As a result of this pilot project, we know that the ecoids give us useful information, that they're compatible with a working farm, and that they can survive wet, cold and windy weather. We also know that there are a number of improvements we'd like to make.
Standard batteries will be replaced with batteries charged by solar or wind power, so that ecoids can stay in place for longer. This means we can also leave some of them permanently switched on to use as routers, so that we can transmit data over longer distances. Once our range increases, we can start to understand more about some of the different microclimates around the farm and their suitability for tender plants such as banana.
Longer term (and subject to funding), more sophisticated sensors will be incorporated in the ecoids to ensure they operate consistently with one another and can be properly calibrated with standard measurements.
Ecoids may make a return visit to West Town Farm later this year for a test-run of some of their new features and to give local schools an opportunity to work with them.
