Genetic algorithm optimized node deployment in IEEE 802.15.4 potato and wheat crop monitoring infrastructure

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Wireless Communication Systems
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Precision agriculture relies on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for real-time data.
• IEEE 802.15.4 standard is commonly used for WSNs in agriculture.
• Vegetation can obstruct and attenuate radio signals, affecting network reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of vegetation height and density on signal strength in WSNs.
• To develop an empirical path loss model for 2.4 GHz radio signals in crop environments.
• To optimize WSN node deployment for enhanced coverage and signal strength in precision agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Conducted measurement campaigns in potato and wheat crops at various growth stages.
• Formulated an empirical, measurement-based path loss model.
• Utilized NSGA-II multi-objective evolutionary computation for node deployment optimization.

Main Results:

• Observed network dis-connectivity in wheat crops due to signal attenuation from vegetation growth.
• Developed a path loss model correlating signal strength with crop growth stages.
• Optimized node deployment strategies for improved network coverage and received signal strength.

Conclusions:

• Vegetation significantly affects WSN performance in precision agriculture.
• The developed path loss model aids in predicting signal strength.
• Optimized WSN deployment ensures reliable infrastructure for crop monitoring.