IoT Architecture Based on Wireless Sensor Network Applied to Agricultural Monitoring: A Case of Study of Cacao Crops in Ecuador

This article proposes the design of a low-cost IoT architecture based on Wireless Sensor Network technology for agricultural monitoring which is deployable in different types of crops, in this particular case cacao crops have been chosen. The architecture will allow small and medium agricultural producers, through a multi-platform application (web, mobile, etc.), to monitor and store information of various climatic and soil factors that influence the optimal growth and production of cacao. The data collected by the sensor network will be visualized through interactive maps, tables and statistical graphs. Furthermore, the system will notify or emit alerts to the farmer through emails or the application’s own graphical interface about a specific event that has occurred, in order to support optimal and opportune decision-making. The proposal of this architecture corresponds to a inclusive tool of the agro-technological field for family cacao farmers through the collection, storage, management and visualization of agricultural variables data. The information acquired is fundamental for the sustainable management of the crop through the correct administration of resources, facilitating the quality control of the product and the generation of preventive plans for protection against pests and diseases.