Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Palm Oil Production: The Role of IoT-Based Soil Monitoring

Palm oil plantations are a critical component of Malaysia's economy, being the second-largest global producer and a major ‎exporter. The increasing demand for palm oil necessitates sustainable practices to ensure both quality and environmental ‎stewardship. Soil quality is a pivotal factor in producing high-quality palm oil. This paper presents the development of an ‎advanced Internet of Things (IoT)-based soil monitoring system tailored for palm oil plantations. The system leverages IoT ‎technology to monitor and collect soil moisture data remotely, utilizing moisture sensors, LoRa transmitters, and the ESP32 ‎microcontroller to execute commands and decisions. This innovative approach not only enhances production efficiency but also ‎significantly reduces plantation management costs. By providing real-time soil data, this system empowers farmers to make ‎informed decisions, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and optimizing resource use‎.