Optimizing Crops by Leveraging IoT Sensors
In today’s digital world, the Internet of things (IoT) is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, with connected devices penetrating virtually every facet of our lives. As the adoption of IoT continues to rise across the logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and industrial sectors, it’s no surprise that technological innovation and connectivity are having a profound impact on agriculture.
Virtual reality and self-driving cars are no longer figments of the imagination or concepts plucked from a sci-fi movie; they’re a reality. So, it’s only logical that the farming sector, which has adopted many technology innovations over the last hundred years, is continuing to evolve and become more technology-driven and connected.
By leveraging IoT and smart agriculture, companies and farmers can improve overall efficiency and utilize data to increase production output. As ScienceDirect research reveals, “Smart agriculture addresses many issues related to crop production as it allows monitoring of the changes of climate factors, soil characteristics, soil moisture, etc. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is able to link various remote sensors such as robots, ground sensors, and drones, as this technology allows devices to be linked together using the internet to be operated automatically.”
With the global agriculture IoT market now projected to reach $18.7 Billion by 2026, it’s safe to say smart farming technologies will become increasingly prevalent in the coming years. Here’s a look at how IoT sensors can help address rising consumer demand for agriculture products, optimize crops and contribute to a brighter future for the agricultural industry.
IoT-Based Remote Sensors
Smart sensors can be strategically positioned around crops and farming systems to collect data surrounding everything from climate-related factors to soil temperature. These remote sensors can be utilized in three major ways.
1. To Monitor Crop Conditions
IoT sensors can help farmers address hurdles related to crop production, as they’re fitted with the technology needed to monitor and evaluate changes in the size, humidity, temperature, light or shape of crops. Not only can analytics be accessed in real-time from any device, but data-driven insights can be utilized to elevate production output and preserve precious resources.
Each year, an estimated 20%–40% of crops are lost to pests and disease as a result of ineffective monitoring. Smart sensors can optimize crop growth, reduce the mishandling of fertilizers and pesticides, and ensure conditions are conducive to crop fertility.
2. To Provide Weather-Related Insights
Crop production relies heavily on climate conditions. IoT sensors supply end-users with a robust collection of data, encompassing areas like dew detection, temperature, moisture precipitation, humidity, and more. This information can provide predictive analytics surrounding future weather patterns and ensure crops are cultivated at the appropriate time.
3. To Analyze Soil Quality
Having access to soil quality data plays a fundamental role in determining dehydrated crops, nutrient value, acidity and soil drainage capacity. These data points are pertinent to operational workflow, helping workers determine the appropriate type of cultivation and regulate water levels for irrigation purposes. Not only does this intel help drive efficiency and streamline productivity, it also ensures crops are cared for at an optimal level.
Precision Farming with IoT Sensors
From enabling farmers to access crop production data in real-time to the ability to monitor fields remotely, smart sensors allow workers to make quicker, more intelligent decisions. IoT applications in agriculture are vast – encompassing inventory and livestock monitoring, field observation, weather condition tracking and more – all with the end result of producing higher yields.
The implementation of IoT solutions and smart agriculture is being adopted at an unprecedented rate. Farmers reap the benefits of increasing crop output while spending less time physically in the fields. To learn more about how your company can leverage IoT sensors to increase efficiency and production, contact our team of experts today.
