Abstract:
Executive Summary
A microcontroller-based device has been designed and developed which automatically
controls the irrigation system based on soil moisture. It is commonly known that drip
irrigation is incredibly cost-effective and efficient. The irrigation has been made fully
automated as part of the project. This concept uses inexpensive sensors and simple circuitry
to create a low-cost device that will be beneficial for indoor planting and roof top garden.
Third-world nations may also afford to use this simplistic, inexpensive irrigation system to
get decent crop yields. The ARDUINO UNO microcontroller serves as the project's heart.
Different sensors like temperature and moisture has been used to automatically identify
when the irrigation will be required and a solenoid valve controls the irrigation amount. An
LCD has been connected with the microcontroller which displays moisture level and
ambient temperature. There are pushbuttons available to establish the moisture thresholds for
turning on the solenoid valve that regulates the water flow to the field. For data logging and
analysis, the SD card receives regular transmissions of the soil moisture and temperature
conditions. A well-designed PCB circuit board has been developed to hold all the PCB
components. To hold the ARDUINO microcontroller, PCB board, LCD display and overall
parts make an automatic device. The whole device has been tested successfully in five pot
based tomato plant and all necessary data has been recorded. The water saving in automatic
device-based drip irrigation is 35% and the yield increased by 20% compared to manual drip
irrigation, it would suggest that automatic drip irrigation is a more efficient method for
irrigating crops.
