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Digital technologies are integrated with farming in a pilot project in Shangyu district, Shaoxing. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A smart farming project utilizing big data and internet of things technologies have been piloted in a farm in Shangyu district, Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province.

In July, Datong Farm in Shangyu carried out this agricultural project in which cutting-edge technologies are utilized to regulate moisture, temperature, and illumination based on the real-time needs of plants.

In the smart greenhouse, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation are managed automatically by a system, which is accessible by phone.

The plantation base covers an area of 1,600 square meters and has drawn more than 1.5 million yuan ($231,600) in investment.

Typically, the maturation period for melons is about 65 days. However, this period is shortened to only 30 or so days, according to a technical worker at the base.

"We know what the plants need through the use of digital technology. The new technology-powered management mode helps lower costs and improve the survival rate of plants," said Hu Youdi, a staff member of the base.

Hu expressed his hope that digital technology will be promoted to more farmers.