Design of a New IoT Soil Temperature and Moisture Sensor Using LoRa Communication for Smart Agriculture Applications

Abstract

As the world's population expands and climate change intensifies water shortages, the demand for efficient water management in agriculture is at an all-time high. Although large farms frequently utilize advanced sensor technology for precise soil moisture and temperature monitoring, small to medium-sized farms often lack such resources due to financial limitations. This article explores how Internet of Things (IoT) technology can offer a cost-effective solution for these smaller farms. Specifically, we detail the design and deployment of an affordable IoT system that uses Long Range (LoRa) communication for real-time soil condition monitoring at multiple depths. Through the use of economical electronic components, this system makes precision agriculture accessible to a broader range of farms. Coupled with a user-friendly dashboard, farmers can now make informed, real-time irrigation choices. Following an exhaustive testing and calibration process, the system's effectiveness was confirmed in a pilot farm where it accurately recorded soil conditions at various depths. Our research underscores the equalizing potential of IoT technology in making precision agriculture both affordable and widely accessible, thus facilitating more responsible water usage in agriculture.