Web-based monitoring system using Wireless Sensor Networks for traditional vineyards and grape drying buildings

The quality of grapes and the drying process has a momentous impact on the quality of the final products (raisins). South Azerbaijan is the most important region for grape growing and raisin producing. However, the majority of the vineyards in the region are traditional, and the drying process is carried out in conventional structures that are not convenient. To increase the quality and productivity, it is necessary to modernize agricultural practices with reasonable cost suitable and affordable to traditional farming and farmers. To do this, the harsh environments and severe climate conditions of the vineyards and the drying buildings should be observed periodically to collect data. Wireless Sensor Networks are a key technology that can provide precise information, can update information, and can be a valuable resource to farmers to determine appropriate management practices. Using this technology, farmers can make real-time decisions such as scheduling irrigation periods, preventing diseases, choosing the right time for harvesting and so on. In this project, a Wireless Sensor Network system was designed and developed for remote real-time monitoring and collection of micrometeorological parameter data in three distant vineyards. The system was also used for monitoring the SO2 gas fumigation process and atmospheric parameters inside the drying structure. The system consists of a gateway and a series of peripheral wireless motes placed in the vineyards and inside the drying structure, which are equipped with agrometeorological sensors for environmental monitoring and for storing and transmitting data to the gateway. The gateway collects agrometeorological data and utilizes a wireless technology for data transmission and for communication between the motes and the central server (webpage). In addition, an on-line (real-time) warning system was embedded in the gateway to send alarm signals via SMS (Short Message Service). The devices were tested for software configuration functionality, hardware operation and data acquisition, energy consumption, and connectivity. Field experiment results demonstrated that the system represents a complete monitoring system, which provides efficient performance for developing information systems in precision viticulture.