Smart and Sustainable Vanilla Production through Soilless Organic Cultivation and IoT-Based Precision Management

Abstract

The vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) is a valuable orchid whose growth, yield, and quality are dependent on genotype, micro-climate, rhizosphere, nutrients, and biotic stresses. The conventional cultivation methods usually operate under variable environmental conditions, hence there is the need for smart climate and resource efficient farming methods. This paper proposes an integrated approach to the precision farming of vanilla, which applies the equation P = G + E + (G×E), in which the performance of the plants is viewed as a function of genotype, environment and their interaction. The proposed approach combines the use of greenhouse farming, soilless substrate systems from locally available materials, IoT-based micro-climate monitoring, precision irrigation via foggers, organic nutrients, and good agricultural practices. There is particular attention paid to the interaction between the availability of macronutrients and micronutrients and environmental factors influencing the growth, yield, and quality of vanilla. Additionally, the biotic stress caused by Fusarium oxysporum will be taken into account. Another important dimension that needs to be considered is the connection between abiotic stress and the formation of secondary metabolites, especially those associated with the formation of vanillin compounds. By combining the environmental monitoring, precision irrigation and nutrition practices, disease management and production of good quality of produce, the suggested system will offer a means of converting traditional vanilla cultivation under protective conditions into climate-smart precision production. This is especially applicable to trellis based cultivation systems of vanilla where local materials and irrigation techniques can be used in conjunction with each other.