Feb. 7, 2012 If sensors are supposed to communicate with each
other to compare the measured data and to secure them, then, in
the future, a network of distributed sensor nodes will aid in
that: the network ensures a problem-free communication between
the sensors. For example, they can be used to reliably monitor
the watering of plants. At the 'embedded world' trade fair,
taking place from 2/28 -- 3/1 in Nuremberg (Germany), the
researchers are showcasing a technological demonstration. A
green thumb is required where plants are to grow abundantly --
that also applies to watering them in dry areas. If they are
watered too much, then the soil becomes saline; if the plants
receive too little moisture, they let their leaves droop and, in
the worst case, they wither. In the future, sensors in the soil,
a central unit and an associated app will supplement the green
thumb: one look at the smart phone and the farmer will know what
moisture content the soil has. Which plants need water, which do
not? If the plants get