The “Internet of Things” – “IoT” for short – is on the rise and has a wide range of applications, including in agriculture and related areas. From weather-driven sensors in the field that can control irrigation and level measuring devices in silos to logistics applications involving dangerous goods or spare parts – sensors can be useful and highly convenient.
IoT sensors in the field
As agriculture and horticulture use huge volumes of water, good water management is essential. IoT-based sensors are used for the automatic or manual optimisation of irrigation and for the monitoring of water infiltration into the soil at various levels, dynamic plant interactions and soil conditions. Inadequate irrigation is a well-known problem and one of the most threatening results of drought is hydrophobic soil, soil that is so dry that it can no longer absorb and hold water. A lesser-known problem, but one that is equally related to water use, is over-irrigation. In addition to wasting resources, over-irrigation also leads to nutrient and pesticide losses that leach the soil and can eventually result in chemical pollution that threatens the water supply. A wide variety of probes can be used to counteract these problems. Measuring soil moisture at the right depth can be easily achieved by small soil sensors, which then transmit data via, for example, LoRaWAN or NBIoT. If no network is available, LoRaWAN requires a gateway, but sensors connected by NBIoT send data via the mobile network and require no additional hardware. The measured data is then uploaded and can be easily accessed via a computer or mobile app and used to automate irrigation. As a result, not only the right time for irrigation, but also the real water requirement of the plants can be calculated and the duration of irrigation automatically readjusted in line with the growth phase and seasonal temperature variations.
IoT sensors in the silo
Artificial intelligence and so-called machine learning have already shown themselves to be groundbreaking in many industries. Such methods are also being used in the grain industry and are changing the way grain managers interact with silos. They receive information about the condition of the grain, on the basis of which they can make decisions. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of existing grain management tools. Simpler applications, such as basic level measurement, can also be very helpful and are relatively inexpensive to implement. Level measuring devices, which are mostly based on radar technology, can be mounted in silos or flat stores and send data to the cloud via a mobile network. An example of the use of such sensors by private consumers is the measurement of heating pellets. The latest fill level is always in view and, when necessary, an order can be placed via app.
Tracking goods
The IoT-based tracking of goods such as spare parts (asset tracking), involves three key elements: a tracker, connectivity (mobile, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, etc.) and the software that remotely manages the process. In order to be able to track goods effectively, IoT devices must meet several criteria, such as being technologically sophisticated enough to capture useful analytics and small enough to be safely attached to physical goods. The shape of the device also depends on the use case for which it is needed. IoT devices must also work over long distances (sometimes worldwide) and should, of course, be cost-effective. Power consumption is also a key consideration. These devices can also record other data in addition to the geographical position of the goods, such as the temperature variations to which they have been exposed, whether light has reached them or whether a container has been opened. Many other measurement parameters can be implemented and adapted to the specific situation. Depending on the required accuracy and the application, there are also several technological approaches to determining the geographical position, including GNSS (reception of signals from navigation satellites), Bluetooth, RFID tags, mobile communications or WiFi.
IoT in logistics
IoT plays an important role in many industries. But no industry benefits more than logistics. After all, supply chain management and total intelligent networking are made for each other. The use of IoT in logistics ensures transparent processes amongst suppliers, transport service providers, intermediaries and recipients. The many advantages of this include the efficient production of goods, faster order preparation, transparent transport and error-free shipping. Sensors can both help to ensure that the climatic conditions specified by manufacturers for the storage of goods are met and provide the related proof that is now regularly required by customers. In future, so-called “augmented reality” within consignment and warehouse operations and driverless transport control systems will be part of the standard logistics environment.
As a result of digitalisation and the increasing sophistication of technological capabilities, a wide range of complex systems is emerging in the agricultural sector. The challenge is to use these in a beneficial way. The potential applications described in detail above are intended as examples of how such technical tools can support farmers.
Photo (c) BayWa Pellet Tracker