5 main features of entry level IoT devices for precision agriculture and field monitoring

How to start field monitoring

When it comes to the adoption of new technologies and utilizing advanced monitoring solutions, farming has come a long way in the last years. Real-time, actionable data and decision support based on the actual measurements from the field mean that field operations are easily optimized, reducing unnecessary expenses, lowering the impact on the environment and producing higher quality yield.

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Where to begin if you are ready to invest in precision farming equipment and solutions for field monitoring? We strongly believe entering into precision farming doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Last week we explored the entry point to precision ag through a virtual weather station, iMETOS VWS. This week we are getting our hands dirty with entry-level IoTs – our family of compact, cost-effective and quick-to-install solutions which can be deployed anywhere where the need for IoTs arises.

 

MAIN FEATURES OF ENTRY LEVEL IoTs

1. Simple sensor set

‘More’ does not necessarily mean ‘better’ when it comes to the number of sensors attached to the IoT device. Start with the essential set and build it up according to your needs.

2. Low-power consumption

IoT devices with limited sensor sets consume a minimum amount of power. Some of our entry-level IoTs use solar power to operate and some can autonomously run on a battery even up to two years.

3. Low-maintenance and durability

The main idea of remote field monitoring is to reduce the number of visits to the field as much as possible, by making the device as durable and as low maintenance as possible. In our case, this means that the stations are built from materials which can withstand the most challenging environmental conditions – even being buried in the ground, and do not need regular checks to remain operational.

4. Intuitive user interface

The final user mainly interacts with the data, not the device itself, so it is of great importance to keep the user interface as intuitive and user-friendly. All data from METOS devices are accessible in real-time through FieldClimate online platform and mobile app, which keeps it in the hands reach of the farmer at all times.

5. Actionable data and services for the optimization of farm operations

It’s not just about the hardware and raw data, but also how they can be used to improve day-to-day work. Weather forecasting models can be corrected based on real environmental data, disease models can be calculated with the input of the measured parameters and farm operations like workforce allocation, spray and irrigation planning.

Time has never been more perfect to start thinking and investing in precision agriculture. With the season of restricted travel and lock-down-related consequences behind us, we are looking into a new one, full of uncertainties.

We are confident our devices can make the burden the farmers bear a bit lighter.
In case you would like to have more information, please contact our marketing team or visit our website for more.