Choosing the Right Agricultural Sensors for Smart Farming

Since ancient times, agriculture has played a pivotal role in economic development, serving as the foundational industry supporting progress and prosperity. Today, let's explore the essential knowledge of correctly selecting agricultural sensors in the construction of smart agriculture.

How to Correctly Choose Suitable Agricultural Sensors:

1. Opt for Low-Power Sensors: Given that agricultural sensors are often deployed in field environments where power supply may be inconvenient, selecting low-power or solar-powered sensors is preferable. It is recommended to choose sensors with analog signal output ranging from 0-2.5V. Pay special attention to the power consumption during the sensor module's dormant state, ensuring it is as low as possible to conserve energy.

2. Ensure IP65 Protection Level: Agricultural IoT sensor protection levels typically require a minimum of IP65 (Ingress Protection rating where the first digit indicates dust resistance, and the second digit indicates water resistance). IP65 is the minimum requirement for outdoor device usage; sensors with protection levels below this are unsuitable for agricultural production. When purchasing sensors or other agricultural equipment, avoid devices with detection holes. Outdoor areas are prone to insect infestations, and holes may allow insects to obstruct sensor equipment, affecting normal functionality. Additionally, detection holes can permit air to enter the device, potentially impacting its operational lifespan. Therefore, high protection levels for outdoor devices are crucial, with IP65 being the minimum requirement for normal usage during rainy weather, and it is recommended to choose sensors with IP66 or higher.

3. Simplicity in Installation: Due to the locations of agricultural production and the limited knowledge of most agricultural workers regarding sensor usage and principles, the wiring and installation of sensors should not be overly complex. In case of malfunctions, farmers should be able to perform simple troubleshooting and maintenance, reducing overall maintenance costs.

4. Corrosion-Resistant Material: The harsh and complex environments of agricultural production may catalyze material degradation, impacting the lifespan of plastic components. For long-term usage in fields or fish ponds, it is advisable to choose sensors made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel. In cases of seawater aquaculture, opt for sensors specifically designed to resist corrosion from saltwater.

5. Short Calibration Cycles: Considering limited budgets and resources in agricultural production, sensors with short calibration cycles or those that do not require calibration are preferable. While precision is not a critical factor, stability and repeatability are essential for reliable sensor performance.

6. Cold Resistance: Given that agricultural production often takes place outdoors, exposure to adverse weather conditions is inevitable. Therefore, sensors should be able to operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, components such as LEDs or LCDs are unnecessary as they cannot function in temperatures below freezing.

Conclusion: In addition to the considerations mentioned above, stability is of utmost importance when choosing agricultural sensors. It is advisable to select sensors with low drift and, if possible, those that do not require calibration. The unique challenges presented by agricultural projects conducted in the field make calibration operations inconvenient and costly. Hence, there is a high demand for sensor data stability, emphasizing the selection of sensors with low drift and minimal calibration requirements.