Aranet is an environmental monitoring system developed by SAF Tehnika JSC, a wireless equipment manufacturer based in Riga, Latvia. Its wireless sensors, designed for remote monitoring of environmental conditions, optimize precision agriculture, especially for greenhouse growers, farmers, and other crop producers.
A versatile solution for growers
Aranet's wireless sensors use Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology, which allows for communication over long distances—up to 3 km in a line-of-sight configuration—without requiring electricity or internet connectivity. According to Evija Gosse, an expert at Aranet, "Our sensors will wirelessly deliver real-time data about the plants and environmental conditions without electricity or the Internet in the grow room. No cables, gateways, receivers, or amplifiers must be installed in the plant area." This feature makes the sensors particularly appealing for remote or off-grid locations, such as greenhouses, indoor grow rooms, and vertical farms.
"I would say that the core components of our Aranet ecosystem include the sensor(s), a base station, and a cloud platform," Evija explains. "While the cloud platform is optional, it provides powerful data analytics and insights to help growers make informed decisions."
One base station can handle up to 100 sensors, which are ideal for reading and storing data within its signal range. This flexibility allows growers to optimize crop and resource management by remotely monitoring environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture.
Assisting growers with decision-making
Aranet's sensors are designed to help growers address an important challenge: the need for accurate, real-time data on environmental conditions that directly affect plant health. Evija explains, "The primary value is that the more accurate data growers get, the better decisions they can make about their growth strategies."
"One example is that the sensors can detect uneven watering conditions, where one part of the greenhouse might be overwatered, and another part might be underwatered. This data enables growers to adjust their irrigation strategies to ensure more consistent plant health and optimized water usage."
Moreover, the sensors can provide insights into the performance of climate control systems, such as fans and HVAC units. "Growers can detect if a fan is working too vigorously and drying out your plants more than necessary," Evija says. This precision leads to better crop yields and contributes to sustainability by conserving water resources and reducing fertilizer usage. "Aranet has documented yield increases of up to 20% over a season for growers who have integrated the system into their operations," Evija adds.
Versatility in crop management
Aranet's sensors have various applications, from staple greenhouse crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers to more specialized crops such as cannabis, flowers, shrubs, and even berries. One key advantage of Aranet sensors is their versatility in measuring environmental conditions across various growing media.
"For example, our top-selling Aranet soil sensors TEROS-12 and WET150, measure electrical conductivity (EC), volumetric water content (VWC), and temperature in substrates. They are calibrated for six different growing mediums, including soil, rockwool, coco, peat, and soilless media. This calibration allows growers to tailor their sensor setups to meet the needs of various crops and growing conditions," Evija shares.
Additionally, Aranet offers complementary sensors like the Pulse Counter and Hour Meter, which help track resource usage—such as water, gas, and electricity—further enhancing resource management. "These sensors enable efficient resource management and optimized operations, ensuring that growers can monitor and minimize waste," Evija notes.
Aranet's growing global presence
The company has established partnerships in over 130 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. " We see an increasing demand for wireless, battery-powered sensors and believe Aranet is well-positioned to meet it."
"Our sensors are manufactured in Europe, and quality consistency is essential for these markets," Evija explains. This focus on quality has helped Aranet build strong relationships with major industry players. One notable example is their collaboration with PRIVA, a leading climate control company based in the Netherlands. Aranet has also forged partnerships with prominent organizations like Argus Controls, Conviron, and Growlink, which have expanded the company's reach, particularly in North America's cannabis industry.
Cost, accuracy, and durability
When it comes to soil moisture sensors, growers face a trade-off between cost, accuracy, and durability. "Aranet offers solutions for both basic and advanced needs, ensuring that growers can select the right sensor for their operations," Evija says. "For basic moisture measurements, Aranet offers affordable, robust sensors that provide steady performance. However, for more demanding applications, the company's EC and VWC sensors are calibrated for specific growing mediums to ensure precise and durable results," she explains.
"Our goal is to strike the perfect balance: delivering top-quality sensors at reasonable prices while maintaining application flexibility."
For more information:
Aranet | Saftehnika
aranet.com