Effect of vegetation on radio wave propagation in 920-MHz and 2.4-GHz bands

Collecting data of propagation losses in farm fields is important to design a wireless network in a farm. They are used in calculating the link budget to establish a proper and efficient node arrangement. In this study, propagation losses in a 50 x 50 m mulberry field were measured in 920-MHz and 2.4-GHz bands. Received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) were measured as a function of the distance and the angle between the propagation direction and the ridges (bush arrays). The data were converted to the vegetation attenuations and the propagation characteristics were compared in both bands. The antennas were placed at a height of 1.5 m. The height of the bush was 1.5 - 3.5 m. Moreover, the horizontal and vertical polarizations were measured and the differences were shown.