A team from the Department of Information Technology at the University of Huelva (UHU) and the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) have developed a smart irrigation system which is able to simultaneously measure soil, air and water parameters for agricultural crops.
The main advantage of this system, which consists of a set of wireless devices, is that it can be configured to analyse the different variables depending on the crop, offering customised water management solutions.
GAIA2
The system, called GAIA2, consists of a network of nodes, each of which works like a small computer that can be configured to measure soil (temperature, moisture) and environmental (atmospheric pressure, room temperature relative humidity) parameters, as well as the quality of the irrigation water.
These nodes are connected to various sensors that monitor these variables. Depending on the characteristics and requirements of each crop, the system configuration and sensors will be different. "A single node can be used to measure different variables. There is no need for different devices, one for each parameter, as is the case with most current systems. In contrast to these, the GAIA2 is a multifunctional device that performs simultaneous monitoring of various variables in the same field," explains the researcher of the University of Huelva, Nieves Pavón, who has collaborated in the project.
Multi-functionality allows one node network to be used with different types of crops, including vegetables, fruits and vineyards. It is only necessary to change the type of sensor. For example, if you want to measure the water status of a tree, you will use a dendrometer.
Separation of up to 10 km
Another advantage is that the nodes, in addition to acting as sensors or data receivers, also serve as information bridge between different nodes. This feature, known as gateway, is used to monitor crops in plots separated by a distance of up to ten kilometres.
"The basic goal of the gateway is to ensure communication between the various sensor nodes and the office where the base station receives and interprets the data. In large areas, there may be interference that interrupt or hinder such communication, as with the telephones. By acting as a bridge, the gateway ensures that data arrive correctly," explains the expert.
This dual function, receiving and communication, is another advantage of the device. "In irrigation systems currently available on the market this duality is not an option. What is most usual is to use two different nodes, one for each function," continues the researcher.
From a physical standpoint, the nodes also stand out for their sturdiness. According to the expert, "GAIA2 sensors are designed to be placed at ground level or buried, without fear of breakage when agricultural machinery is used. Furthermore, due to their small size, about 20 centimetres high, there will be no need to remove them during fumigation."
Control with your mobile phone
Furthermore, as stated in a study published in the journal Agricultural Water Management, each node is equipped with an internal lithium battery, an antenna for transmitting data, a waterproof case and a solar panel which ensure an autonomy of at least ten weeks, which is the usual duration of an agronomic cycle. Additionally, you can add a battery charger and a long range antenna.
This way, growers can have access to data and know at all times what the crop needs; researchers have designed applications for both web and smart mobile devices.
"We have created a user interface to allow both the growers and agronomists to have access to the information on the go. It also includes a GPS locator to find out, for example, where the sensors that are not visible are located, such as those that are placed underground," explains the researcher.
The grower also has the option to rent the retail version. "Since what is interesting is to have a variety of sensors and their cost is quite high, we offer the possibility of paying a monthly fee, which can make the experience more profitable. You rent a comprehensive service: node installation, technical assistance, data interpretation and final report, in which the technical recommendations on irrigation are presented," concludes Nieves Pavón.
Source: hortoinfo.es