Direction-Dependent Path Loss Modeling in Olive Orchards for Precision Agriculture

Abstract

Wireless links deployed in orchards often exhibit significant variability in the strength of the received signal that is not adequately captured by classical distance-based propagation models. In row-structured olive groves, signal attenuation differs markedly between along-row and cross-row propagation directions, leading to discrepancies when using omnidirectional propagation assumptions such as those adopted in the Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) model or ITU-R vegetation loss formulations. This paper proposes a topology-based propagation model that explicitly accounts for orchard layout and the relative positions of radio devices within the plantation structure. Experimental validation was conducted using LoRa technology operating at 868 MHz, and the results were compared with established models from the literature and with the proposed two-dimensional model. The proposed approach achieves a closer fit to measured RSSI data than conventional models, providing a more reliable basis for link budgeting and network planning in structured agricultural environments.