ABSTRACT
The advanced step toward sustainable agriculture is the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into bamboo polyhouses for small-scale farming. Because of their economical and environmentally beneficial qualities, bamboo polyhouses present a strong option for small-scale controlled environment agriculture. These structures can be improved to monitor and control environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light levels in real-time by integrating IoT sensors and systems. The precise control over growing conditions made possible by this technological integration improves crop yields, maximizes resource efficiency, and lowers operating expenses. IoT-enabled polyhouses also make remote monitoring and management easier, giving farmers access to automated systems and data-driven insights that maximize plant health and productivity. The combination of cutting-edge IoT technology and bamboo's sustainability not only enables more efficient farming methods, but it also advances the more general goal of resilient and sustainable food systems.
1. INTRODUCTION
The need to address the issues brought on by resource scarcity, climate change, and the rising demand for food has fueled an increased interest in sustainable agricultural methods in recent years. The bamboo polyhouse is one of the most innovative concepts in this field; it's an affordable, environmentally friendly structure that maximizes plant growth while reducing its negative effects. The bamboo polyhouse, which is mostly made of bamboo, has a number of benefits over conventional greenhouse materials, such as lower costs, a smaller environmental impact, and better thermal insulation. This environmentally friendly building offers a perfect platform for incorporating innovative technologies, especially the Internet of Things (IoT), which has the potential to completely transform small-scale farming methods.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of networked devices that gather, send and process data in order to enable automation and more intelligent decision making. IoT technology improves the functionality of bamboo polyhouses by allowing real-time monitoring and control of numerous environmental parameters that are vital to plant growth. The polyhouse is equipped with embedded sensors that are capable of measuring various aspects such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light intensity. Farmers are able to maintain ideal growing conditions, quickly resolve any problems, and make well-informed decisions based on thorough insights thanks to this constant flow of data.
The sustainability of bamboo combined with Internet of Things technology is in line with more general objectives of resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. Bamboo is a great material for building polyhouses because it is a rapidly renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint than traditional building materials. The potential of bamboo polyhouses is greatly increased by integrating IoT systems, which helps to promote more resilient and sustainable farming methods. This strategy not only helps nearby farmers by raising output and cutting expenses, but it also encourages the use of cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the design and management of a bamboo polyhouse for small-scale farming requires a blend of cutting-edge technological components and sustainable materials. Bamboo was selected as the main material for the polyhouse structure because to its exceptional thermal insulation qualities, affordability, and ease of renewal. Bamboo poles are used for the framework, while woven mats or bamboo panels are used for the walls and roof, offering a long-lasting and sustainable option.
For the best environmental management, the polyhouse is built with a number of essential Internet of Things components. They consist of communication modules, controllers, and sensors. The polyhouse is equipped with temperature and humidity sensors at different points to keep an eye on the microclimate. The planting beds are equipped with soil moisture sensors to give current information on the water content of the soil. In order to assess light intensity and guarantee that plants receive enough sunlight during their growth cycle, light sensors are employed.
Several key Internet of Things components are integrated into the polyhouse's design to provide optimal environmental control. They are made up of sensors, controls, and communication modules. To monitor the microclimate, the polyhouse is outfitted with temperature and humidity sensors at various locations. Soil moisture sensors are installed in the planting beds to provide real-time data on the soil's water content. Light sensors are used to measure light intensity and ensure that plants get adequate sunshine during their growth cycle.
The temperature and ventilation of the polyhouse are managed by automatic fans, shades, and vents. The Internet of Things hub uses temperature sensor data to drive fans or open vents in order to maintain optimal temperature ranges. In order to avoid overheating and ensure the ideal light levels for plant growth, light intensity sensors are also employed to control shade nets and movable blinds.
A central control unit, connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) system, collects data from the various sensors and oversees the automated procedures. Usually, this device is a single-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, or a microcontroller. This control unit enables web interfaces and mobile apps for remote management and monitoring because of its connectivity to a local server or cloud-based platform. This method increases farmers' productivity and convenience of managing polyhouses by providing them with remote access to real-time data, alarms and setting adjustments.
The rationale behind choosing bamboo
To make the strong structure of greenhouse we need some poles like GIpipes Sarvana et al. (2016). We can use bamboo instead of GI-pipes (Yadav et al., 2014). Although we can use other type of wood but where we are talking about the low cost then bamboo will be last option.
As bamboo farming can be done very easily and bamboo itself easily available in market at low cost. Bamboo is not a tree. It is a grass. The fastest growing bamboo can grow up to 4 feet in a day. It is extremely strong. Bamboo has twice the compression strength of concrete and roughly the same strength-to weight ratio of steel. These bamboo poles are able to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. Our bamboo greenhouse is naturally designed and treated with natural elements to be weather, termite and mold resistant. Our bamboo poles are treated with coltar (Damer / coaltal /Asphalt / Bitumen) to prevent termite and powder post beetle infestation as well as decaying fungi. As a result, we will easily complete our goal of cost cutting (Jadhav and Rosentrater, 2017).
3. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
A number of crucial elements and steps are involved in the experimental setup for assessing the performance of a bamboo polyhouse connected with Internet of Things (IoT) technology in order to determine how successful it is for small-scale farming. Bamboo was used to build the structure, walls, and roof of the polyhouse, which offers a controlled environment intended to promote ideal plant growth while reducing its negative effects on the environment.
Developing the bamboo polyhouse is the first stage in the setup process. It should be constructed to standard dimensions suitable for small-scale farming, with a size of 10 to 20 square meters. bamboo is treated and built with appropriate ventilation and shading techniques to regulate temperature and light levels, all of which contribute to the material's longevity and structural integrity. To monitor various critical environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity, a number of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are arranged strategically throughout the polyhouse.
The experimental setup includes an autonomous irrigation system connected to soil moisture sensors. Based on current moisture data, the irrigation system is designed to precisely deliver water through the use of solenoid valves and a water reservoir. Temperature sensors and a central Internet of things hub govern the installation of automated fans and adjustable vents, which regulate the ventilation and temperature. Shade nets or curtains are also included to regulate light exposure and prevent overheating; changes are made based on measurements of light intensity.
The sensor was connected through the controller and ventilation fan, pump are connected to controller as shown in figure 2. It will provide efficient monitoring to the humidity, light and temperature.
4. TESTING
4.1 Functional testing
Ultimately, the ability of the system to maintain ideal growing conditions and adapt to environmental changes is evaluated to validate its effectiveness. Functional testing of the bamboo polyhouse with IoT integration involves confirming the operation of each component to ensure proper system performance. This includes testing the accuracy of temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light sensors to confirm they provide real-time data correctly. Automated systems for irrigation, ventilation and shading are evaluated to ensure they respond appropriately to sensor inputs. The control unit's connectivity to the cloud platform or local server is tested for dependable data transmission and remote management capabilities.
4.2 Integration testing
Integration testing ensures that all components of the bamboo polyhouse and IoT system work together seamlessly. This involves verifying that sensors, automated irrigation, ventilation, and shading systems interact correctly with the central control unit and cloud platform, ensuring cohesive data flow, system responsiveness and reliable remote management.
4.3 Performance Testing
Performance testing evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the IoT integration in the bamboo polyhouse under various conditions. To ascertain how successfully the system maintains optimal growing conditions, this entails assessing sensor accuracy, automated irrigation and ventilation system reaction times, and energy consumption. Another part of testing involves keeping an eye on how well the system processes data in real time and offers remote control without any lag or failure. Measurements are also taken on the impacts on resource use and agricultural productivity in order to determine the system's overall efficiency. The goal is to ensure that the polyhouse's performance is enhanced by the IoT connection, providing stable, flexible, and sustainable agricultural assistance.
5. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Crop management and operational efficiency both significantly improved when IoT technology was included into the bamboo polyhouse. In order to provide more constant and ideal growing conditions for the crops, real-time data from temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light sensors was gathered. Water use was greatly reduced while ensuring sufficient hydration for plant growth because to the automated irrigation system's good response to soil moisture conditions. Automation of fans and vents in response to temperature changes ensured a steady atmosphere. Temperature and ventilation systems functioned flawlessly. Plant exposure was maximized and overheating was avoided with the shade system, which was changed according to light intensity.
The improved control and monitoring capabilities offered by the IoT system were responsible for the significant improvement in crop yields observed in performance measures when compared to previous approaches. Because the system could adapt in real time, resource efficiency was also increased, resulting in lower energy and water use. The options for remote management improved the user experience overall by enabling easy oversight and quick fixes for any problems. These findings show a beneficial synergy between environmentally acceptable materials and cutting-edge technology, underscoring the possibility of combining IoT with bamboo polyhouses to enhance efficient and sustainable small-scale farming methods.
Author Bios:
1. G.Kiruthika - Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy.
2. V.Gopinath - Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy.
3. Dharunfranclin - UG Students, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy.
4. B. Navaneetha - UG Students, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy.
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