Measurement Technology and Analytics

Irrigation sensor

Sensor network for sub-area management.
© Fraunhofer ENAS
Sensor network for sub-area management.

In recent years, Fraunhofer ENAS has developed technologies for cost-effectively manufactured and environmentally friendly sensor systems that can be used both, for environmental monitoring and to support smart monitoring of agricultural areas. The development of novel sensors using printing technologies and environmentally friendly and inert materials is the base of this work. In autumn 2019, the first development samples were presented at Agritechnica trade fair in Hanover. The sensors consist of an electronic module with a single-chip radio system and sensors for air and soil temperature as well as a printed antenna and a printed battery enclosed in a plastic-coated cellulose substrate. In addition, a novel sensor is used to measure the state of irrigation and control fertilization and irrigation, which determines the suction potential. The suction potential is a measure of the pressure that plant roots have to overcome in order to absorb water from the soil structure. The conductivity of a special matrix material, which changes with the suction potential of the soil, is used as the measuring principle. In the application, the sensors are anchored underground, the irrigation sensor is connected hydraulically to the soil matrix. A part of the sensors reaches above the ground surface, and houses the electronic module and the antenna. The currently used radio system ensures direct communication of the data to a gateway installed in the field.