۱- Introduction

۲- Layouts

۳- Sampling techniques

۴- Communication technology

۵- Prediction models

۶- Decision support systems

۷- Conclusion and future work

References

Abstract

Integration of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) in the field of agriculture has provided a new direction for the production of crops. The same can be applied particularly to greenhouses. Greenhouses provide a protected environment for plants and crops. This paper reviews the role of WSN in monitoring of greenhouses. The paper presents an end-to-end survey; starting from the layout of crops in greenhouses, wireless technology used for communication of sensors, techniques to choose transmission interval or rate. Layouts and sampling techniques are also classified and compared. Other than these, the paper also studies various prediction models and decision supporting techniques adopted in greenhouses for efficient integration and management of WSN. These prediction models are also comprehensively analyzed in this work.

Introduction

Modern day scenario of agriculture has changed. Over the years, population has increased. According to UN’s world population prospect 2017 report, population is estimated to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 (United Nations, 2017). Along with population, demand for food is also multiplying. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), although there are 30,000 types of edible plants available, humans cultivate only 4% of it (FAO, 1999). The agricultural land has considerably reduced due to various factors like urbanization and industrialization. To cope up with these situations, modern-day technological solutions are required. Other than this, water scarcity, increase in fertilization and dynamic climate changes have also strained to integrate technology to achieve required production in agriculture with minimum wastage of resources. WSN is one prominent technology that has developed over past few years and has found its path in many applications like military, defense, healthcare, agriculture, etc. In agriculture, WSN is particularly used to achieve a state called Precision Agriculture (PA). PA works on the phenomenon of observing (using sensors) and responding (using actuators) and tries to achieve parametric values and conditions required for optimum health and yield of crop. PA also focuses on optimizing resources used for production. Fig. 1 shows the complete process of monitoring and control in a field. Sensors are placed at required stations in suitable and optimal deployment. Sensed information is sent to central repository through available wireless channel.