Advancing Wireless Sensor Networks for Irrigation Management of Ornamental Crops: An Overview

• DOI: 10.21273/horttech.23.6.717
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14T17:57:01Z
• Authors: John D. Lea-Cox; William L. Bauerle; Marc W. van Iersel; George F. Kantor; Taryn L. Bauerle; Erik Lichtenberg; Dennis M. King; Lauren Crawford
• Keywords: Soil moisture sensor

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) transmit data and control signals over long distances without the need for expensive infrastructure, allowing WSNs to add value existing irrigation systems since they provide grower with direct feedback on water needs of crop. We implemented in nine commercial horticulture operations. an overview integration sensors hardware software form that can monitor applications based one two approaches: 1) “set-point control” substrate moisture measurements or 2) “model-based applied species-specific response transpiration estimates. summarize economic benefits, current future challenges, support issues we currently face scaling entire production sites. The series papers follow either directly describe refer reader descriptions findings have made date. Together, illustrate been successfully horticultural operations greatly reduce use, benefits growers.