Review of IoT Networking Protocols and Sensor Integration for Smart Irrigation and Soil Monitoring

The agricultural sector is undergoing a digital transformation to meet the demands of a growing global population, climate variability, and the need for sustainable resource management. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a critical enabler of smart agriculture, integrating sensor technologies, wireless communication networks, and data transmission protocols to support real-time monitoring and decision-making. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of IoT applications in agriculture, focusing on soil monitoring, smart irrigation, and precision farming. It examines key components such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs), data acquisition systems, communication protocols (e.g., LoRaWAN, Zigbee, NB-IoT), and cloud-based analytics platforms. The paper also discusses the benefits of IoT systems, including improved crop yields, reduced water and fertilizer usage, and enhanced operational efficiency. Furthermore, it outlines the current challenges in connectivity, scalability, interoperability, and energy efficiency. By synthesizing recent advancements and research trends, this review aims to guide future developments in IoT-enabled agricultural systems and contribute to the growing field of smart and sustainable farming practices.