Smart irrigation using IOT

Abstract:
Water is the important source in human life. Around 80 % to 90 % water
used in agriculture field. As due to day by day growth in globalization and
population water consumption is also increases. There is challenge in front of
every country to reduce the farm water consumption and provide fresh and
healthy food. Today automation is one of the important roles in human life. The
system is not only provides comfort but also reduce energy, efficiency and time
saving. Whenever there is a change in temperature, humidity and current status
of rain of the surroundings these sensors senses the change in temperature and
humidity and gives an interrupt signal to the ESP8266. Now a day the industries
are using an automation and control machines which are high in cost and not
suitable for using in a farm & garden field. So in this work we design a smart
irrigation technology based on IOT using ESP8266. The system can be used to
control the water motor automatically and can also monitor the climate
conditions. We can watch live streaming of farm on mobile phone using
suitable application by using WiFi network. ESP8266 is the main heart of the
overall system.
BLOCK DIGRAM:
INTRODUCTION:
A Smart Irrigation System using IoT is an innovative approach to efficiently
managing water usage in agriculture, landscaping, and gardening. Traditional
irrigation methods often result in water wastage due to overwatering or poorly
timed watering schedules. With the growing concern over water conservation
and the need to improve agricultural productivity, smart irrigation systems offer
a solution by automating the watering process based on real-time data.

The core concept of this system revolves around using Internet of Things
(IoT) technology to monitor environmental conditions such as soil moisture,
temperature, and weather forecasts. By integrating various sensors and
controllers, these systems can make intelligent decisions about when and how
much water to apply, ensuring plants receive the optimal amount of water
needed for healthy growth without human intervention.

A typical smart irrigation system includes soil moisture sensors, weather data
collection, water flow controllers, and a microcontroller that processes data and
controls water distribution. The system can be accessed and monitored remotely
through mobile or web applications, allowing users to adjust settings, view real-
time data, and receive alerts.

The primary objective of a smart irrigation system is to conserve water, reduce

labor costs, and improve crop yield by delivering water precisely when and
where it's needed. This technology is particularly beneficial in areas facing
water scarcity or where efficient resource management is crucial.
Components of the Needed:
NodeMCU (ESP8266/ESP32): The central microcontroller that processes
sensor data and controls the irrigation system.

Soil Moisture Sensors: Detect the moisture content in the soil and send real-
time data to the NodeMCU.

Temperature and Humidity Sensors: Measure environmental factors like

temperature and humidity, helping determine the best times for irrigation.

Rain Sensor: Detects rainfall, ensuring the system doesn’t water the crops
during or after rain.
Water Pump: Connected to the NodeMCU, it is activated to supply water when
the soil moisture level drops below a certain threshold.

Relay Module: Allows NodeMCU to control the water pump.

Cloud Platform (e.g., Blynk, ThingSpeak): Allows for data storage and remote
access through a mobile app or web interface.
Working of the System:
Data Collection: The soil moisture sensor, along with temperature, humidity,
and rain sensors, continuously monitors the soil and environmental conditions.

Decision Making: The NodeMCU processes the collected data and checks the
predefined moisture threshold. If the soil moisture level falls below the
threshold, it sends a signal to activate the water pump.

Automated Irrigation: Once the water pump is activated, the soil moisture is
brought to the optimal level. The system automatically stops the water flow
when the desired moisture content is reached or in the event of rain.

Remote Monitoring and Control: The system transmits real-time data to a

cloud platform via Wi-Fi. Users can monitor the soil and environmental
conditions from anywhere using a mobile app or web interface. They can also
manually control the irrigation system if needed.

Data Logging and Analytics: The system logs data about soil moisture levels,
water usage, temperature, and humidity. This data can be used for analysis to
improve irrigation strategies over time.

ADVANTAGES:
1.Water Conservation:

 The system ensures water is only used when needed, based on real-time
soil moisture and weather data, reducing water wastage.
 This helps conserve water, especially in regions facing water scarcity or
during drought conditions.

2. Cost Savings:

 Efficient water use leads to reduced water bills and energy costs over
time.
  Automated systems reduce the need for manual labor, saving time and
reducing labor costs.

3. Improved Crop Yield:

 By ensuring optimal water delivery at the right times, the system

improves crop health and growth, leading to better yields.
 Avoids over- or under-watering, which can negatively affect plant health.

4. Automation and Convenience:

 The system operates automatically, requiring minimal human

intervention after setup. This reduces the time and effort farmers or
gardeners need to spend on irrigation tasks.
 Sensors and controllers manage irrigation, adjusting based on
environmental conditions without manual monitoring.

5. Remote Monitoring and Control:

 Using NodeMCU's built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, the system can be

monitored and controlled remotely through a smartphone or web
interface.
 Users can view real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity,
and water flow, and can manually turn the system on or off from
anywhere.

6. Customization:

 The system can be tailored to specific crops, soil types, and weather
patterns, ensuring precise irrigation that meets the needs of different
plants and climates.
 Users can adjust settings like irrigation schedules, moisture thresholds,
and other parameters through the user interface.

7. Sustainability:

 By optimizing water use, the system contributes to sustainable farming

practices, helping preserve water resources for future generations.
 Reduced water consumption also lowers the environmental impact of
farming, making agriculture more eco-friendly.
8. Real-Time Data and Analytics:

 The system continuously collects data about soil moisture, weather

conditions, and water usage, which can be stored and analyzed over
time.
 This data helps farmers make informed decisions, improve their
irrigation strategies, and predict future water needs based on patterns.

9. Scalability:

 The system can be implemented on a small scale, such as in home

gardens, or expanded to large agricultural fields, making it flexible for
various applications.
 Additional sensors and controllers can be added to scale the system as
the farm or garden grows.

10. Energy Efficiency:

 Automating the irrigation process reduces unnecessary use of water

pumps and irrigation equipment, conserving energy in the process.
 The system can be integrated with solar-powered solutions, making it
even more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

11. Weather Adaptation:

 With integrated weather sensors (like temperature, humidity, and rain

sensors), the system adjusts irrigation schedules based on changing
weather conditions, avoiding unnecessary watering during rain or high
humidity.

12. Long-Term ROI:

 While the initial investment may be high, the long-term savings on

water, labor, and energy can provide a solid return on investment,
making the system cost-effective over time.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. High Initial Cost: Setting up the system can be expensive, especially for
large farms.

2. Internet Dependency: The system requires stable Wi-Fi for remote control
and monitoring.

3. Power Supply Issues: Continuous power is needed for sensors, pumps,

and controllers.

4. Sensor Maintenance: Regular calibration and maintenance of sensors are

required for accurate readings.

5. Data Privacy Risks: IoT systems may be vulnerable to hacking or data

breaches.

6. Technical Expertise: Farmers may need technical skills to set up and

maintain the system.

7. Environmental Limitations: Sensors can be affected by extreme weather

or harsh conditions.

8. Scalability Challenges: Expanding the system for large farms increases

complexity and costs.

9. Water Source Dependency: The system's effectiveness depends on a

reliable water source.