Energy-autonomous IoT-based wireless sensor networking architecture for plant health monitoring and precision irrigation in sugarcane

Sugarcane farming demands precise irrigation and vigilant health monitoring to maximize productivity, yet conventional approaches often fall short in efficiency and scalability. This paper introduces a self-sustaining IoT framework that leverages a wireless sensor network to track critical indicators—such as soil moisture, plant temperature, environmental conditions, groundwater levels, and crop height—in real time. Data is processed locally and relayed to a cloud server, enabling automated irrigation decisions informed by the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) and growth tracking through advanced image analysis. The system achieved a soil moisture measurement accuracy with a strong correlation (R² = 0.96) to gravimetric methods and a plant height measurement accuracy with a mean absolute error of 1.8 cm. Designed for energy independence, the system operates seamlessly in off-grid environments. Field results demonstrate key findings: 98.7% data transmission reliability, early stress detection 24-48 hours before visible symptoms, 15% water savings through precision irrigation, and continuous operation for 180+ days on battery backup. These outcomes position this solution as a practical advancement for modern, sustainable sugarcane cultivation.