Pycno’s solar-powered sensors and software collect and analyse data, allowing farmers to make data-based decisions for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Pycno sensors are inserted into the ground, collecting data on the amount of sunlight the plants receive, the air temperature and humidity, the soil temperature, and the soil moisture of every 15cm. The sensors are sold in sets of four, with only one master sensor connected to the internet through a SIM card. The other three sensors send their collected data directly to the master sensor which then sends the accumulated data to the software. The sensors are solar powered and are available in three different lengths to measure the soil moisture at different depths. The built in SIM card is supported in over 160 countries.

The software receives the collected data and combines it with data from local weather stations and satellites to advise the farmer on irrigation use, insect and disease growth, and other potential plant stress factors. The data can help prevent problems like over-irrigation and over-use of pesticides and fertilisers. In one project, using Pycno’s sensors and software led to a 70% decrease in water usage.

Why you should care

Pycno’s smart sensors and software can increase the efficiency of agriculture, helping to reduce the quantities of water, fertiliser, and pesticide for the same output. This will be vital if we are to double food production by 2050 to feed the growing population. It may also help farmers to adapt to changing conditions under climate change.

 

How the Global Goals are addressed

Zero Hunger

By being able to predict and thus lower the use of fertilizers in agriculture, Pycno contributes to making agriculture more sustainable and productive.

 

Clean Water and Sanitation

Pycno’s technology improves efficiency of water for irrigation, in one case showing 70% average reduction.