A feedback and feedforward IDSS based on wireless sensor networks and 5G-satcom applied in precision viticulture

This study develops and validates an integrated feedback (FBc) and feedforward (FFc) Irrigation decision support system (IDSS) using a long range (LoRa) wireless sensor network (WSN) for precision irrigation in vineyards. The system uses 5G NDASH satellite communication to enable reliable, real-time monitoring of soil and crop water status, as well as autonomous irrigation, in low-connectivity rural areas. Hardware design, sensor calibration, and testing were carried out at the AgrHySMo Lab, University of Pisa, with field trials in commercial vineyards in Lucca (Italy). The WSN comprises LoRa-based gateways and nodes that monitor soil-plant-atmosphere parameters and control electrovalves via ESP32 microcontrollers integrated on custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) with RFM95W LoRa modules. The IDSS operates through a cloud-based platform, ensuring data access even in off-grid conditions. Irrigation control uses soil moisture thresholds and a thermal crop water stress index (CWSI) derived from preliminary machine learning (ML) based analysis. Field results confirmed the effectiveness of water stress detection and the reliability of autonomous irrigation, demonstrating the potential of 5G-satellite-enabled smart irrigation in marginal areas.