A Wireless Sensor Network Integrated with Edge Computing for Real-Time Crop Monitoring and Automated Irrigation

Cloud-based smart agriculture systems struggle with real-time processing and connectivity in remote areas. This study integrates edge computing with WSNs to create a real-time crop monitoring and auto-irrigation system. The edge node handles RF communication with sensor and actuator nodes and connects to a LoRaWAN gateway provided by Packetworx using an SX1276 LoRa chip at 868 MHz. This design allows efficient data collection, local processing, and automated control without needing constant internet access. Implemented in Rosario, Batangas, Philippines, the system monitors soil moisture, NPK levels, temperature, and humidity, and controls irrigation via five solenoid valves. Each node operates for about 10.3 hours, extended by solar panels. Connectivity tests indicate better signal quality with higher gateways and increased packet loss at greater distances.