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The digitization of various agricultural processes is a growing reality in Portugal and in the world. Some of the application areas use sensor networks to monitor several parameters, including monitoring plant growth, atmospheric conditions or optimizing the irrigation process. However, in the agricultural environment where energy sources may be scarce, the implementation of an autonomous sensor network must consider the limitations imposed by the energy consumption of sensor nodes, powered by batteries. Moreover, spatial distribution models must be tested to optimize the number of sensors and their placement in the field. This paper presents an ongoing work, being developed in partnership with a company, owner of an extensive almond grove in the region of Idanha-a-Nova and Fundão, Portugal. The objective is to implement a sensor network, making use of a LoRa technology and battery-powered nodes, and collect information on various parameters associated with intensive almond trees groves. The proposed sensor network is part of an IoT middleware framework that captures multiple data from different sources. Through smart farming, precision agriculture, real time monitoring and business intelligence solutions, the expected results are productivity increase and optimization of the use of resources in the almond cultivation process and a significative reduction of the environmental impact.

In recent years the Internet of Things, in addition to use cases in 'smart cities', has also increasingly been used in precision agriculture. As in the rest of the world, it has been a growing reality in Portugal. In an agricultural environment, where energy resources can be scarce and dispersed, the implementation of a LoRa network with autonomous sensor nodes must consider the limitations imposed by the energy consumed by the sensor node, when powered by a battery and a solar panel. For this, experimental tests must be carried out so that there is enough data for the implementation and optimization of the devices. This article presents a work focused on the study of the autonomy and energy efficiency of the sensor device, using algorithms capable of managing energy consumption as a function of the luminosity of the place. Preliminary results attest to the relevance of this approach, keeping the sensor node in operation without interruptions.

Efficient use of resources is a critical factor in almond crops. Technological solutions can significantly contribute to this purpose. The VeraTech project aims to explore the integration of sensors and cloud-based technologies in almond crops for efficient use of resources and reduction of environmental impact. It also makes available a set of relevant and impactful performance indicators in agricultural activity, which promote productivity gains supported by efficient use of resources. The proposed solution includes a sensor network in the almond crops, the transmission of data and its integration in the cloud, making this data available to be consumed, processed, and presented in the monitoring and alerts dashboard. In the current state of the development, several data are collected by sensors, transmitted over LoRaWAN, integrated using AWS IoT Core, and monitored and analysed through a cloud business analytics service.

Efficient use of resources is a critical factor in almond crops. Technological solutions can significantly contribute to this purpose. The VeraTech project aims to explore the integration of sensors and cloud-based technologies in almond crops for efficient use of resources and reduction of environmental impact. It also makes available a set of relevant and impactful performance indicators in agricultural activity, which promote productivity gains supported by efficient use of resources. The proposed solution includes a sensor network in the almond crops, the transmission of data and its integration in the cloud, making this data available to be consumed, processed, and presented in the monitoring and alerts dashboard. In the current state of the development, several data are collected by sensors, transmitted over LoRaWAN, integrated using AWS IoT Core, and monitored and analysed through a cloud business analytics service. This project is implemented on a farm located in the Beira-Baixa region of Portugal and involves a partnership between Vera Cruz (owner of the farm), Veratech, and the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco.