Abstract
In view of the actual climate change scenario felt across the globe, resource management is crucial, especially regarding water. In this sense, continuous monitoring of plant water status is essential to optimize not only crop management but also water resources. Currently, monitoring of vine water status is done through expensive and time-consuming methods that do not allow continuous monitoring, which is especially inconvenient in places with difficult access. The aim of the developed work was to install three groups of sensors (Environmental, Plant and Soil) in a vineyard, orchard and connect them through LoRa WAN protocol for data transmission. The results demonstrate that the implemented system is capable of continuous data communication without data loss. The reduced cost and superior range of LoRa WAN compared to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is especially important for applications in remote areas where cellular networks have little coverage. Altogether, this methodology provides a remote, continuous and more effective method to monitor plant water status and is capable of supporting producers in more efficient management of their farms and water resources.
Keywords:
Smart irrigation; Watermatic Systems; Irrigation tech; BC Agriculture; LoRa WAN
Introduction
Irrigation has always been a cornerstone of agriculture, but in the face of water scarcity, climate volatility, and rising costs, traditional methods are no longer sufficient, especially for water-intensive crops like grapes and fruit trees. Enter smart irrigation: a revolutionary approach grounded in data, automation, and wireless technology.
In this article, we explore how wireless smart irrigation, powered by soil moisture sensors, weather stations, solenoid valves, and smart controllers, is transforming the landscape of vineyards and orchards. Backed by university research and real-world results, we’ll examine why this system isn’t just a trend, but the future of efficient, sustainable farming.
1. Understanding Wireless Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation uses real-time environmental data to precisely control the timing, location, and volume of water delivered to crops. Wireless systems allow for remote monitoring and control, eliminating the need for trenching cables and allowing for more adaptable designs across large or challenging terrains.
Core Components:
• Wireless Soil Moisture Sensors: Measure volumetric water content in the root zone.
• Wireless Weather Stations: Track evapotranspiration (ET), temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity.
• Wireless Controllers: Integrate data and automate valve control.
• Wireless Solenoid Valves: Deliver water only when and where needed.
According to a 2021 study by the University of California, Davis, vineyards equipped with smart irrigation systems reduced water use by 25–40% while maintaining or improving yield.
2. University Research Supporting Smart Irrigation
• UC Davis (California): Demonstrated that smart systems improved berry size and Brix levels in wine grapes.
• Cornell University (New York): Found that wireless moisture sensors in apple orchards improved irrigation timing, reducing disease risks.
• Texas A&M AgriLife (Texas): Reported significant water savings and improved fruit set in citrus orchards using wireless weather-based irrigation.
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(Smart Irrigation by WaterMatic Systems)
Table: Summary of Research Findings
| Institution | Crop Type | Water Savings | Yield Increase | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC Davis | Grapes | 25-40% | 10-15% | Higher sugar content |
| Cornell University | Apples | 30% | 8-10% | Reduced fungal infections |
| Texas ACM | Citrus | 35% | 12% | Less runoff and soil erosion |
3. Real-Time Data for Growth Stage Precision
Each growth phase has unique water requirements:
• Bud Break to Flowering: Requires light, frequent irrigation.
• Fruit Set to Veraison: Increased water needs to support cell expansion.
• Ripening to Harvest: Lower water uses to concentrate flavors and sugars.
((Veraison is a key stage in the growth of fruits—particularly grapes—when the fruit begins to change color and starts ripening.
• In grapevines, it marks the shift from berry growth to berry ripening.
• The berries soften, sugar levels rise, and acid decreases.
• For red grapes, this is when the color shifts from green to red/purple; for white grapes, they turn more translucent.
Why It Matters in Irrigation: During veraison, cell expansion is still occurring, and the plant requires increased water to support this process. But careful management is essential, because too much water can dilute sugars and flavor compounds.))
Smart systems adjust schedules daily based on current conditions and crop stage. For example, in Okanagan vineyards, wireless systems helped reduce water application by 20% during pre-harvest, leading to better tannin concentration and fruit quality.
Bar graph showing different water requirements across 4 growth stages
1. Installation and Connectivity: Why Wireless Wins
In rugged
vineyard and orchard terrain, wireless networks (especially LoRaWAN) offer flexible, cost- effective solutions:
No trenching
for cables
Scalable
over large areas
Compatible with solar-powered devices
Unlike traditional setups, wireless components communicate via radio frequency. This allows farmers to monitor multiple fields from one dashboard, often via mobile phone.
(Sensors and valves connected via LoRa to a central controller, which enables real-time communication and automation. LoRa provides long-range, low-power wireless connectivity, allowing the controller to activate solenoid valves based on sensor data even in remote fields. This integration ensures that water is delivered precisely when and where it’s needed, without requiring Wi-Fi or manual input.)
Environmental and Economic Impacts
1. Environmental:
·
Water use reduction
of 30–50%
·
Lower fertilizer
runoff due to precise fertigation
·
Decreased soil erosion from overwatering
Economic:
·
ROI within 2–4 seasons
·
15–25% increase
in marketable yield
·
Lower labor
costs due to automation
Bar graph
comparing the environmental benefits of Smart
Irrigation versus Traditional Methods. It illustrates the percentage reduction in: Water use (40%) – Fertilizer runoff (30%) – Soil erosion (25%)
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(Smart Irrigation with IoT)
Table: Traditional vs. Smart Irrigation Impact
| Traditional | Smart Irrigation | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Water Use | 10000 m³/ha | 6000 m³/ha |
| Labor Costs | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| Avg. Yield (per ha) | 8.2 tons | 9.5 tons |
6.Case Studies
BC Vineyard (Kelowna): Integrated
a smart system with 60 wireless sensors and reduced
irrigation frequency by 30%. Wine acidity and flavor complexity improved.
Niagara Orchard (Ontario): Used smart scheduling
to save 40% on water bills. Sensor data helped them detect and fix an underground leak.
California Organic Farm: Combined
smart irrigation with drone imagery. Yield improved by 18%
with fewer inputs.
7.The Role of IOT and Automation
Smart systems are part of the Internet of Things (IoT) a network of devices that communicate and respond in real time. With cloud integration:
• Farmers can make remote changes to irrigation schedules
• Historical data is logged for seasonal analysis
• Alerts are triggered for anomalies (e.g., sudden drop in pressure)
(Example showing live data from wireless soil moisture sensors, including multiple depths, real-time temperature, and forecast overlays)
Soil moisture sensors are pivotal in smart irrigation. These sensors measure the water content in the soil’s root zone and provide data that helps farmers avoid under- or overwatering. Many modern sensors now feature multiple probes to measure moisture at different soil depths (e.g., 20 cm, 40 cm, and 60 cm), ensuring irrigation decisions are tailored to the needs of each crop stage. By collecting data at various depths, farmers can detect water penetration efficiency and root uptake behavior, allowing for more nuanced scheduling and efficient water usage.
8. Overcoming Barriers
• Connectivity: Use LoRa or cellular gateways in areas with poor WiFi.
• Cost: Consider grants such as USDA EQIP (U.S.) or BMP (Canada).
• Training: Partner with extension services and local agri-tech consultants.
9. Expanding Connectivity with LoRa and Cellular Gateways
One of the biggest challenges in remote agricultural environments—such as large vineyards or orchards located in rural valleys—is the lack of reliable Wi-Fi or broadband coverage. To overcome this, modern smart irrigation systems can leverage LoRa (Long Range) networks or cellular gateways to ensure uninterrupted data transmission from field sensors to cloud-based control systems.
LoRa technology is ideal for farms due to its:
• Low power consumption, allowing battery-operated devices to run for years.
• Long range communication, often exceeding 10 km in open areas.
• Cost-effectiveness, since it avoids expensive cabling or satellite solutions.
For even more remote locations, cellular gateways (3G/4G/5G) act as bridges between field devices and cloud platforms, using mobile networks to deliver real-time sensor data without relying on local internet infrastructure.
“Research by the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources division shows that LoRa-enabled systems reduced installation costs by 40% in remote vineyards while maintaining real-time data accuracy.”
By incorporating these wireless communication methods, smart irrigation can be implemented virtually anywhere—regardless of terrain or connectivity—providing farmers with reliable tools to manage water more precisely.
Signal Reach Comparison: LoRa vs Wi-Fi in Agricultural Fields
| Distance (km) | Wi-Fi Signal Strength (%) | LoRa Signal Strength (%) | Cellular Signal Strength (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2 | 60% | 98% | 95% |
| 5 | 30% | 92% | 90% |
| 10 | 0% | 85% | 80% |
| 15 | 0% | 75% | 70% |
Conclusion
Smart irrigation is no longer experimental, it’s essential. With wireless soil moisture sensors, automated weather-driven controllers, and smart valves, vineyards and orchards can achieve both productivity and sustainability. As research and technology advance, the systems become more affordable and user-friendly.
Smart irrigation is a necessity for the future to achieve maximum production with minimal resources and manpower.
If you’re in the business of high-quality fruit or wine production, investing in smart irrigation is not just a good idea, it’s a strategic move for long-term success.
Interested in building your smart system? Contact Watermatic Systems or your regional Agri-tech provider to get started with a site assessment and pilot installation.
References: University of California Davis, Cornell University, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, USDA, OMAFRA, University of Guelph.
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