[Technical Insight] Wireless Sensor Applications in Agriculture – Types & Benefits
As agriculture undergoes digital transformation, wireless sensors are becoming vital tools in monitoring and controlling environmental variables in the field. Integrating these sensors with SCADA, PLC, or IoT platforms enables continuous data acquisition and supports precise decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and disease prevention.
Common Sensor Types and Their Applications
- Soil Moisture Sensor: Measures VWC at specific depths, enabling automated irrigation control
- Air Temperature & Humidity Sensor: Monitors microclimate conditions in greenhouses or open fields
- Ambient Light Sensor: Measures light intensity, supports lighting adjustments in indoor farming
- Gas Sensor: Detects NH₃, H₂S, CH₄ gases in livestock areas or greenhouses
- Level Sensor: Monitors water levels in tanks, ponds, or irrigation reservoirs
System Integration & Communication Protocols
Modern sensors are engineered to withstand harsh agricultural environments and support industrial wireless communication protocols such as:
- LoRaWAN – ideal for large areas with low power consumption
- Sigfox – simple architecture, low transmission cost
- NB-IoT / LTE-M – reliable coverage in remote areas
Sensor data can be transmitted to:
- Gateways supporting MQTT / HTTP / ModbusRTU
- Central SCADA systems, cloud platforms, or on-site HMIs
- Existing automation systems using standard industrial protocols
Hypothetical Implementation Scenario
Assume a cantaloupe farm needs to monitor soil moisture for precision irrigation. A WSLRW-SMT sensor is installed at 30cm depth, periodically transmitting data via LoRaWAN to a SCADA center. The system automatically activates the pump when moisture drops below the preset threshold, optimizing water use and ensuring consistent soil conditions.
Read the full article:
Types of Agriculture Sensors and Their Benefits – Daviteq Blog