How LoRaWAN® Transforms Agricultural Practices

Cerasus, an agricultural company founded in 2014, is dedicated to cultivating sustainable farming practices in the midst of global challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and financial market volatility. In this article, we explore Cerasus’ journey, focusing on its innovative use of LoRaWAN® technology to revolutionize water management practices and earn the prestigious SPRING certification.

The Challenge

Amid challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, Cerasus embarked on a mission to revolutionize agriculture. This journey demanded precision, from exhaustive research and strategic planning to forging vital partnerships. Central to this mission was the pursuit of SPRING certification—a rigorous standard for responsible water management.

SPRING certification requires a meticulous focus on numerous factors, including assessing water resources, protecting water sources, measuring energy expenditures, planning for wastewater, erosion control, and more.

Nestled in the rugged mountainous terrain of Resende, Portugal, Cerasus faces an additional layer of complexity, demanding a tailored solution for excellence connectivity.

The Solution 

In the rugged landscape of Resende, where reliable and extensive connectivity was paramount, Cerasus collaborated with Smart MC2 and TEKTELIC Communications to adopt LoRaWAN® technology. Known for its exceptional long-range capabilities, LoRaWAN® facilitated efficient data transmission, overcoming the challenges posed by the terrain.

Alexandra Pinto, the agricultural technician, emphasized the significance of TEKTELIC tools, stating, “Choosing TEKTELIC was a strategic decision grounded in their 15 years of delivering top-tier LoRaWAN®products. Their extensive expertise perfectly aligns with our needs; their solutions not only boast robustness but also provide the confidence of swift and hassle-free deployment.”

Figure 1: TEKTELIC CLOVER Agriculture Sensor

The Role of TEKTELIC’s LoRaWAN® Technology

TEKTELIC’s LoRaWAN® technology has emerged as the linchpin of Cerasus’ water management strategy. Operating in Resende’s mountainous terrain, the long-range, wide-coverage, low-power wireless technology offered by TEKTELIC is instrumental in ensuring reliable data transmission between sensors, gateways, and monitoring devices.

This seamless communication not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimizes the need for field visits, thereby promoting sustainable land and equipment maintenance. TEKTELIC’s LoRaWAN® technology stands as a testament to Cerasus’ commitment to overcoming geographical challenges. 

Leveraging Sensor Data for Precision Agriculture 

Deploying CLOVER and KIWI sensors, Cerasus gained the ability to gather precise measurements, empowering agricultural engineers to make informed decisions on irrigation, optimizing water usage, and enhancing crop health. The KONA Micro Lite gateway complemented this setup, facilitating data analysis and enabling proactive management, leading to improved production quality and resource efficiency.

Figure 2: CERASUS Dashboard

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cerasus’ strategic partnership with TEKTELIC and Smart MC2 positions the company at the forefront of sustainable agriculture. Leveraging advanced sensor technology and LoRaWAN® connectivity, Cerasus not only met the rigorous standards of SPRING certification but set a new benchmark for precision agriculture and responsible water management. As the agricultural landscape evolves, Cerasus remains committed to driving positive change, embracing innovative solutions, and continuing its leadership in sustainable agriculture.

Figure 3: TEKTELIC KIWI Agriculture Sensor