Chapter 4

Wireless Sensor Networks in Precision Agriculture

(book excerpts)

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a self-configured, infrastructure-less wireless network. WSN network comprises a group of wireless sensor nodes that communicate wirelessly and are distributed in an ad-hoc manner (randomly) to monitor various conditions, such as light, humidity, air/water temperature, air pressure, sprinkler water flow, soil acidity, and soil moisture parameters in the agricultural domain. In a WSN, each sensor node is a small but powerful device equipped with a microcontroller, radio frequency receiver and transceiver, power source, and memory for wireless communication. These nodes are designed to operate independently, configuring themselves into a network without needing a pre-existing infrastructure or transmission media, such as cables. Sensor nodes can collect data continuously or in response to specific events, like a soil moisture sensor that records changes in soil moisture. The data collected by individual sensor nodes is transmitted to a central node known as the base station in a WSN system. The base station acts as a point or place where data from across the network is compiled and sent through the Internet. Wireless sensor networks are naturally specialized and have a simpler infrastructure, allowing them to transfer data quickly and efficiently from the field to a remote user. Wireless sensor networks eliminate the need for manual data collection, reducing labor costs and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, WSNs provide a scalable and cost-effective solution, as they can be deployed over large agricultural areas, covering extensive farmlands. WSNs are essential for implementing precision agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices due to their scalability and strong system models that adapt to various farm sizes and changing conditions.

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