Private 4G/5G Networks in Agribusiness

Private 4G/5G Networks Applied to Agribusiness 

Private 4G/5G Networks — built with Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) operating on proprietary frequencies, Network Core, Backhaul, and other connectivity and computing infrastructures — guarantee the necessary, and almost never existent, connectivity across millions of arable hectares in Brazil. They allow for the collection of large amounts of data to optimize business decisions and provide real-time information to remote operations centers. This includes online surveillance, crop development monitoring, livestock health monitoring, asset tracking, remote workforce training, etc.

The term “digital transformation” in agriculture refers to the application of technology to increase the productivity and efficiency of farming operations. Beyond the use of drones and other autonomous equipment for monitoring and managing plantings and crops, it also enables the use of precision farming techniques, such as automated planting and fertilizer management. Furthermore, optimization of agricultural planning and better decision-making in areas like weather forecasting and market analysis can be achieved through digital tools such as data analytics and machine learning with AI/ML. In general, farmers can benefit from digital transformation in agriculture by increasing yields, reducing costs, and improving sustainability.

Use cases driving efficiency and productivity

Private 4G/5G connectivity ensures that even the most remote farms remain connected when public network coverage is insufficient, allowing for the deployment of smart agricultural applications for real-time data analysis. Additionally, the use of a private network facilitates the movement of machinery, as it is not limited to a public coverage area.

With high capacity for machine-to-field communication and low latency for machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, smart agribusiness can benefit from applications such as robots, drones, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), vehicle fleet tracking, and more.

Among some of the most important functionalities, large amounts of data can be collected from fields, barns, greenhouses, and other agricultural facilities through remote inspection. A vast amount of information can also be delivered from operations centers to remote locations to improve agricultural surveillance, crop health monitoring, livestock health monitoring and tracking, and workforce dispatch and training.

Likewise, combining GPS, sensors, and imaging can improve decisions related to the deployment of robotic vehicles that cultivate the land. As more machines and processes are automated, a centralized solution in an operations center can operate multiple machines in the field.

There are so many possibilities that this space becomes too limited for so many practical and real-world applications. But let’s try to cover some of them — the most important ones:

• Autonomous Vehicles: Essential in the field, tractors are traditionally driven by employees. By removing the human from the driver’s seat, an autonomous tractor can plow the land on a 24/7 basis. Add Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geolocation for automated routing, and the desired efficiency will be easily achieved. Manufacturers such as John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Mahindra, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson are already developing autonomous prototypes or products. 
  

• Planting: Automated planting systems can be used to plant seeds at precise intervals and depths, and at the most appropriate times for each seed, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity.

• Harvesting: Automated harvesting systems can be used to harvest seeds, fruits, and vegetables, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency.
• Pest Control: Autonomous robots and drones can be used to spray pesticides and herbicides, reducing the requirement for manual labor and increasing efficiency.
• Soil and Weather Monitoring: Automated sensors can be used to collect data on soil moisture, temperature, and other factors, which can then be used to optimize planting and fertilization.
• Greenhouse and Silo Control: Automated systems can be used to control temperature, humidity, and light levels in greenhouses and storage silos, increasing productivity and reducing the need for manual labor.
• Predictive Analytics: Data collection and analysis help farmers make valuable forecasts. For instance, using historical data on soil moisture and agricultural analysis software allows farmers to predict future soil conditions. A smart farming system using private 5G networks will help identify patterns and make data-driven decisions.
• Drone Usage: Farmers can use drones to monitor crops, livestock, and the field itself, as well as to spray water and agrochemicals. They allow for limited and precise spraying without overusing chemicals or harming crops. It is also a much more affordable alternative than driving tractors through fields and doing all the work manually. One of the benefits of a private 5G network for agriculture is increased speed, which provides higher-quality video data. Drones are equipped with AI-powered cameras to analyze crops and assess their health. By evaluating plant color and texture, drones generate real-time reports, enabling farmers to make quick harvesting decisions.

• Livestock Tracking: Monitoring the health, fertility, and feed intake of livestock is crucial for cost-effective management. To date, most animal monitoring devices are not 5G sensors, but rather Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRa, which makes the signal more unstable and less reliable. One of the crucial advantages of 5G in agriculture is the strong signal for smart collars and ear tags, which provide precise livestock location and accurately monitor health.

• Weather Stations: To achieve a high level of accuracy regarding climate conditions, farmers install weather stations that continuously measure soil moisture and texture, temperature, wind speed, and UV light exposure. Receiving real-time weather updates can help farmers react quickly and prevent crop losses. The advantages of private 5G in agriculture include high connection speeds and the instantaneous generation of reports with the most up-to-date information.

• Effective Irrigation: Precision irrigation can lead to higher-quality production and reduced water consumption, resulting in lower costs. 5G farms can monitor fields and crops while analyzing the soil to calculate water usage. With data on soil composition and water salinity, farmers can make accurate predictions and configure irrigation cycles to maximize profits. 

Conclusion

With nearly 64 million hectares — or 640,000 km² — of arable land in Brazil, the need for digital transformation in agriculture is growing rapidly. To produce enough food for the entire population and export the surplus, we must utilize the latest technologies to optimize and accelerate agricultural processes. As in most industries, using the right technology can help us reduce the consumption of water, electricity, and inputs, streamline resource distribution, and increase productivity.

Agriculture, which has traditionally been an industry resistant to change and innovation, has been modernizing in recent years. Private 5G technology could be the answer.