In the heart of Iran’s agricultural landscape, a groundbreaking development is set to revolutionize apple orchard management. Bahareh Jamshidi, a researcher at the Smart Agricultural Research department of the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, part of the Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) in Karaj, has led a pilot study that introduces an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart system designed to monitor and manage apple orchards with unprecedented precision. This innovative system promises to transform the way farmers approach disease and pest control, irrigation, and fertilization, ultimately enhancing both the yield and quality of apples.
The system, detailed in the journal ‘Smart Agricultural Technology’ (which translates to ‘Intelligent Agricultural Technology’), operates on a four-layer architecture: perception, transport, processing, and application. At the core of this architecture are wireless weather and soil sensors that collect environmental data in real-time. These sensors transmit data via LoRa radio protocol to a gateway, which then relays the information to a network server. This data is processed and analyzed to provide actionable insights to farmers through a user-friendly dashboard.
One of the standout features of this system is its ability to forecast diseases like apple powdery mildew and pests such as the apple codling moth. By leveraging advanced forecasting methods, the system can significantly reduce the number of spraying times required. “The system can reduce the number of spraying times from at least three to just twice for apple powdery mildew, and from four to twice for apple codling moth,” Jamshidi explains. This reduction not only cuts down on the use of fungicides and pesticides but also improves the quality of apples by minimizing chemical residues.
The smart system also optimizes irrigation and fertilization processes. By setting thresholds for starting and stopping irrigation based on the trees’ needs, the system ensures that water is used efficiently. Additionally, it provides fertilization recommendations tailored to different stages of apple fruit growth, helping farmers to use fertilizers more effectively.
The commercial impacts of this research are profound. By reducing production costs and enhancing the quantity and quality of the product, this system can significantly boost the profitability of apple orchards. “The use of this system can help the user to reduce production costs and to increase the quantity and quality of the product by providing timely warnings and practical recommendations regarding spraying, irrigation and fertilization,” Jamshidi notes.
Looking ahead, the potential for this technology extends far beyond apple orchards. As Jamshidi points out, the system’s effectiveness and technical capabilities make it a strong candidate for managing other basic challenges in various agricultural settings. This research paves the way for future developments in intelligent agriculture, where IoT and data analytics play a central role in optimizing farming practices and ensuring sustainable food production. The future of agriculture is smart, and this system is a significant step towards that future.