Autonomous Wireless Sensor Networks in automated IPM

Up to recently data acquisition in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relied on manual collection of pest and meteorological data. Automated Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are providing a way forward by reducing the need for manual offload and maintenance and providing an independent system that captures the small-scale heterogeneity needed for smart IPM applications. Efficient local monitoring or surveillance is essential to prevent the spread and establishment of pests. In this study we investigate the feasibility of implementing a fully independent, low-power WSN that will provide high-resolution, near-real time environmental data as input to pest control systems. The gateway is equipped with a smart dual uplink allowing both satellite communication and terrestrial communication depending on deployment conditions. In order to evaluate the Quality of Service that the developed network can provide in an IPM context, a set of tests were conducted to assess metrics such as signal strength, data transmission and bandwidth of the Satellite Communication module as well as mesh configuration, energetic autonomy, point to point communication and data loss of the WSN nodes. We believe that this system can be a cost-effective solution for smart IPM in remote areas where there is no reliable terrestrial connection.