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Agritech topic 05 of 14

SMART DEVICES AND INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

What Is the Internet of Things in Agriculture?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices that collect measurements and exchange data through a communication system.

In agriculture, IoT can connect sensors, irrigation controllers, pumps, weather stations, storage facilities and livestock-monitoring equipment.

A typical smart-farming system follows this process:

  • A sensor measures a field condition.
  • A controller collects the reading.
  • The device transmits data through a suitable network.
  • Software compares the reading with configured thresholds.
  • The farmer receives an alert or the system activates an approved control action.
  • The results are recorded for future analysis.

Common communication technologies

  • Wi-Fi: useful where reliable local connectivity is available.
  • Bluetooth: suitable for short-range communication.
  • Cellular networks: useful for remote monitoring where mobile coverage exists.
  • LoRaWAN: designed for low-power, long-range sensor communication.
  • Satellite communication: potentially useful in remote areas with limited terrestrial connectivity.

The appropriate option depends on coverage, power availability, operating cost, data requirements and the distance between devices.

Common agricultural IoT devices

Device

Function

Practical application

Soil-moisture sensor

Measures soil-water conditions

Irrigation scheduling

EC sensor

Measures electrical conductivity

Salinity and water-quality monitoring

Weather station

Records weather variables

Crop and irrigation planning

Flow meter

Measures water movement

Irrigation monitoring

Water-level sensor

Measures water level

Tanks and storage ponds

Pump controller

Controls pump operation

Automated water delivery

Greenhouse sensor

Monitors temperature and humidity

Protected cultivation

Livestock tracker

Records location or movement

Herd management

Storage sensor

Monitors temperature and humidity

Grain and produce storage

Example: A smart irrigation system in Pakistan

Consider a farmer growing vegetables near Hyderabad, Sindh.

The farmer installs soil-moisture sensors, a small controller, a water-flow meter and electrically operated irrigation valves.

The system can:

  • Record moisture readings from selected parts of the field.
  • Send readings to a mobile phone.
  • Provide an alert when irrigation may be needed.
  • Activate irrigation according to a configured schedule.
  • Stop irrigation after a target duration or water volume is reached.
  • Maintain records of water use.

The farmer must still inspect the crop, check sensor accuracy and ensure that water is reaching the intended root zone.

This is a practical example of how smart technology can complement traditional agricultural experience.