This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of sensors in high-tech agriculture, focusing on soil sensors, atmospheric sensors, and crop sensors. It explores the diverse applications of sensors in high-tech agriculture, such as soil moisture monitoring, irrigation management, soil nutrient monitoring, climate-based plant ET modeling, crop health monitoring, weeds management, pest and disease management. Scientific principles underpinning sensor technology and their practical applications in agriculture are discussed, highlighting the ability of sensors to provide real-time data on different crop parameters. The chapter also examines the benefits of sensor implementation in agriculture. Real-world case studies are presented to showcase successful sensor applications in agriculture, and the future prospects of sensor technology in high-tech agriculture are explored. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the pivotal role of sensors in modern agriculture and their potential to revolutionize farming practices.
Top1. Introduction
In recent years, the field of agriculture has witnessed a rapid transformation driven by advancements in technology. One of the key components fueling this revolution is the integration of sensors into agricultural practices. Sensors are devices capable of detecting and measuring physical, chemical, or biological variables and converting them into electrical signals. These signals provide valuable data that can be used to monitor and optimize various aspects of crop production, livestock management, and environmental conditions. In this chapter the applications of sensors in high-tech agriculture is discussed. It explores the diverse range of sensors utilized in modern farming techniques and their impact on increasing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of sensors, farmers can make informed decisions based on real-time data, leading to better resource management, improved crop quality, and enhanced yields.
1.1. What Is Precision Agriculture?
According to the International society of precision agriculture (ISPA), Precision Agriculture is a management strategy that gathers, processes, and analyzes temporal, spatial and individual data and combines it with other information to support management decisions according to estimated variability for improved resource use efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production (ISPA, 2023). Therefore, it is cyclic approach as shown in Figure 1 and scientifically known as site-specific crop management, is an agricultural approach that combines technology, data analysis, and sensor applications to optimize farming practices on a spatially and temporally precise scale. It involves the integration of various sensors into high-tech agriculture systems to collect real-time data on environmental conditions, soil characteristics, and crop performance. This data is then analyzed to make informed decisions and implement targeted management strategies.
The applications of sensors in precision agriculture play a crucial role in gathering accurate and timely information about the variables that affect crop growth and yield (Zamykal, et al,. 2009) . By utilizing sensors in high-tech agriculture, farmers can monitor and control critical factors, leading to enhanced resource management, improved crop quality, and increased productivity. By continuously monitoring these parameters, farmers can precisely manage irrigation and fertilizer application, ensuring that crops receive the optimal amount of water and nutrients. This leads to improved water use efficiency, reduced nutrient runoff, and enhanced crop health and yield. In summary, precision agriculture leverages the applications of sensors in high-tech agriculture to collect real-time data on various parameters.
1.2. Importance of Sensors in Precision/ High-Tech Agriculture
In high-tech agriculture, sensors are used to collect data from the environment and crops. This data can be used to monitor and optimize various aspects of agricultural operations such as irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. Sensors can help farmers to make informed decisions about the use of resources such as water and fertilizer, resulting in higher yields and more efficient use of resources (Fuglie, 2016). Some of the benefits of using sensors in agriculture (Bogue, 2017) include:
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Improved Crop Yields: Sensors can monitor and optimize environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light, which can help to improve crop yields.
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Efficient Use of Resources: Sensors can help farmers to optimize the use of resources such as water and fertilizer, resulting in more efficient use of these resources.
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Reduced Environmental Impact: By optimizing the use of resources, farmers can reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
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Early Detection of Pests and Diseases: Sensors can detect changes in the environment that may indicate the presence of pests or diseases, allowing farmers to take action before the problem becomes severe.
Overall, the use of sensors in high-tech agriculture is becoming increasingly important as farmers look for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact.