Wireless sensor networks propagation study in mixed-crop farming

Abstract

A study on the performance of wireless systems from a network coverage and link quality perspectives is critical to ensure a reliable and cost effective deployment of the network in mixed-crop farm area. This paper presents results of signal power measurements in a mixed-crop farm with varying vegetation density. A small difference in signal strength between antenna heights of 0.5 m and 1m for a flat open grass field was observed. However a substantial reduction in signal strength in the presence of thick vegetation on the farmland which limited coverage to only 20 m range was observed. In addition not much increase in signal strength for measurements in a greenhouse with grape trellis canopy was seen. This is contrary to enhancements of received signal strength by lateral waves propagating along the canopy observed in a forest measurement [8]. The paper also compares network coverage for the same type of vegetation in greenhouse and outdoor environment.