications—whether published or in preprint form—especially where digital technologies or solutions are involved.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest—whether personal, professional, or financial—that could influence their evaluation. If such conflicts exist, reviewers should immediately inform the editors and withdraw from the review process. This transparency is essential to maintaining an unbiased and trustworthy review system.

Additionally, reviewers must not use any unpublished data, findings, or ideas obtained during the peer review process for their own benefit or research without explicit written consent from the authors. All privileged information obtained through peer review must be kept strictly confidential and never used for personal or competitive advantage, even if the reviewer declines the review invitation.

By upholding these responsibilities, the Journal of Agricultural Digitalization Research ensures a transparent, ethical, and high-quality peer review process that supports innovation and integrity in digital agriculture scholarship.