Sensor Networks

We have established a six-node Carnegie Mellon wireless sensor network in three zones in the greenhouse. These zones are related to the growth stage of the crop, since the greenhouse is in continuous production, each crop taking between 14 weeks (summer cultivars) and 20 weeks (winter cultivars) to produce.

The greenhouse is a closed hydroponic system, so we have the ability to irrigate as frequently as necessary, without compromising efficiency. The ultimate goal is to maintain an optimal water and nutrient status for different stages of crop growth, with as little human intervention as possible.

We intend to develop the sensor network system to be able to monitor and control irrigation events, not only based on the moisture status in the bag, but also the electrical conductivity in the root zone in real-time.