This degree project addresses the critical challenge of global food security by developing an accessible agricultural monitoring solution for small-scale farmers. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing food production by 70% is essential, yet small-scale farmers often lack access to precision agriculture technologies due to high costs.

Our solution provides a cost-effective alternative, reducing system costs by 70% compared to commercial options (from $244 to $75 per node) while maintaining professional-grade functionality.

• Solar-Powered Nodes: Self-sustaining sensor nodes with 6+ month battery life using Li-polymer batteries and intelligent power management
• LoRa Communication: 915 MHz frequency with up to 2km range in outdoor environments, ensuring reliable data transmission
• Raspberry Pi Pico: ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller for efficient sensor data processing and wireless communication
• Multi-Sensor Monitoring: Capacitive soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors for comprehensive environmental data
• Scalable Network: Support for 12+ sensor nodes with centralized data collection and processing

• Power Optimization: TPL5110 nano-timer for ultra-low power consumption during sleep cycles
• Smart Charging: CN3083 Li-polymer charging circuit with overvoltage and thermal protection
• Adaptive Sensing: Capacitive soil moisture sensors with temperature compensation for accurate readings
• Network Resilience: LoRa protocol with automatic retry and acknowledgment mechanisms
• Data Integrity: Packet validation and error correction ensuring reliable sensor data transmission

• LoRa Protocol: Long-range, low-power wireless communication at 915 MHz frequency
• Network Topology: Star configuration with central gateway for data aggregation
• Data Transmission: JSON packet format with node identification and sensor readings
• Range Performance: Validated 2km outdoor range with line-of-sight conditions
• Android Integration: Real-time data visualization through custom mobile application

• Cost Efficiency: 70% reduction in per-node costs compared to commercial alternatives ($75 vs $244)
• Power Performance: 6+ month battery life with optimized sleep/wake cycles
• Communication Range: Successful 2km range testing in outdoor environments
• Sensor Accuracy: Validated soil moisture readings with temperature compensation
• System Reliability: Stable operation across multiple sensor nodes with minimal packet loss

• Hardware: Raspberry Pi Pico, LoRa SX1262 modules, solar panels, Li-polymer batteries
• Power Management: TPL5110 nano-timer, CN3083 charging circuit
• Sensors: Capacitive soil moisture, DHT22 temperature/humidity sensors
• Programming: MicroPython for embedded systems, Java for Android development
• Backend: Flask REST API for data processing and storage
• Mobile: Android Studio for real-time data visualization application