Low-cost iot fertigation automation system for protected agriculture
Affordable IoT-based fertigation automation for protected crops in Cartago, Costa Rica. Combines real-time soil moisture sensing with cloud data transmission and mobile alerts to deliver precise water and fertilizer application tailored to smallholder farmers' needs.
Overview
This solution addresses the critical need for low-cost, accessible fertigation automation in protected agriculture for smallholder farmers in Cartago, Costa Rica. While existing IoT devices can trigger irrigation based on volumetric substrate moisture, crops grown in substrates require both water and nutrient management delivered together. This technology combines volumetric humidity sensing with cloud-based data processing and mobile alerts to enable precise, timely fertigation decisions. Designed specifically for resource-limited farmers, the system offers an affordable and easy-to-use approach to optimize water and fertilizer use in protected cultivation systems.
Technical specifications
Key components and features:
- Volumetric moisture sensor captures real-time substrate humidity data
- Cloud-based application (freely available) accumulates and transmits data in real time
- Mobile application sends alerts when moisture drops below optimal thresholds
- Decision support enables precise water replenishment based on actual crop water needs rather than fixed schedules
- Compatible with existing irrigation delivery devices on the farm
- Designed for low-cost deployment and ease of use by non-technical operators
Future development roadmap:
- Evolution toward evapotranspiration calculation using the Penman-Monteith equation, incorporating climatic variables such as temperature, humidity, radiation, wind, and geographic location
- Integration of green intensity measurement to indirectly assess nitrogen levels in plants by correlating leaf chlorophyll content with nitrogen concentration throughout the crop cycle
Technology readiness level
The current system has demonstrated feasibility through the integration of volumetric moisture sensing with cloud-based data transmission and mobile alerting for irrigation timing. The core irrigation automation functionality is operational and ready for field validation in protected agriculture settings. The planned enhancements incorporating evapotranspiration modeling and nitrogen sensing represent the next development phase, extending the system from irrigation-only automation to comprehensive fertigation management. The technology is positioned for pilot deployment and collaborative refinement with agricultural partners and smallholder farming communities.
About Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) is a public, STEM‑oriented university with a multi‑campus presence across Cartago, San José, Alajuela, and San Carlos, combining applied research with technology extension. Through its Centro de Vinculación, TEC connects companies and public agencies with faculty and research units for contract problem‑solving, customized training, and long‑term partnerships. Technology transfer and continuing education centers embedded on the campuses provide access to specialized laboratories and training, enabling rapid engagement with industry partners; international collaboration infrastructure includes K‑Lab in San Carlos developed with South Korea’s NIPA. Research is supported by national science and innovation agencies and by competitive international programs, including EU Erasmus+ collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP management, licensing, and entrepreneurship.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.