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August 24, 2006
Geospatial Applications: NDSU Extension to Discuss Wireless Technology and Energy Efficiency at Big Iron
Just like global positioning systems, wireless technology is finding its way to the farm. Wireless technology is a method of sending data between electronic devices using radio waves. Wireless Local Area Networks allow computers and other electronic devices to communicate with each other. Farmers can use wireless technology to remotely monitor, and control conditions and activities, at various locations on the farm. Commercial sensors are available to monitor a wide variety of conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, moisture, insect activity, electrical use, motion, light, on/off activity and an open/closed position. The practical applications of these sensors allow farmers to monitor such things as weather conditions, stored grain conditions, confined livestock facilities, water tank levels, irrigation equipment and gate positions from remote locations up to several miles from their office computer. Wireless networks also can incorporate separate signals to control activities at remote sites, such as switching motors on and off. These same wireless networks can provide wireless Internet access throughout the farm area. The North Dakota State University Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department Extension faculty will display and demonstrate wireless equipment to remotely monitor stored grain conditions and the water level in livestock tanks at the Big Iron Show in West Fargo on Sept. 12 through 14. Monitoring grain temperature enables farmers to determine when grain aeration has cooled stored grain and recognize changes in grain condition. Increased temperatures can result from insect activity or mold growth in stored grain, so remotely monitoring the temperature of stored grain can warn farmers of potential problems. The convenience of monitoring the water level in a remote livestock watering tank from an office computer provides assurance that livestock have water available and saves the time and money required to travel to the pasture to check the tank. Extension faculty will be available throughout the Big Iron Show at the combined North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota Extension booth. In addition to the information on wireless technology, NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Extension faculty will have educational displays on ethanol and biodiesel production, livestock utilization of ethanol and biodiesel production byproducts and suggestions for energy efficient crop production practices. Faculty will be available to discuss issues relating to grain drying and storage, geospatial technology, spray technology, irrigation and drainage. The University of Minnesota Extension Service faculty will be available to discuss issues relating to general crop production and fertility recommendations. NDSU Extension Animal and Range Science faculty will be available to discuss general livestock production and drought-related issues. Both universities have information available on Web sites that will be accessible at the booth. The NDSU Extension Web site is www.ext.nodak.edu/ and the engineering Web site is www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/. The University of Minnesota Extension Web site is www.extension.umn.edu/. The NDSU Extension Service also will have copies of engineering publications available. ### Source: John
Nowatzki, (701) 231-8213, jnowatzk@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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