Developing a low cost IoT based embedded system to enhance Agricultural Efficiency and Sustainability

The rapid expansion of the agricultural sector has intensified the demand for
affordable, scalable, and sustainable technologies that can boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Conventional farming methods, which often depend on manual observation, are prone to inefficiencies and lead to the over- or underapplication of fertilizers—both of which can degrade soil health and reduce crop yields. Although advanced agricultural technologies are available, their high cost and technical complexity limit adoption, particularly among small- and medium-scale farmers. This creates a clear gap in the market for accessible and affordable smart farming solutions.
To address this challenge, the project proposes a proof of concept development of a low-cost, IoT-based system that combines sensors, data analytics, and intelligent
decision-making to provide farmers with real-time insights into plant health, soil
conditions, and fertilizer requirements. Research highlights that nitrogen status is a critical indicator of plant health, as nitrogen is essential for photosynthesis, protein and enzyme synthesis, and overall growth. Accordingly, the project will investigate a cost effective method for estimating nitrogen levels through the measurement of chlorophyll content in crops by integrating low cost off the self sensors,. In addition, the system will integrate sensors and decision-making algorithms to monitor soil and environmental conditions and provide actionable recommendations, supporting more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven farming practices. This proof of concept will provide the required data and initial results to submit a bigger research bid for a scalable technology to funders such as Innovate UK’s Farming Innovation programme.