News

Agricultural Monitoring Systems.

Written by Luke Hulley | Apr 28, 2020 3:41:20 PM

Conventional agriculture systems are being replaced and reinforced by modern technologies. One such technology is the Agriculture Monitoring System.  It makes use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor network. This system is prepared to increase agricultural productivity and reduce unforeseen and avoidable losses.

Agriculture losses include - wrong estimates, miscalculations, equipment maintenance, ineffective pest control, overhead expenses, etc. But with the help of AMS, farmers can greatly benefit as it provides maximum productivity, improved quality, predictability and control, higher sales price, reduced use of pesticides, etc.

Structure of an Agricultural Monitoring System.

Agriculture monitoring system includes a network of wireless sensors. These sensors collect data from several nodes placed on the field. This data is then analysed by experts or local farmers. Various conclusions can be drawn from the data, such as weather patterns, the fertility of the soil, crop quality, etc. AMS can also be supplemented by automation for further benefits. 

Components of an Agricultural Monitoring System.

Apart from the sensors, the below components are used in an Agricultural Monitoring System:

  • GSM Modem
  • Wifi Modem
  • Sensors
  • Arduino
  • Exhaust Fan
  • Water Pump
  • Crystal Oscillator Resistors Capacitors
  • Transistors Cables
  • Connectors Diodes
  • PCB and Breadboards
  • LED Transformer/Adapter
  • Push Buttons
  • Switch IC
  • IC Socket

Types of sensors used in an AMS.

Farmers have long been opting for manual methods of checking key parameters. These methods can be time-consuming and error-prone.  But today, due to mechanical and electrical modernisation, wireless sensors are being used extensively around the world. They have proven reliable, accurate and portable data collectors. They form an integral and fundamental part of an agriculture monitoring system. These sensors collect data from different nodes which have been deployed at different locations on the farm/field. Each sensor has been built for a specific purpose. Examples include:

  • Temperature sensor
  • Humidity sensor
  • Air Quality
  • Gas sensor
  • Light sensor
  • Soil moisture sensor
  • Barometric pressure sensor
  • Water-level sensor, etc.

Advantages of an AMS.

ASMs have been consistently proposed to take care of the following tasks:

  • In-depth analysis of the existing agriculture monitoring methodologies
  • Identifying sustainable methods and tools
  • Reviewing and validating the existing information
  • Improving data collection, analysis and dissemination systems
  • Effective and integral use of remote-sensed data
  • Increasing productive area and yield
  • Weather forecasting and crop monitoring based on geospatial information
  • Generating cropland information (including crop dynamics at national/provincial levels)

Importance of an AMS.

Agriculture is one of the core sectors of the global economy and hence has tremendous potential for IoT adoption. As of today, various smart farming systems enable farmers to meet their daily challenges. This includes planting, watering, crop gathering, pest control, etc. But with the installation of agriculture field monitoring systems, farmers would be able to do even more. The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) predicts that the AMSs will help the farmers to boost their production rates by 70% by the end of 2050.

Bulgin’s Solution for AMS.

Bulgin delivered a solution for Agricultural Monitoring. The challenge was to mould an EEPROM device into a connector for an Agricultural Monitoring System. Bulgin did extensive feasibility studies to ascertain that there won’t be any damages to the electronic equipment when the EEPROM would be moulded to the connector. The risks involved were assessed and analysed. Based on the analysis, prototypes were built and sent for testing.

Bulgin’s Buccaneer Circular Power Connector Range was used to deliver reliable connectivity as per the client’s requirement. The solution involves connecting each sensor in the field to a separate connector on the harness. This has eliminated the chance of incorrect connections, and ultimately incorrect data being collected. Bulgin also designed a test box that could be plugged into a computer. Through the computer, the status of each sensor can be checked. Also, the connection of the EEPROM can be monitored.

The entire system proved to be very beneficial to the client in terms of effective monitoring and data collection. It was also built in a cost-effective manner and provided the best value to the client.

 

To view the full catalogue of connectors and all other products please visit the Bulgin Website.