Sensors in agriculture are one of the key technological advancements that digitise a farm. They collect and transmit fundamental data which helps optimise growing conditions, improve crop yields, and ensures efficient resource use. We’re going to explore how much these sensors can cost per sensor without implementation costs, but first we should look at the slight differences between internal use sensors and external use sensors.
Internal Sensors
Internal use sensors are designed for controlled environments and relatively stable conditions. Their data is often used to automate and control HVAC systems, lighting, irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems. They’re less likely to be exposed to harsh conditions such as wind and rain or extreme temperatures and as such have less rugged housing and focus on precision and sensitivity in a stable environment. Internal sensors are often powered by mains electricity or battery packs and use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect with control systems.
External Sensors
External use sensors are typically more durable, weatherproof and UV resistant than internal sensors and have extra protection against insects and harsh weather conditions. They’re used in open fields, orchards, and outdoor gardens where weather and environmental conditions are far less stable and controllable.
Their use case is more for informing farm management software for broader agricultural planning and prediction, such as weather forecasting, pest and disease management, irrigation and crop management. They’re powered by solar batteries due to their positioning in a farm and they usually transmit data via LoRa, cell networks, or other long range transmission networks.
How Much Should Sensors Cost?
The cost of the sensor is going to depend on various factors such as use case, brand and quality. We’re going to break down the sensors based on their application to give you a more clear representation, along with a price bracket if you have a few applications you’re basing your budget on.
Temperature Sensors
Use case: Measure ambient air temperature to ensure optimal growing conditions and can be placed at varying heights to monitor temperature gradients.
Budget: £15 - £50 per sensor or up to £160 for a commercial kit.
An example of a platinum Temperature Sensor Kit we would recommend.
pH Sensors
Use case: Measures the level of acidity or alkalinity of water or soil for use in farming, on a scale of 0-14.
Budget: A singular probe can cost £40 - £50, whereas a full pH sensor kit with solution pouches and circuits can cost £130 upwards.
An example of a pH Sensor Kit we would recommend.
Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) Sensors
Use case: These sensors measure the ability of a solution to act as an oxidising or reducing agent. This is an important tool for monitoring and managing the quality of water, soil and nutrient solutions.
Budget: A singular probe can cost £60 - £90, whereas a full ORP kit complete with calibration pouches and platinum probes can cost £170 upwards.
An example of an Oxidation Reduction Potential Sensor we would recommend.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Sensor
Use case: These sensors measure the concentration of suspended particles in water including soil, silt, organic matter, and other debris. These are especially helpful with the application of water irrigation systems, nutrient management systems and aquaculture.
Budget: As these probes are more likely to be use on an industrial level, they can cost in the range of £2,800
An example of a TSS Sensor.
Soil Moisture Sensors
Use case: Measure the moisture content of soil or growing medium to help optimise irrigation systems to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
Budget: Internal sensors can range from £15 - £80 per sensor and sensors for fields and larger irrigation systems can cost up to £400.
An example of a Soil Moisture Sensor we would recommend.
Light Sensors
Use case: Light sensors can measure the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that plants receive to ensure they have enough light for growth when used indoors, and the intensity of light outdoors to gauge how much nitrogen fertiliser crops require.
Budget: £120 - £350 per sensor
An example of a wireless Light Intensity Sensor for external use.
CO2 Sensors
Use case: Monitor the levels of CO2 in the indoor environment to ensure optimal conditions for growth and photosynthesis.
Budget: £70 - £280 per sensor
An example of a CO2 Sensor we would recommend.
Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
Use case: Dissolved oxygen sensors measure the concentration of oxygen dissolved in a liquid, which is an important measure of water quality as this indicates the ability to support aquatic life.
Budget: Est. £600 per sensor
An example of a Dissolved Oxygen Sensor we would recommend.
Air Quality Sensors
Use case: Measures the quantity of airborne contaminants or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air to ensure a safe environment for crops and workers.
Budget: A portable system will cost around £120 with an LED display and a more complex fixed system can cost up to £500.
An example of an Indoor Air Quality Sensor.
The sensors available for both indoor and outdoor growing range from small scale operations up to large industrial farming needs and as such will be reflected in their price. The sensors we’ve covered are the basic required equipment for most growing applications but there are further specialised equipment you can acquire such as AC/DC charge sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, air velocity and more.
A majority of the sensor examples we have provided can be purchased from the US company Atlas Scientific as we believe their products provide a great compromise between cost, quality, longevity and their support is helpful.
If you feel you need help with formulating a plan for your sensor deployment and integration, no matter the size of operation, the Fyto team are on hand to support your needs. Please head to our contact page or email us directly at info@fyto.org.
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