MS Ramaiah Institute Of Technology,

Bangalore

Subject: Elements of Electrical Engineering

(Course code: EEE28)

Project Title: Using Soil Moisture Sensors for Intelligent

Watering Systems to Conserve Water and Promote Plant Health

Students Involved:
• Abhay Kumar (1MS23EE001)
• Abhigyan (1MS23EE002)
• Mohit Pratap Singh Rathod (1MS23EE040)
• Aron Anil Dsouza (1MS23EE018)

Section: R

Introduction
Water scarcity is a growing concern in Bangalore, and traditional watering
methods often lead to overwatering or under-watering of plants. This project
aims to develop a reliable and efficient method for measuring soil moisture
content to automate irrigation systems, promoting water conservation and
optimal plant health.
Problem Statement: Accurate Measurement of Soil Moisture for
Intelligent Watering Systems

Challenge: Traditional watering methods, based on schedules or visual cues, often lead to
overwatering or under-watering of plants. Overwatering wastes a precious resource, water, and can
lead to root rot and disease in plants. Under-watering stresses plants and stunts growth.

Objective: Develop a reliable and efficient method for measuring soil moisture content to automate
irrigation systems. This system should:
• Accurately assess the moisture level in the root zone of the plant.
• Be adaptable to different soil types and plant water requirements.
• Integrate seamlessly with automated watering systems to deliver the precise amount of water
needed.

Benefits:
• This project is a great way to conserve water by eliminating overwatering.
• Improve plant health by providing optimal moisture levels.
• Reduce manual labor by automating irrigation.
• Provide data for optimising water management practices.

Current Limitations:
• Existing soil moisture sensors can be inaccurate due to factors like salinity and sensor
calibration.
• They may not capture the variability in moisture levels within the root zone.
• Some systems lack the sophistication to adjust watering based on plant type, weather conditions,
or pot size.

Proposed Solution:

This project aims to develop a robust soil moisture measurement system that addresses the
limitations of current methods. By combining sensor technology with advanced algorithms and data
analysis, we can create a system that delivers precise watering for optimal plant health and water
conservation.

This approach has the potential to revolutionise irrigation practices in homes, gardens, and
agriculture, promoting sustainable water use and flourishing plant life.
Components required:
• Arduino Uno or compatible board
• Soil moisture sensor module (pre-built for ease of use)
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard (optional)
• LCD display (optional, for real-time readings)
• Computer with Arduino IDE software

Function:
• The soil moisture sensor module provides an analog voltage signal based on moisture content.
• The Arduino reads this signal, converts it to a moisture level, and displays it (on LCD) or stores
it for later analysis (data logging on computer).

Advantages:
• More accurate and reliable readings compared to the simple resistor method.
• Can be programmed for specific watering thresholds based on plant needs.
• Data logging allows for analysing watering patterns and optimising the system.

Challenges:
• Requires some programming knowledge for using Arduino IDE.

Resources:
• Several online tutorials explain building an Arduino-based soil moisture sensor. Search for "Soil
Moisture measurement using Arduino"

Features:

1. Soil Moisture Sensing: The system accurately measures the moisture level in the soil using a soil
moisture sensor, ensuring that plants receive water only when needed.

2. Automatic Watering: Based on the soil moisture readings, the system automatically activates the
water supply (pump or valve) to irrigate the plants, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

3. Customizable Threshold: Users can adjust the moisture threshold level according to the specific
requirements of their plants, allowing for customization based on plant types and environmental
conditions.

4. Energy Efficiency: The system operates using low-power components such as the Arduino Uno
board and relay module, resulting in efficient energy consumption.

5. Versatility: Suitable for use in small gardens, flowerbeds, or potted plants, making it adaptable to
various indoor and outdoor gardening setups.
6. Scalability: The project can be expanded to accommodate multiple plants or garden zones by
adding additional soil moisture sensors and relay modules, providing scalability as the garden
grows.

7. Ease of Setup: With a simple circuit layout and Arduino programming, the system is easy to set
up and requires minimal technical expertise, making it accessible to hobbyists and gardening enthu-
siasts alike.

8. Cost-Effective: Utilizes affordable and readily available components, making it a cost-effective

solution for automating plant watering compared to commercial irrigation systems.

9. Real-time Monitoring (Optional): Advanced users can integrate additional features for real-time
monitoring of soil moisture levels and irrigation status, allowing for remote control and data log-
ging using IoT platforms or mobile applications.

10. Promotes Plant Health: By delivering water precisely when needed, the system promotes
healthy plant growth, minimizes water waste, and reduces the risk of over or under-watering, lead-
ing to healthier and more vibrant plants.