What are IoT sensors used in agriculture?
IoT sensors are used in agriculture to monitor and collect data on a range of agricultural parameters, including soil moisture, temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and air quality. This data can then be analyzed to optimize crop growth, reduce costs, protect resources, and improve overall agricultural efficiency.
Some of the specific uses of IoT sensors in agriculture include:
Soil moisture sensors:
These sensors measure the moisture content of soil and help farmers determine when to irrigate their crops.
Temperature sensors:
These sensors monitor soil temperature and provide information on whether the soil is too hot or too cold for optimal plant growth. We can also use them to monitor the temperature of greenhouses or other protected crop growing areas.
pH sensors:
These sensors measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil and help farmers adjust the pH level to support healthy plant growth.
Nutrient sensors:
These sensors measure the levels of essential nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and help farmers determine when to apply fertilizers to support crop growth.
Air quality sensors:
These sensors monitor factors such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, and humidity levels in greenhouses or other protected crop growing areas to ensure that the air quality is optimal for plant growth.
By using IoT sensors, farmers can collect data on a range of agricultural parameters efficiently and accurately, allowing them to make informed decisions about how to manage their crops and improve overall agricultural efficiency.
Apart from the above mentioned sensors, IoT uses the following sensors in agriculture:
Weather Sensors:
Used to monitor weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, barometric pressure, etc. This data is important for predicting weather changes and making agricultural management plans.
Light Sensors:
You can measure the intensity of light in agricultural fields. This measurement can help you determine whether plants are receiving sufficient light and when you need to make adjustments to shading facilities or supplemental lighting equipment.
Soil Firmness Sensor:
Measures the firmness or hardness of the soil, which is important for understanding soil structure, preventing soil compaction, and determining optimal tillage practices.
Water Level Sensors:
Used to monitor water levels in the soil, especially in irrigation systems, to ensure accurate water distribution and management.
Drone and helicopter sensors: People equip these flying devices with a variety of sensors such as high – resolution cameras, infrared sensors, multispectral imagers, etc. to monitor crop growth, soil health, and environmental conditions over large areas of farmland.
These sensors, by connecting with IoT systems, can collect data in real time to provide decision support to farmers and improve crop yield and quality.
