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Agricultural Sensors: How are they used in smart farming?

Precision farming is a widely practised form of smart agriculture using IoT. This method of farming relies on data and analytics extracted from IoT sensors and devices that are placed on farm equipment and surveillance devices used in the process. There are different types of sensors used in agriculture and the most salient ones are air and soil sensors. 

Types of Sensors Used In Agriculture

The most prominently used modern tools and sensors used in agriculture sector in India are:

• Location Sensors
• Optical Sensors
• Electro-chemical sensors
• Mechanical Sensors
• Dielectric soil moisture sensors
• Airflow sensors

Data collated from these sensors are thoroughly scrutinized to find data-driven insights and patterns that help farmers maximise yield and regulate their expenditure on irrigation, seeding, use of fertilizers, water consumption, electricity consumption and more.

Location Sensors -- Location-based sensors help farmers get greater insights on the cultivable land by increasing angles of examination of specific sections of the plot and unlock greater value. 

Optical Sensors -- Optical sensors are used in agriculture to understand the properties of the soil and crop by the analysis of the amount of reflected light on the growing parts of the crop in real-time. 

Electro-Chemical Sensors -- Monitoring the pH level of the soil is essential for sustainable and eco-friendly farming while maximising revenue. Electrochemical sensors are used to monitor and analyse the soil quality and take measures to alter the pH level or continue practices to maintain the current level for the next phases in the lifecycle of a crop. Electrochemical sensors are used in both outdoor farms and greenhouse-based farming establishments. Electrochemical sensors are mainly used to monitor the levels of Phosphorous, potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Nitrogen, Copper, and Iron.

Mechanical sensors are used to determine the amount of force that roots are exerting to absorb water and this data is used to optimise the tilling methodologies and optimizing the inflow of water. 

Dielectric soil moisture sensors are used to monitor the moisture levels of the soil to help optimize methods of irrigation management. This helps the farmer better understand the nature of the soil, its capacity to hold moisture, understand the median and mean of the evaporation rate and also get a detailed insight on the root zone of the crop. 

Airflow sensors determines the optimum pressure required to pump air to aerate the soil and make it more fertile. It is also used to determine the properties of the soil, its compaction, moisture-holding capacity, and more.

Benefits of using Agriculture Sensors for farmers

Using agricultural sensors in precision farming helps farmers make a switch from the traditional models of farming and move towards a data-driven approach.

Compiled by: Arjun, Data Scientist.