Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 1
Written by Anca Maria CHIOREAN, Zsolt JAKAB- ILYEFALVI, Ioan ZAGRAI, Smaranda ROŞU-MAREŞ, Georgeta Maria GUZU, Claudiu MOLDOVAN, Adrian ASĂNICĂ
This study investigated the digitalization of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) cultivation in the Bistrița region through the implementation of a cost-effective and optimized NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) sensor network, designed to monitor critical environmental parameters essential for optimal plant growth and yield. The objectives of the research were to identify critical phenological stages in chokeberry development and to validate the effectiveness of soil and air sensors for automated control, integrated via a mobile application. Climatic factors were monitored in real-time using an nMETOS 80SM agrometeorological station installed within the chokeberry experimental plot at the Fruit Research and Development Station Bistrița, with data acquisition and visualization facilitated by the FieldClimate platform. Analysis of sensor data recorded during the 2024 vegetation period highlighted intervals of pronounced soil moisture deficit, enabling timely and targeted agronomic interventions. Results emphasized that the implementation of digital technologies for crop management represents a valuable and sustainable strategy for chokeberry crop and is a great decisional support instrument with a significant potential for improving yield performance and fruit quality in general.
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