Moisture Sensor
Flow Meter
Temperature Sensor
Agriculture – the art and science of cultivating soil and growing crops; is an activity which is probably half as old as the human civilization itself – is facing a lot of challenges in the modern age, what with climate issues, industrialization, urbanization and globalization.
IoT sensors are a-maize-ing, they can detect moisture in the soil.
The advent of technology in agriculture in trying to solve some of these problems has paved way to what we now refer to as “Smart Farming”
IoT sensors are increasingly being used in Smart Farming practices to monitor various aspects of crop growth and farm management. These sensors can provide real-time data on soil moisture levels, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors that affect plant growth.
Let us see some of the IoT sensors used in agriculture;
These sensors as the name suggests measures the moisture content in the soil. Moisture level is a measure of the amount of water in the soil.
Different crops need different levels of water to grow and survive. By measuring the moisture level one can determine the amount and frequency of the irrigation to be done to ensure the crop gets sufficient water.
Moisture sensors use CAPCITIVE effect to determine the water content in the soil.
These sensor typically have an electrode/antennae that is inserted in to the soil. As the water level around the sensor changes, the dielectric constant changes and in effect the measured capacitance also changes.
The challenge of course is to make this work on the many different types of soil and accurately measure the moisture level to ensure efficient irrigation.
Flowmeters measure the volume of water flowing through a pipe or valve.
It is necessary to know the amount of water being supplied to a crop. Because over irrigation can damage a crop as much as under irrigation if not more.
It also becomes essential from a water conservation perspective.
There are many different types of Flow meters. Mechanical flow meters are the most common ones. The flow of water through causes a mechanical movement, imagine a turbine or gear, which is then converted to an electrical signal for measurement.
They are used in tandem with solenoid valves, which are electrical controlled open/close taps, to control the amount of water supplied a crop.
Farmers can track water use and improve irrigation techniques by using flowmeters to gather real-time data on water flow and send it to a central control system.
These sensors measure the Temperature of the environment and humidity in the air.
Light and air play an inherent part in the overall wellbeing of the plant besides also dictating the amount of water and shade a plant needs. So measuring these parameters enables us to add another layer of efficiency to crop management.
Similar to moisture sensors, these sensors again use CAPCITIVE or RESISTIVE effect to determine the value of the parameter being measured. With the difference of course is that the element around the sensor is AIR instead of SOIL.
Furthermore, IoT sensors have the potential to foster the creation of automated systems, mitigating the time and labor typically required for farm maintenance. This advancement holds special significance for farmers, as it promises heightened productivity and reduced expenses. Consequently, IoT sensors are driving a paradigm shift in agricultural management, empowering farmers to embrace more effective and eco-friendly methods of tending to their land and crops.
The integration of IoT sensors makes a pivotal turning point, offering farmers a powerful ally in their quest for bountiful harvests. As the latest technologies emerge, modern farming techniques are overshadowing traditional methods. In the dawn of smart farming, we find ourselves propelled by a wave of innovation and possibility.
It has become abundantly clear that technology and farming together will promise a brighter future and make it more sustainable. With sensors as companions, we sure can embark on a new era of farming, one that ensures efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship.