Chapter 2

Internet of Things in Precision Agriculture

(book excerpts)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects connected to the internet that can communicate with each other and the cloud. These objects, also known as “smart objects,” are equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies to collect data and respond to users. These devices measure many variables, such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, light levels, and even the presence of specific nutrients. IoT enables connections between machines and humans on a broader scale, primarily facilitating real-time information sharing across independent networks. More specifically, the IoT is an intelligent global network allowing (1) interaction of devices capable of sensing, performing computation, and communicating with the internet; (2) processing and information exchange between devices, data centers, and users; and (3) creating several intelligent systems. The introduction of IoT in the agriculture sector has given rise to a new concept called “Precision Agriculture.” In agriculture, IoT technology has the potential not only to increase agricultural output but can also effectively improve the quality of agricultural products, reduce labor costs, increase farmers’ income, and truly realize agricultural modernization and intelligence.

Click on the following topics for more information on Internet of Things in precision agriculture.

Topics Within This Chapter: