IoT-enabled agricultural environmental monitoring: Enhancing growth and yield using natural-rubber straw and mulching experiment

This study investigates the use of IoT-enabled environmental monitoring to compare the effects of natural rubber latex (NRL) and traditional mulching materials, including rice straw and polyethylene (PE) film, on the growth, yield, and postharvest quality of Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber). The research specifically explores NRL-based film and straw as sustainable mulching alternatives, enhanced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) for improved mechanical properties. Environmental conditions, including soil temperature, moisture, and air conditions were continuously monitored using IoT sensors, providing real-time data for analysis. The results show that NRL straw significantly reduced soil temperature by 1–4°C, promoting better cucumber growth and higher yields than either rice straw or PE film. NRL film increased soil moisture retention at a 5 cm depth and improved fruit quality, particularly in terms of skin color. Both NRL mulching types demonstrated strong potential for sustainable agriculture by enhancing growth efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and offering a cost-effective alternative to synthetic mulching materials. These findings underscore the value of IoT technology in optimizing resource use and improving crop management in modern agricultural systems.