Development of Wireless Measurement and Control Technology for Modern Agriculture

Abstract

This article studies the development of a prototype LoRaWAN wireless device for measurement and control of the environment and crop requirement in modern agricultural technology. The device was aimed to measure light intensity, air humidity, and soil moisture. Electronic circuit was also designed for data receiving, transmitting, and processing at over 15 meters distance with a stable signal. The data was then analyzed to have functions suitable for producing plants. The experimental research was conducted in five areas--three open farms for durian, longan, and melon seeds, and two greenhouses for melon and tomato. The results showed that the wireless device could effectively increase production while reducing cost. Water consumption was reduced by 48.27 percent in durian production, 37.91 percent in melon seed production, and 26.36 percent in longan production. Labor costs for irrigation and fertilization were reduced by 75 percent in melon production and 66 percent in tomato production. It was found that farmers in the experiment were satisfied with the device at 88 percent. The wireless device used in the experiment was in line with the NBTC's announcement regarding the use of the 920-925 MHz frequency band.