Scalable, secure and smart: ECBT architecture reinvents horticultural data chains

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Blockchain details how emerging digital technologies can transform traceability systems in global horticultural supply chains. The study assesses the convergence of edge computing, cloud systems, blockchain, and terminal devices under an integrated framework known as ECBT.

Titled “Digital Traceability in Horticulture: A Systematic Review of Edge-Cloud-Blockchain-Terminal (ECBT) Integration with IoT and AI Technologies,” the studyrigorously reviews 40 high-quality articles published between 2022 and 2025 to offer a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of ECBT-driven traceability solutions in horticulture.

How is the ECBT framework being applied in horticultural supply chains?

The ECBT framework, short for Edge-Cloud-Blockchain-Terminal, proposes a multilayered architecture designed to facilitate seamless data capture, processing, verification, and communication across all stages of horticultural logistics. According to the study, this model builds on the Internet of Things (IoT) to create smart environments that can automate the recording of crop movements, storage conditions, pesticide usage, and compliance metrics.

Among the technologies evaluated, IoT was the most widely adopted, appearing in 45 percent of the studies reviewed. IoT sensors were primarily used for data collection, particularly temperature, humidity, and transport status. Blockchain technology featured in 32 percent of cases, offering immutable data storage, real-time visibility, and smart contract functionality for automated verification. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies were used in 23 percent of cases, focusing on predictive analytics, risk scoring, and anomaly detection.

Despite the known advantages of the ECBT framework, only three percent of the reviewed studies implemented full-stack integration across all four layers. In most instances, systems integrated no more than two technologies, with many relying on centralized cloud databases or standalone edge computing systems. This fragmented approach, the authors argue, undermines the true potential of digital traceability in horticulture, which requires end-to-end interoperability and distributed intelligence.

What benefits and risks are associated with ECBT integration?

The research identifies several clear advantages to the ECBT approach. Blockchain-enabled selective data anchoring, for instance, achieved up to 94.2 percent storage savings while preserving cryptographic guarantees. Edge computing components significantly reduced processing latency by 73 percent, making it more viable for real-time traceability.

The benefits also extended to supply chain resilience. Systems employing edge-cloud harmonization maintained higher continuity during connectivity outages, while blockchain nodes enabled trust between previously siloed actors, such as growers, logistics firms, and retailers. The framework supported decentralized compliance reporting and automated auditing, which are essential for global certification schemes.

However, the review also highlights substantial risks and barriers. Interoperability remains a major technical challenge. As much as 23 percent of metadata was lost during cross-chain transitions in multi-blockchain systems, breaking semantic continuity and undermining data utility. Scalability limitations were also prominent, with existing platforms struggling to handle more than 47 million daily data points without performance degradation.

Cost represents another critical hurdle. For smallholder farmers in lower-income countries, deploying ECBT-based infrastructure could consume up to 42 percent of their annual income, effectively excluding them from advanced traceability systems. This economic exclusion risks deepening existing inequalities in access to export markets and quality certifications.

What strategic actions are needed to unlock widespread adoption?

The authors argue that technological readiness alone is not sufficient to achieve widespread ECBT adoption. They call for the development of agricultural-specific consensus mechanisms that are optimized for low-power devices and intermittent connectivity. These would enable resource-constrained environments to participate in decentralized traceability systems without sacrificing efficiency or security.

Semantic interoperability is also emphasized as a research priority. Bridging AI, blockchain, and IoT data formats requires standardized metadata ontologies and cross-platform mapping protocols. Without these, data exchanged across systems risks becoming contextually meaningless, defeating the purpose of traceability.

To address economic exclusion, the researchers suggest the development of modular and scalable ECBT solutions. Instead of forcing full-stack implementation, systems should be designed to accommodate incremental adoption. This would allow smaller stakeholders to plug into national or regional traceability networks without incurring unsustainable costs.

Policy reforms including subsidies for hardware, training programs for digital literacy, and the integration of ECBT infrastructure into public-sector agricultural data platforms are recommended by the authors. In tandem, public-private partnerships could help fund pilot projects that demonstrate the commercial value of ECBT systems to both large agribusinesses and smallholder collectives.