AUTOMATIC PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

KHIZER HAYYAT (21-ARID-1415)

MASHHOOD TARIQ (21-ARID1416)

MOIZ UR REHMAN (21-ARID-1418)

MUHAMMAD HASEEB (21-ARID-1421)

INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL (FMPE-404)

Semester project of the degree of

Bachelor of Sciences in Department of

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

ARID AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY RAWALPINDI

May 2023

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CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGE NO
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES

1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 OVERVIEW
1.2 AIM
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

2 BACKGROUND 5
2.1 EXISTING SYSTEM
2.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM

3 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 7
COMPONENTS USED IN DESIGNING
3.1 HARDWARE REQUIREMENT
3.1.1 LM358
3.1.2 SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR
3.1.3 RELAY
3.1.4 DC MOTOR PUMP

4 DESIGN 1
4.1 FLOW CHART
4.2 FLOW DIAGRAM

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4.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
4.4 ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATIC PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO
4.5 APPLICATIONS OF AUTOMATIC PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

4.6 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
4.7 LIMITATIONS OF AUTOMATIC PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

5 RESULT ANALYSIS 20
5.1 METHODOLOGY
5.2 PROJECT PLAN
5.2.1 INITIAL INVESTIGATION OF DESIGN
5.3 WORKING

6 CONCLUSION 24

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 ABSTRACT

This project on "Automatic Plant Irrigation System" is intended to create an

automated irrigation mechanism which turns the pumping motor ON and OFF by
detecting the dampness/moisture content of the soil. In the domain of farming,
utilization of appropriate means of irrigation is significant. The benefit of employing
these techniques is to decrease human interference and still make certain appropriate
irrigation.

The proposed model consists of three stages: Firstly, sensing the land’s
moisture levels. Second stage is the determination of its status: dry or wet. The last
and third stage is Motor control.

This project proposes the development of Automatic Plant Irrigation System

(APIS) capable of detecting loss of moisture in soil using the soil moisture sensor.
Specifically, APIS utilizes the Soil Moisture Sensor to detect water content level in
soil and give appropriate responses to the system based on detected condition. Using
this response, APIS determines whether or not the land needs to be irrigated. In the
current version, APIS is capable of detecting and irrigating a small area that can be
considered to be under a single pump’s coverage. Implemented using Operational
Amplifier LM358, APIS uses live input data to determine the conditions. APIS
represents our most basic step towards automated farming to improve turnover and
reduce the impact of draught or loss due to irrigation issues.

Sr..No. Figure Page number

3.1.1 Arduino UNO 9

3.1.2 soil moisture sensor 10

3.1.3. Rely module. 11

3.1.4. DC motor pump 12

4.1 Flow chart 16

4.3 Circuit diagram 18

5.3.1 Working model 21

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW

An automatic plant watering system revolutionizes the way we care for

our plants, providing a convenient and efficient solution to the challenges
faced in the past with manual watering. In the past, plant owners had to rely on
their memory and availability to water their plants regularly, often leading to
inconsistent watering schedules and potentially detrimental effects on plant
health. This manual approach required constant monitoring, especially during
periods of absence or busy schedules, making it difficult to maintain optimal
moisture levels and prevent both under and over-watering.

However, with the advent of automatic plant watering systems, these challenges
have been significantly mitigated. These systems utilize various components and
technologies to ensure that plants receive the right amount of water at the right time,
regardless of the owner’s availability or memory. Typically, these systems consist of
a combination of sensors, timers, and irrigation mechanisms.

Sensors play a crucial role in an automatic plant watering system by monitoring soil
moisture levels, ambient temperature, and humidity. They provide real-time data,
allowing the system to assess the plant’s needs accurately. If the moisture level falls
below a predetermined threshold, the system triggers the watering process.

Timers are another essential component that allows users to program watering
schedules based on specific plant requirements. This feature is especially beneficial
for plants with different watering needs or for those in different stages of growth. By
setting customized watering intervals, plant owners can ensure that each plant
receives adequate hydration without overburdening or neglecting any specific plant.

The irrigation mechanisms in automatic plant watering systems can vary depending
on the system’s complexity and design. Simple systems may utilize drip irrigation,
where water is slowly released near the plant’s roots, minimizing water wastage and
maximizing absorption. More advanced systems can incorporate adjustable sprayers
or misters that provide a fine spray of water, simulating natural rainfall.

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 One significant advantage of automatic plant watering systems is their ability to
conserve water. Unlike manual watering methods, these systems deliver water
precisely where it is needed, reducing wastage and ensuring efficient usage.
Additionally, by maintaining consistent moisture levels, these systems help prevent
overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other water-related issues.

Overall, automatic plant watering systems have transformed the way we care for our
plants. They provide a reliable and convenient solution to the challenges of manual
watering, offering consistent hydration based on real-time data and customized
schedules. With their ability to conserve water and promote healthier plant growth,
these systems have become invaluable tools for both casual gardeners and
professional horticulturists, simplifying plant care and enhancing overall plant
health.

1.2 AIM OF THE PROJECT

The motivation for this project came from the countries where economy is based on
agriculture and the climatic conditions lead to lack of rains & scarcity of water. Our
country mostly depends on agriculture. The farmers working in the farm lands are solely
dependent on the rains and bore wells for irrigation of the land. Even if the farm land has
a water-pump, manual intervention by farmers is required to turn the pump on/off
whenever needed.

The project aim is to detect the dryness in soil using sensors and provide water to the
plants appropriately. This project helps to maintain the plants quite easily. In this
project we are detecting soil moisture and need for Irrigation.

The Aim of our project is to minimize this manual intervention by the farmer.
Automated Irrigation system will serve the following purposes:

1) As there is no un-planned usage of water, a lot of water is saved from being wasted.

2) The irrigation is done only when there is not enough moisture in the soil and the
sensors decide when the pump should be turned on/off. This saves a lot time for the
farmers. This also gives much needed rest to the farmers, as they don’t have to go and
turn the pump on/off manually.

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Nowadays, despite being an agricultural country, the number of people who die of
hunger is still quite high. Access to food seems to be difficult, as price and quantity of
food is still beyond the capability of the lower middle class and lower class. Irrigation
induced Crop failure is a major cause of crop loss every year, and in the age of water
crises, this has been elevated to great levels. In order to keep up with increasing demand,

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farmers are required to increase crop efficiency, by rapidly advancing technologies. In
order to handle Irrigation issues, this system has been devised and implemented.
Usually, farmers need large scale manpower to irrigate large lands simultaneously.
However Automatic Plant Irrigation System (APIS) is an automatic system that
facilitates automated irrigation of lands simultaneously, upon need.

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 CHAPTER 2
BACKGROUND
2.1 EXISTING SYSTEM

The continuous increasing demand of food requires the rapid improvement in food
production technology. In a country like India, where the economy is mainly based on
agriculture and the climatic conditions are isotropic, still we are not able to make full use
of agricultural resources.

The main reason is the lack of rains & scarcity of land reservoir water. The
continuous extraction of water from earth is reducing the water level due to which
lot of land is coming slowly in the zones of un-irrigated land. Another very
important reason of this is due to unplanned use of water due to which a significant
amount of water goes to waste.

The existing system of manual irrigation is very inefficient in regard to solving these
issues. In modern drip irrigation systems, the most significant advantage is that water is
supplied near the root zone of the plants drip by drip due to which a large quantity of
water is saved. At the present era, the farmers have been using irrigation techniques in
India through manual control in which farmers irrigate the land at the regular intervals.
This process sometimes consumes more water or sometimes the water reaches late due
to which crops get dried. Water deficiency can be detrimental to plants before visible
wilting occurs. Slowed growth rate, lighter weight fruit follows slight water deficiency.
This problem can be perfectly rectified if we use automatic irrigation system in which
the irrigation will take place only when there will be acute requirement of water.

2.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM

The proposed system of irrigation for the automatic plant watering project aims to
address the challenges faced in traditional plant watering methods. The current
methods often suffer from issues such as time constraints and excessive water usage.
To overcome these problems, the proposed system incorporates an automated
mechanism that regulates the water supply to the plants based on their specific needs.
By utilizing sensors, the system detects soil moisture levels and triggers the
irrigation process only when necessary. This ensures efficient water usage and
prevents overwatering, thereby promoting healthier plant growth. Additionally, the
system can be programmed to adjust the watering schedule based on factors like

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 weather conditions and plant types. By implementing this proposed irrigation
system, the project aims to optimize plant care, conserve water resources, and
simplify the maintenance process for plant enthusiasts.

CHAPTER 3

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
3.1 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

The hardware components required for the project are listed as follows:

--

S.NO. COMPONENT TYPE COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1. Arduino Arduino UNO Microcontroller

R3
2. Sensor Soil moisture -
sensor

3. Rely Relay module 5V

4. Motor Water pump 5V

Table 3.1. list of components

3.1.1 Arduino

Arduino is a versatile and widely used open-source electronics platform that has
revolutionized the world of hobbyists, students, and professionals alike. Developed in
the early 2000s, Arduino has become synonymous with the do-it-yourself (DIY)
culture, providing a simple yet powerful tool for creating interactive projects and
prototypes. At its core, Arduino consists of a microcontroller board and an integrated
development environment (IDE) that allows users to write and upload code to control
various electronic components. What sets Arduino apart is its accessibility and user-

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friendly nature, making it accessible to people with little or no prior experience in
programming or electronics. With a vast array of sensors, actuators, and shields
available, Arduino can be used to build a wide range of projects, from simple LED
blinking to complex robotic systems. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the world
of electronics or an experienced maker pushing the boundaries of innovation, Arduino
provides a solid foundation for turning ideas into reality.

fig 3.1.2 Arduino UNO R3

3.1.2. SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR

Moisture sensors are essential tools for monitoring and managing water levels in various
applications. These sensors provide accurate and real-time measurements of moisture
content in soil, helping optimize irrigation and prevent overwatering. Moisture sensors
are also used in building materials to detect and prevent moisture-related issues like
mold and rot. With their versatility and efficiency, moisture sensors play a crucial role in
maintaining optimal moisture conditions for various industries.

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 fig.3.1.2soil moisture sensor

3.1.3. RELAY MODULE

The Rely module is designed to enhance communication and understanding. Rely

ensures data security and privacy, keeping sensitive information p With its efficiency
and user-friendly features, Rely simplifies collaborative efforts. It promotes trust by
fostering transparent and reliable interactions. Through its intuitive interface, users can
exchange information seamlessly.

3.1.4. DC MOTOR PUMP

A DC motor is any of a class of rotary electrical machines that converts direct current electrical
power into mechanical power.

A DC motor pump is essentially a DC Motor that is used to circulate water. The

internal structure is the same. The DC motor is encased in a waterproof plastic casing
and the shaft is used to drive an external arm that pumps water. The Pump requires a
5V supply, which can be easily provided by batteries or AC supply.

fig.3.1.4. DC MOTOR PUMP

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 CHAPTER 4

SYSTEM DESIGN
4.1 FLOW CHART

fig.4.1. flow chart of the circuit

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where m – detected moisture level.

x – threshold moisture level.

4.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

4.4 ADVANTAGES

 The main advantage of this project is that it has faster execution when compared to
manual execution of the process.

 It is simple, portable and provides high performance.

 It consumes less power

 Dryness can be easily detected in soil.

 Permits a non- expert to do the work of an expert.

 Improves productivity by increasing work output and improving efficiency.

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  Saves time in accomplishing specific objective.

 This system ensures that the plants do not endure from the strain or stress of less
and over watering.

 This system saves labour cost and water up to 70%. The working of this irrigation
system covers over 40 crops spanning across 500 acres.
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4.5 APPLICATIONS OF PROJECT
We propose an application to detect water deficiency state in soil based exclusively
on sensor-provided data.
In an Automated Irrigation System, the most significant advantage is that water is
supplied only when the moisture in soil goes below a pre-set threshold value.

 This system can be used in roof gardens in highly populated areas where
land is expensive and gardening on rooftops seems like the only viable
option left.
 The lawns of houses and public buildings can be maintained by these
systems, thereby reducing the need for human monitoring.

 The greatest application is in agricultural lands, where farmers are assisted

greatly by this. There is no need for the farmer to actually be present
during operation.
 Gardens that need to be monitored in the absence of home owners require
systems like APIS. Home gardens that are maintained with large effort by
home owners require proper observation and maintenance. It can be
provided by APIS.
 This system can be used in the field of pisciculture. Fish farming or
pisciculture involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures,
usually for food. It is the principal form of aquaculture, while other
methods may fall under mariculture. The fishes need to be in a depth of 1m
in the aquarium and this depth is maintained with the help of APIS. The
appropriate threshold value is assigned and the circuit is operated.
 Irrigation in parks needs to be done even when people are not there to
maintain the grass or trees.
 Detection in this manner is cheap, non-invasive and can be applied on a
population-wide scale.
 The presence of technology in all aspects of life has enabled solutions to
real life problem that were either difficult or unfeasible.

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4.6 FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

The application certainly is much more advantageous than the manual system. There
will be no bias in the regions being covered and the delay is kept as minimal as it can be.

• The operator does not require any previous training because of its user friendliness.

• The operator is free from any technical issues. Extremely simple design makes the
circuit easy to implement and maintain.

• Alterations in the system can be done easily if the process of the working changes in
future.

• In future according to the user’s requirement it can be updated to meet the user
requirements.
• Smart Wifi Irrigation Controllers are next generation controllers that adjust your
irrigation system automatically using real-time weather information. Moreover, you
can control it from anywhere, anytime.

4.7 LIMITATIONS

 The system requires two different power supplies. While implementing in large
fields, industrial supply can be used to run the motor. In small gardens this may
seem like a large wastage.
 Needs a large amount of sensing equipment for very large irrigation areas.
 The system is not 100% reliable. Unexpected factors can cause errors, and it may
in some cases cause loss. Despite being good, it needs to be manually checked
and maintained once every few weeks..

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 Chapter 5

System Implementation

5.1 METHODOLOGY
Implementation of the project required the design of the system developed in the
design phase of the project to be carefully implemented.

The extensive implementation of automated systems in agriculture has proven to

successfully reduce cost. The operation of automated agricultural system could
potentially revolutionize the irrigation process and the way it has impacted the
commercial & industrial sectors. Thus, this project has been an expert or non-expert-
system-based method of field monitoring for detecting dryness & treatment of the field.
The prototype system food and beverage industry has the potential to be useful for the
industry, seeking ways to make agriculture cost effective. Furthermore, the ultimate
beneficiaries of the project are the farmers who are the backbone of an agricultural
economy.

5.2 PROJECT PLAN

Our project plan revolves around developing an automatic plant watering system, and
our team consists of four members: Haseeb, Mashood, Khizer, and Moiz. Each team
member has specific responsibilities and roles in the project.

During the initial Research and Planning phase, Haseeb will be responsible for defining
the project scope and requirements, ensuring they align with the desired objectives.
Mashood will conduct research on existing automatic plant watering systems,
identifying potential solutions and best practices. Khizer will focus on selecting suitable
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sensors for measuring soil moisture, considering factors such as accuracy and
compatibility with the system. Moiz will allocate responsibilities to team members,
create a project schedule with milestones, and ensure the project stays on track.

In the System Design phase, Haseeb will lead the team in designing the overall system
architecture, ensuring it meets the project requirements. Mashood will determine the
communication protocol between the sensors, controller, and water supply, establishing
efficient and reliable connections. Khizer will select appropriate microcontrollers or
development boards for the system, considering factors like processing power and ease
of integration. Moiz will oversee the design of circuitry for sensor connections and
control mechanisms, ensuring proper functioning and compatibility.

For Sensor Integration, Haseeb will oversee the procurement of sensors, ensuring
they meet the required specifications. Mashood will interface the sensors with the
microcontroller or development board, developing code to read and interpret sensor
data accurately. Khizer will be responsible for calibrating the sensors, ensuring
precise and consistent moisture measurements. Moiz will conduct rigorous testing of
the sensor integration, verifying data accuracy and addressing any issues that arise.

In the Watering Mechanism phase, Haseeb will lead the design and implementation of
the water supply mechanism, selecting appropriate pumps, valves, or irrigation systems.
Mashood will interface the water supply components with the microcontroller, ensuring
seamless control of the watering process. Khizer will develop control algorithms to
regulate the watering mechanism, optimizing efficiency and water consumption. Moiz
will conduct thorough testing of the watering mechanism, ensuring its proper
functionality under different conditions.

During Controller Development, Haseeb will program the microcontroller or

development board to act as the system controller, implementing logic for monitoring
moisture levels and controlling the watering process. Mashood will develop a user
interface for adjusting system parameters and viewing status, enhancing user-
friendliness. Khizer will focus on error handling mechanisms and safety features,
ensuring the system operates reliably. Moiz will rigorously test the controller software
for responsiveness and reliability.

In the Integration and Testing phase, Haseeb will oversee the integration of all
components, ensuring proper functionality and compatibility. Mashood will conduct
thorough system testing, simulating various environmental conditions to validate system
performance. Khizer will address any issues or bugs encountered during testing, working
closely with the team to resolve them effectively. Moiz will optimize the system for
efficiency and power consumption, ensuring it meets the desired standards.

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For Documentation and User Manual, Haseeb will prepare comprehensive
documentation for the project, documenting the system design, hardware connections,
and software implementation. Mashood will create a user manual, explaining the system
operation and maintenance procedures. Khizer will incorporate troubleshooting guides
and FAQs, addressing common user queries. Moiz will review and finalize the
documentation, ensuring its clarity and completeness.

Finally, during the Presentation and Demonstration phase, Haseeb will prepare a
presentation to showcase the project’s objectives, design, and implementation. Mashood
will assist in demonstrating the automatic plant watering system to stakeholders and
potential users, highlighting its features and benefits. Khizer will gather feedback from
the audience and incorporate suggestions for improvement. Moiz will evaluate the
project’s success and identify areas for future development.

Throughout the project, effective collaboration, communication, and coordination among

all team members are crucial for its successful completion. Each member’s assigned
responsibilities

5.2.1. Initial Investigation of design:

The most crucial phase of managing system projects is planning to launch a system
investigation, we need a master plan detailing the steps to be taken, the people to be
questioned, and outcome expected. The initial investigation has the objective of
determining whether the user’s request has potential merits the major steps are defining
user requirements, studying the present system and defining the performance expected
by candidate system to meet user requirements. The first step in the system development
life cycle is the identification of need. There may be a user request to change, improve or
enhance an existing system. The initial investigation is one way of handling these needs.
The objective is to determine whether the request is valid and feasible before a
recommendation is reached to do nothing, improve or modify the existing system, are to
build a new one.

Thus for an effective test and written paper follow-up data resulting from different
circumstances, it is vital to design the APIS.

5.3 WORKING:

The automatic plant watering system operates by using an Arduino UNO

microcontroller, a moisture sensor, a 5V water pump, a 5V relay module, and a 9V
power supply. The moisture sensor is placed in the plant’s soil to measure the moisture
level. The Arduino UNO reads the analog signal from the moisture sensor to determine
the moisture level. If the moisture level falls below a preset threshold, indicating that the
soil is dry, the Arduino triggers the relay module. The relay module acts as a switch to
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control the 5V water pump. When the relay module is activated, it allows the power
from the 9V supply to flow through the water pump, turning it on. The water pump
pumps water from a container or reservoir to the plant’s soil, providing it with the
necessary moisture. Once the moisture level rises above the threshold, the Arduino turns
off the relay module, thereby deactivating the water pump. This process ensures that the
plant receives water only when needed, automating the watering process and maintaining
optimal soil moisture levels for plant growth.

5.3.1. WORKING MODEL STRUCTURE

fig.5.3.1. Working model

CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION

Irrigation becomes easy, accurate and practical with the idea above shared and
can be implemented in agricultural fields in future to promote agriculture to next level.
The output from moisture sensor and level system plays major role in producing the
output.

Thus the “AUTOMATIC PLANT IRRIGATION SYSTEM” (APIS) has been

designed and tested successfully. It has been developed by integrating all the features of
all the hardware components used. Presence of every module has been reasoned above
and placed carefully in order to contribute to the best working of the unit. The system
has been tested to function automatically, and to the best of its ability. The moisture
sensors measure the moisture level (water content) of the different plants. If the moisture
level is found to be below the desired level, the moisture sensor sends the signal to the
operational amplifier which triggers the DC Motor pump to turn ON and supply the
water to respective field area. When the desired moisture level is reached, the system
halts on its own and the DC Motor pump is turned OFF. Thus, the functionality of the
entire system has been tested thoroughly and it is said to function successfully.

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