SensNews Feb 2017

16 / 23

Agriculture
microbiological de-
tection method based on microfluidics.
By JoeWhitworth, 22-Feb-2017
Special Report: Making Sense Of Sensors In
Agriculture
For agriculture service providers, evolving sensor technology is viewed with a
sense of endless possibilities, mixed with a bit of trepidation. Sensors can seem-
ingly do about anything on the farm. Measure soil characteristics with electri-
cal current? Check. Monitor soil moisture and irrigation activity? Check.Track
rainfall, wind, and other weather
conditions? Check.Transmit data
points 24/7 to a central data-
base for deep analysis? Check.
Report on planting, application,
and harvesting efficiency? Check.
Ride on a drone or a satellite
and provide in-season feedback
on crop and farm conditions?
Check.
Become one of the farmer’s trusted advisers? Uh, not so fast. Sensor capabilities
are robust and growing, but not likely to replace “boots on the ground,” at least
for the foreseeable future.
Download the 31 January