Smart Agriculture Sensors

Definition of Smart Agriculture Sensors

Smart agriculture refers to the use of Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other modern information technologies to realize intelligent monitoring and management of the whole process of agricultural production, in order to improve the efficiency of agricultural production, product quality and resource utilization efficiency.

Smart agriculture sensors are an indispensable part of modern agriculture, and they realize real-time monitoring and data collection of farmland environment, crop growth, meteorological conditions, etc. by integrating sensing technology, communication technology and information processing technology. These sensors not only improve the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural production, but also provide more decision-making support for farmers and help realize sustainable agricultural development.

There are many types of smart agriculture sensors, the following are some common smart agriculture sensors and their main role:

1. Soil temperature and moisture sensor

Main role: installed in the soil at the root of the crop, detecting the soil temperature, moisture content and changes in the crop growth and development process, to help farmers realize precise irrigation and avoid water waste.

Installation: According to the different root depth of the crop to determine the depth of the sensor buried in the soil, each greenhouse or greenhouse length usually installed 2-4 ranging.

2.Illumination Sensor

Main function: detecting the light intensity required for crop growth to achieve the best crop growth conditions, to determine whether the need for supplemental light or shade.

Characteristics: Used to monitor light intensity. Light is an important condition for plants to photosynthesize, and different crops have different needs for light. Light sensors can help farmers adjust crop planting layout and light conditions to improve crop yield and quality.

3.Wind Speed Sensor

Main role: Used to measure wind speed. Wind can affect the growth of crops and the operation of agricultural machinery. Wind speed sensors can help farmers assess and prevent wind damage.

Application Scenario: Commonly used in outdoor and greenhouse.

4.CO2 Sensor

Main function: real-time monitoring of indoor CO2 concentration size, through the adjustment of CO2 gas supplement to ensure that the indoor plant photosynthesis under the carbon dioxide concentration requirements.

Features: Silicon based non-scattering infrared sensor with a unique built-in reference, with advanced single-beam dual-wavelength measurement and excellent long-term stability.

5. Temperature Sensor: 

Used to monitor soil and air temperature. Temperature is an important environmental factor for crop growth, and too high or too low a temperature may affect crop growth. Temperature sensor can help farmers to precisely control the climate in the greenhouse, to ensure that the crop grows in the most suitable temperature environment.

6. Moisture Sensor: 

Used to measure soil moisture, air humidity and crop transpiration. Soil moisture is critical to crop growth, and too much or too little water can cause crop growth to be stunted. Moisture sensor can help farmers to rationalize irrigation and avoid water waste.

7. Other functional sensors

Also included are sensors that measure soil pH and nutrient monitoring, which can measure the acidity and alkalinity (pH) of the soil as well as the levels of key nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) to help farmers adjust soil fertility and fertilization programs.

There are also pest and disease monitoring sensors that reduce crop losses by monitoring the presence and development of pests and diseases, providing early warning and taking appropriate control measures.

8. Atmospheric environment monitoring sensors can detect factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and carbon dioxide concentration to help farmers make rational agricultural management decisions.

9. Crop growth monitoring sensors can track various stages of crop growth and provide information about growth rate, height, leaf area and fruit maturity to guide crop management and harvest timing.

10. Livestock and poultry production monitoring sensors:

Main role: used to monitor livestock and poultry water consumption, feed consumption, body temperature and other data, to help livestock and poultry farmers rationally manage the feeding environment, to improve livestock and poultry health and production efficiency.

In addition to the above sensors, there are many other types of sensors, such as pest and disease monitoring sensors, crop growth monitoring sensors, agricultural machinery operation status sensors, etc., which also play an important role in smart agriculture. Through the synergy of these sensors, smart agriculture can realize the precise management of farmland, improve agricultural production efficiency and product quality, and promote the sustainable development of agriculture.

Summarized, the main role of smart agriculture sensors include:

Real-time monitoring: sensors can monitor soil temperature and humidity, light level, wind speed, CO₂ concentration, nutrient content and other key parameters in real time, providing farmers with accurate information about the farmland environment.

Precision management: Based on the data collected by the sensors, farmers can accurately carry out operations such as irrigation, fertilization, light supplementation, and ventilation to optimize the growing environment of crops and improve yield and quality.

Pest control: By monitoring the existence and development of pests and diseases, the sensors can provide early warning and help farmers take timely control measures to reduce crop losses.

Decision support: Sensor data combined with cloud computing and IoT technology can provide farmers with a wealth of decision support information, such as crop growth conditions, market demand forecasts, etc., to help farmers make more reasonable production decisions.

Sustainable development: the application of smart agricultural sensors helps to realize the sustainable development of agricultural production, reduce the impact on the environment and improve the eco-efficiency of agricultural production through precise management and efficient use of resources.