Innovative
technology developed in Geelong is designed to make it easier for local
producers to get the best from their farms.
Deakin-based
startup STRUT have devised a smart system that measures soil moisture, soil
temperature, air temperature and humidity.
The project’s
three-month trial phase, now underway, will provide valuable insights into how
STRUT’s system can help farmers and producers use data to increase water
efficiency and enhance climate resilience.
The smart
system uses sensor nodes that plug directly into the ground to collect
information about soil and air conditions.
The information
is sent to a central database where users can view regular updates on any
device connected to the internet.
This gives
farmers and producers access to real-time information about their crops,
supporting informed decision-making about the best way to manage water use and
respond to bad weather and other unfavourable growing conditions.
The project is
an innovative response to climate change that has attracted support from local
industry and government stakeholders.
STRUT is
working with Boundary Bend Olives and Leura Park to field test the smart soil
monitoring system.
Field testing
is funded by Cleantech Innovations Geelong, a business and industry program funded
by the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the
Victorian Government to develop markets for clean technologies.
Cleantech
Innovations Geelong is also providing advice and support to help the STRUT team
develop their new soil monitoring system so that it is ready to offer to wider
market. Additionally, the system uses the City of Greater Geelong Smart City
Office’s Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) to transfer information.
Councillor Jim Mason – Rural and Coastal portfolio
I’m excited
about the possibilities of this ‘clever and creative’ technology, that arms
local farmers and producers with insightful information to improve their crops.I’m looking
forward to seeing the results of the field testing and how this clean
technology could eventually help a greater number of hard-working rural and
peri-urban farmers and producers in the region.
