Communication Challenges in Smart Irrigation Systems

Developing smart irrigation systems based on technologies such as the Internet of Things, sensors, field communication technologies, WSNs and automated systems enables farmers to manage soil irrigation through improved irrigation control and planning techniques. At the same time, the implementation and operation of these systems, having different scales, face different challenges that could improve the proper management and efficiency of the systems. A serious part of these challenges related to constructing and operating the communication networks in IIS. This work analyses the most appropriate communication protocols in the different layers of IIS. Their applicability in IIS from an agricultural farm scale perspective is discussed. Six other groups of communication challenges have been identified and analysed, including technical limitations, Environmental factors, Data management, Human intervention, Integration challenges, and Cyber security. Recommendations are given for their solution to help IIS designers and users.