Global System for Near-Real-Time Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring and Management Using Internet-Derived Communications Technologies

Situation or Problem: the monitoring of environmental conditions, including air, water, and soil parameters, plays an important role in both the optimization and the protection of agricultural and environmental systems. More importantly, the accuracy and timeliness of the information available has an impact on the management decisions that are made regarding that agricultural or ecological system. This project will investigate if existing Internet-derived communications and network management technologies can be deployed to improve these agricultural monitoring and management functions. Purpose: current worldwide economic conditions dictate that new technologies be leveraged wherever possible to address existing challenges, such as the increased cost of crop production. Cellular telephone systems have been deployed within rural America to enhance voice communication, but the data communications capabilities of these networks are rarely tapped. Similarly, Internet-based management network management technology is available, but not implemented to support agricultural applications. Leveraging these technical resources to enhance monitoring and control over air, soil and water conditions will invariably conserve water usage, improve crop yields through more effective chemical application, and increase the effectiveness of agricultural operations.