An Arduino Based Automated Gardening Systemfor Efficientand Sustainable Plant Growth

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An Arduino Based Automated Gardening System for Efﬁcient and Sustainable

Plant Growth
Article in International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science · February 2024
DOI: 10.56726/IRJMETS49294
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International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:02/February-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868 www.irjmets.com
AN ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATED GARDENING SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT

AND SUSTAINABLE PLANT GROWTH
Protik Parvez Sheikh*1, Asmaul Hossain Akash*2, Mushfequr Rahman*3,
Tahfim Ibn Khan*4
*1Senior Lecturer, Department Of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, American International
University – Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*2,3,4Student, Department Of Computer Science & Engineering, American International
University – Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
DOI : https://www.doi.org/10.56726/IRJMETS49294
ABSTRACT
The primary objective of this research is to create and execute an automated gardening solution that promotes
effective and environmentally friendly plant growth. This addresses the pressing issues of climate change and
urban development. The setup involves utilizing an Arduino Nano microcontroller, a soil moisture sensor, a
relay module, and a water pump. These components work together to supervise and regulate the optimal soil
moisture levels for healthy plant growth. The experimental setup effectively demonstrated the system's
competence in consistently watering plants and fostering their well-being while being mindful of water
conservation and efficient resource usage. The key findings highlight the system's capability to maintain ideal
growth conditions, minimize water consumption, and encourage sustainable gardening practices. The analysis
indicates that automated gardening systems have the potential to revolutionize agriculture, especially when
coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As these technologies continue to
improve, they will enhance the efficiency and adaptability of such systems. It is crucial to undertake efforts that
enhance education and raise awareness to fully utilize the potential of these systems and promote sustainable
agricultural.
Keywords: Automated Gardening System, Arduino, Automation, Soil Moisture Sensor, Sustainable Agriculture.
I. INTRODUCTION
Climate change arises from activities like vehicle usage, deforestation, and construction, which are essential for
human existence. Plants play a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change [1]. The increased
awareness of climate change has led to a rising interest in automated gardening systems. This interest stems
from individuals' occasional neglect of houseplants, even though these systems create a controlled environment
to foster plant growth. Moreover, they enhance agricultural efficiency and yield while contributing to reducing
carbon emissions. Such systems typically employ various technologies, including sensors, microcontroller units,
and machine learning algorithms. These technologies work together to oversee and regulate environmental
factors like temperature, humidity, and soil nutrient levels.
Objectives
This research aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of an automated gardening system designed to
efficiently nurture indoor plants to their optimal state. This system utilizes microcontrollers, sensors, and
additional devices, contributing to the alleviation of increasing temperatures that pose challenges to terrestrial
life. This study seeks to offer insights into the landscape of automated gardening systems to encourage
extended exploration and investment in this nascent domain. This emerging field holds the capacity to bring
about a transformative shift in our approach to plant cultivation, with the potential to significantly impact
global cooling efforts and make life on Earth more comfortable.
II. BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION
Recently, there has been substantial interest in automated gardening systems, and research conducted in this
field has exhibited promising outcomes. Incorporating diverse sensors, microcontroller units, and machine-
learning algorithms can markedly enhance the effectiveness and productivity of these systems [2]. The
examined studies have showcased the viability and efficacy of different automated gardening setups, including
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intelligent greenhouses, hydroponic arrangements, and vertical farming structures. One instance involves a
clever and automated greenhouse monitoring mechanism integrating sensors and a microcontroller. This setup
is proficient in overseeing various environmental indicators like temperature, humidity, and light intensity, and
it can autonomously regulate irrigation, ventilation, and illumination. Similarly, a hydroponic system
underpinned by the Internet of Things (IoT) was suggested, relying on sensors and actuators for the real-time
supervision and management of parameters like pH, temperature, and nutrient levels [3]. This system can also
be operated remotely through a mobile application. Moreover, a straightforward soil irrigation system tailored
for domestic gardening was developed, acknowledging the time constraints faced by individuals who often
overlook the task of plant watering [4].
III. METHODOLOGY AND MODELING
An elaborate account of the components employed in the experimental configuration is presented,
encompassing the Arduino Nano, relay module, water pump, soil moisture sensor, and jumper cables. The
experimental arrangement entails the interconnection of these elements to forge an automated irrigation
system, which is subject to control through the Arduino Nano's programming. In essence, this furnishes a
pragmatic and inventive remedy for mechanizing the plant watering procedure, offering applicability across
diverse environments such as residences, landscapes, and agricultural fields.
Block Diagram
Figure 1: Block diagram of an Arduino based automated gardening system.

Working Principle
The operational concept of this endeavor involves the automation of plant watering by utilizing an Arduino
Nano microcontroller coupled with a soil moisture sensor. This technological approach orchestrates the
watering process autonomously, consistently surveilling soil moisture levels. This guarantees optimal
conditions for plant growth, mitigating water wastage, enhancing efficiency, and fostering the sustainable
development of plants. The automated gardening system proficiently manages soil moisture and irrigation to
facilitate plants' healthful and ecologically sound growth. The soil moisture sensor is of utmost importance,
which continuously assesses the moisture content in the soil. When discrepancies in soil moisture are detected,
the sensor communicates a signal to the Arduino Nano microcontroller. Drawing upon the moisture data, the
Arduino Nano scrutinizes the signal and issues directions to a relay module. This relay module is responsible
for activating a water pump to water the plants whenever the soil moisture drops below a threshold
predetermined by the user. Once the soil moisture reaches the desired level, the relay module discontinues the
water pump operation, thus averting excessive watering. Operating autonomously, the system hinges on the
soil moisture sensor to detect alterations in moisture levels and to trigger the necessary reactions. Users can
configure the Arduino Nano to establish a moisture threshold of their choosing, thereby tailoring the device to
the specific demands of their plants. The automated gardening system ensures effective and sustainable plant
growth by perpetuating optimal soil moisture conditions.
Description of the Components
The components used in the system are widely available, easy, and cheap to implement.
1. Arduino Nano:
This compact and breadboard-friendly board, built on the ATmega328 (Arduino Nano 3. x), lacks solely a DC
power jack and utilizes a Mini-B USB cable instead of a standard one.

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Figure 2: Arduino Nano [5].

2. 5-Volt Relay Module:
This electronic device controls high-voltage circuits (e.g., a water pump) through low-voltage signals (like those
from an Arduino). The relay module enables the on/off manipulation of the high-voltage circuit by activating a
switch with a low-voltage call.
Figure 3: 5V relay module [6].

3. Water Pump:
A mechanism designed to transport water by generating pressure or suction. It serves irrigation purposes and
can be powered by electricity or solar energy. Within this project, the water pump functions to automate plant
irrigation.
Figure 4: Water pump [7].

4. Pipe/Tubing:
This flexible, hollow conduit conveys water from the water source to the plants. In this context, the tubing links
the water pump to the plants, delivering water to them.
Figure 5: Pipe [8].

5. Soil Moisture Sensor:
An electronic apparatus gauges soil moisture content, signaling dry conditions necessitating watering. In this
undertaking, the sensor identifies soil moisture levels and transmits a signal to the Arduino UNO to activate the
water pump.

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Figure 6: Soil moisture sensor with module [9].

6. Jumper Wires:
Insulated wires furnished with pins at both ends, employed to connect various components within a circuit. In
this venture, jumper wires establish connections between the Arduino NANO, relay module, water pump, and
soil moisture sensor, thus constituting the automated watering system.
Figure 7: Jumper wires [11].

Operation Flowchart
The operational flowchart of the entire system is illustrated below.
Figure 8: Flowchart of the system.

Project Setup
The soil moisture sensor was connected to the primary control panel with both terminals. The main control
panel's VCC terminal was securely attached to the 3.5-volt Arduino, ensuring proper power supply. The ground
terminal of the sensor was effectively linked to the Arduino's ground pin, establishing a stable ground
connection, and the digital output terminal was skillfully connected to Arduino's PIN 6 for data communication.
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The Relay module was introduced into the setup to control the water pump. To achieve this, the VCC terminal of
the Relay module was appropriately connected to the 5-volt output originating from the Arduino, providing the
necessary power. The ground terminal of the Relay module was dutifully aligned with the Arduino's ground pin
to maintain a consistent ground reference. Continuing with the connections, the input terminal of the Relay
module was thoughtfully integrated with Arduino's PIN 3, enabling the Arduino to control the relay's switching
function effectively. On the other side of the Relay module, a connection point from the 5-volt power supply was
judiciously connected to the relay module's joint pin, establishing a crucial link. Simultaneously, the other
connection point was skillfully interlinked with the relay module's normally open pin, creating a functional
circuit pathway through the water pump. The circuit diagram of the proposed project is depicted below.
Figure 9: Circuit diagram of the proposed project.

Simulation Analysis
The simulation analysis took place within the Proteus 8 Professional software. This software facilitated the
creation of a virtual model of the described circuit and its components. This virtual model evaluated the
circuit's functionality and performance without requiring physical implementation. The following diagram
shows the simulated circuit in Proteus software.
Figure 10: Simulated circuit of the proposed project.

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IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In the experimental phase, the initial function of the soil moisture sensor was observed. When the sensor
assessed the moisture content of the soil and determined it to be sufficiently damp, the Arduino programming
maintained the motor in an inactive state, ensuring that water flow was not initiated unnecessarily. However,
as soon as the sensor identified a decrease in soil moisture, indicating dryness, the system promptly triggered
the water flow mechanism. The soil moisture sensor played a pivotal role in detecting the dryness of the soil,
effectively acting as the trigger for the water flow process. This detection prompted the system to perform,
facilitating the water source's opening. Consequently, the plants received the required water, mitigating
shortages and contributing to healthy growth. The entire process of the system as well as the prototype of the
project is shown in the figure below.
Figure 11: Soil moisture sensor detecting and passing value to Arduino.
Figure 12: Prototype of the project.

The outcomes revealed that the automated gardening system effectively upheld optimal environmental
circumstances to foster plant growth, yielding healthier vegetation and increased harvests. Additionally, the
system curtailed water and energy usage, endorsing environmentally conscious gardening methods.
V. CONCLUSION
The realm of efficient and sustainable plant growth has witnessed notable advancement by implementing
automated gardening systems. These systems leverage technology to establish optimal growth conditions,
yielding healthier and more productive gardens. This, in turn, benefits both expert cultivators and hobbyist
gardeners alike, affording reduced labor, water consumption, and resource utilization. These innovative setups
contribute to environmental conservation by curbing water usage, diminishing fertilizer application, and
preventing the necessity for harmful pesticides. In an era marked by urban expansion and heightened food
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demand, automated gardening systems are a viable avenue to augment agricultural productivity while
safeguarding the Earth's invaluable resources [11]. Automated gardening systems hinge on the evolution of
artificial intelligence and machine learning. This progression will facilitate the development of increasingly
efficient, adaptive, and accurate systems capable of optimizing plant growth across diverse scenarios.
Emphasizing the importance of educational and awareness initiatives is crucial in order to maximize the
potential of these systems and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. By concentrating on these pivotal
aspects, automated gardening systems can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture.
VI. REFERENCES
[1] Raj, Baldev, et al. "Lessons Learnt from Failures of Ferrous Weldments." Elsevier E Books, 2009, doi:
9781845695453.2.314.
[2] Mak, H. C. “Phenomenal Phenomics,” Volume 2, Issue 6, P355, June 22, 2016.
[3] G. Kaur, P. Upadhyaya, and P. Chawla, "Comparative analysis of IoT-based controlled environment and
uncontrolled environment plant growth monitoring system for hydroponic indoor vertical farm,"
Environ. Res., vol. 222, p. 115313, Jan. 2023. [Accessed: 16 Apr. 2023]
[4] S. M. Hasan and M. H. Rahman, "Design and implementation of a microcontroller-based automatic
irrigation system," in Proc. 2016 Int. Conf. Adv. Comput. Eng. Appl., Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dec. 2016, pp.
1-6. [Accessed: 22 Apr. 2023]
[5] “Arduino Nano.” [Online]. Available: https://www.bdtronics.com/arduino-nano-v3-0-ch340.html
[6] “5V Relay Module.” [Online]. Available: https://store.roboticsbd.com/robotics-parts/702-1-channel-
5v-relay-board-module-robotics-bangladesh.html
[7] “Water Pump.” [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.in/Robotrode-Submersible-Fountain-
Science-Arduino/dp/B07PBH3Y9M.
[8] “Water Tube.” [Online]. Available: https://www.okuelectronics.com/store/motors-pumps/hose-for-
arduino-plant-watering-system/
[9] “Soil moisture sensor with control module.” [Online]. Available:
https://www.kaziexpress.com/product/soil-moisture-sensor-module-dc-5v-for-arduino-and-other-
mcu/
[10] “Jumper wires.” [Online]. Available: https://store.roboticsbd.com/robotics-parts/1706-47-inch-
jumper-wire-pack-of-5-robotics-bangladesh.html
[11] K. Selvaraj, I. Mashir, R. Suresh and A. K. Mahesh, "Arduino based Smart Irrigation System for Home
Gardening," in 2021 6th International Conference on Inventive Computation Technologies (ICICT),
Coimbatore, India, 2021, pp. 1284-1288. [Accessed: 20 Apr. 2023]

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See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

An Arduino Based Automated Gardening System for Efﬁcient and Sustainable

Protik Parvez Sheikh

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

AN ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATED GARDENING SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT

www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science

Figure 1: Block diagram of an Arduino based automated gardening system.

www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science

Figure 2: Arduino Nano [5].

Figure 3: 5V relay module [6].

Figure 4: Water pump [7].

Figure 5: Pipe [8].

www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science

Figure 6: Soil moisture sensor with module [9].

Figure 7: Jumper wires [11].

Figure 8: Flowchart of the system.

Figure 9: Circuit diagram of the proposed project.

Figure 10: Simulated circuit of the proposed project.

www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science

Figure 12: Prototype of the project.

www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science

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