Inrowenheter

Inrowenheter, a term used in precision agriculture, refers to hardware devices placed directly in the plant row to perform sensing, actuation or measurement for crop management. The concept emphasizes positioning inputs and sensors close to the root zone and the plant stems to enable localized monitoring and control.

Typical inrowenheter include soil and microclimate sensors (soil moisture, temperature, EC, pH), as well as actuators such as fertigation injectors, in-row irrigation emitters or dosing systems. Some configurations combine sensing and actuation in a single unit, while others distribute separate modules along the row. They are commonly deployed in greenhouses and field crops where row spacing allows direct installation between plants.

Operating principles and integration vary, but most inrowenheter are modular and designed for compatibility with farm management software or IoT platforms. Power is usually supplied by batteries or solar panels, and data and control commands are transmitted via wireless networks such as LoRa, ZigBee, or cellular connections. Installation involves securing the unit within the crop row, protecting sensitive components, and calibrating sensors to ensure reliable readings.

Advantages of inrowenheter include targeted resource use, improved input efficiency, reduced runoff, and the ability to support site-specific decisions. Limitations can include higher initial costs, maintenance needs in harsh outdoor conditions, sensor drift, and the requirement for robust data integration and coverage across large fields.

See also: precision agriculture, remote sensing, smart farming, IoT in farming.