3.1 Internet of Things (IoT)
A physical object containing programmable sensors and related software
that connects and exchanges data with other devices and systems over the
Internet or other communication networks is called the Internet of
Things (IoT). A smartwatch is an example of the Internet of Things in
action. There is a wide range of agricultural applications for IoT
technology, especially in terms of monitoring growing conditions for
precision agriculture. The IoT devices are linked and communicate with
each other via a wireless sensor network. Every device is connected to
the internet without human intervention and can transmit data at all
times. IoT can be used in conjunction with sensor-based devices to
support precision agriculture via surveillance-centric agricultural
monitoring systems, smart irrigation-based systems and smart greenhouses
among others. Although blockchain technology is not required for IoT
devices to operate, its use can provide a design basis for IoT
transactions and can assist in building trust, reducing costs, and
accelerating transactions23.
IoT-based agriculture systems offer the potential of collecting
fine-scale information about growing conditions and pest management. IoT
can thus support smart agriculture47.
An IoT powered agricultural blockchain has been envisaged by Chun-Ting
et al.48: