Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks for Soil Macronutrients Measurements in Farms

Abstract

Farmers need accurate information about soil nutrient content if they are to apply the correct amount of fertilizer. Farmers who do not practice regular soil tests are facing numerous difficulties such a lack of accurate statistical information for soil and crop management, increased costs for fertilizers, and environmental degradation. However, traditional laboratory testing is costly and laborious, taking up to three weeks to complete. This study presents a technology which integrated various elements into a portable in-field device that measures soil macronutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and soil pH. Then it transmits the measured data wirelessly to remote base station for analysis, presentation and storage in real-time. Farmers can access the information from the base station server through their mobile phones. Firstly, the grower can use the test data to provide important indicators into the levels of nutrients in the soil which can be interpreted to stem over-use or under-use and efficiently manage their fertilizer application. Secondly, the system can decrease response time for the grower to implement alterations in the soil nutrient composition. And lastly, it can increase the awareness of precision agriculture, its benefits and usage amongst the average farmer. The results from this test provide important indicators into the levels of nutrients in the soil which can be interpreted to stem overuse or under-use. The grower can use the data compiled to efficiently manage their fertilizer application.