Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Worksite Management
for Precision Agricultural
Production
13
Ning Wang
CONTENTS
13.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 343
13.2 Real-Time Worksite Management System....................................................344
13.3 Available Technologies in a Real-Time Worksite Management System ...... 345
13.3.1 Sensing Technology .......................................................................... 345
13.3.1.1 Soil Sensors........................................................................ 345
13.3.1.2 Crop Sensors ...................................................................... 346
13.3.1.3 Yield Sensor ....................................................................... 347
13.3.2 Networking Technology ................................................................... 348
13.3.2.1 Controller Area Network ................................................... 348
13.3.2.2 Wireless Network............................................................... 349
13.3.3 Data Management and Decision Support Systems ........................... 349
13.4 Wireless Sensor Network for Worksite Management ................................... 351
13.4.1 A Brief Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks .......................... 352
13.4.2 Available Wireless Sensor Network Technology.............................. 352
13.4.3 Power Source for Wireless Sensor Network ..................................... 357
13.5 Examples of Worksite Management Systems............................................... 358
13.6 Challenges on Automation of Worksite Management Systems .................... 360
13.7 Future Trends of Agricultural Worksite Management Systems ................... 362
References .............................................................................................................. 363
13.1 INTRODUCTION
Automation of agri-food production and processes provides the most effective way to
reduce labor costs and to improve production efficiency. Automated processes can be
easily monitored and controlled to detect quality and safety of products and to track
information about products through the production and process chain. For automated
machines and processes, intelligent components, including “smart” sensors, “smart”
controllers, and “smart” actuators, can be integrated to perform various functions.
Most of these systems have the ability to communicate internally among sensors,
controllers, and actuators, and externally with other systems using networking tech-
nologies. Intelligent electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components
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