Project - IoT Based Smart Irrigation System
Project - IoT Based Smart Irrigation System
SUPERVISED
By
August 2022
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CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this project and thesis entitled “IoT Based Smart Irrigation System”
is done by Md. Maruf Haque, ID : EEE 065 07548; Kawsar Ahamed, ID : EEE 065 07551; Nimai
Gain, ID : EEE 065 07563; and Md. Rakibul Islam, ID: EEE 065 07564 under my direct
supervision, and this work has been carried out by them in the laboratories of the Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering of Stamford
University Bangladesh in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The presentation of the work was held in
August 2022
The project and thesis entitled “IoT-based smart irrigation system” submitted by Md.
Maruf Haque, ID: EEE 065 07548; Kawsar Ahamed, ID: EEE 065 07551; Nimai Gain,
ID : EEE 065 07563; and Md. Rakibul Islam, ID: EEE 065 07564, Session: Fall 2017
Has been accepted as satisfactory in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in…August 2022
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, we give thanks to Allah or God. Then we would like to take this opportunity to express
our appreciation and gratitude to the Head of the Department of EEE and our project supervisor Dr.
Dilshad Mahjabeen, Chairmen (Acting) & Associate Professor, Department of EEE for being
dedicated to helping, supporting, motivating, and guiding us through this project. This project can’t
be done without his useful advice and helps. Also thank you very much for allowing us to choose this
project.
Apart from that, to our beloved family, we want to give them our deepest love and gratitude for being
very supportive and also for their inspiration and encouragement during our studies at this University.
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ABSTRACT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the agriculture industry and empowering farmers to
overcome massive obstacles. IoT is capable of resolving the difficulties of livestock monitoring,
conservation monitoring, and plant & soil monitoring. Innovative Internet of Things applications
address agricultural concerns and boost agricultural production's quality, quantity, sustainability, and
cost-effectiveness. Large and small farms can use IoT to remotely monitor sensors that can detect soil
moisture, crop growth, and pests, as well as to control their smart, connected harvesting and irrigation
equipment. This project automates the irrigation process and monitors soil factors such as soil
moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity. Arduino is utilized for decision-making. The
intelligent irrigation system utilizes a variety of sensors, including temperature, humidity, and soil
moisture sensors. These sensors will detect the varied soil conditions, and based on the soil moisture
percentage, the area will be irrigated automatically. It means that when the field needs water, the
engine will automatically turn on, and it will turn off when there is enough. These metrics and motor
status are shown on user devices. When there is a variation from the predicted numbers, the user is
notified via smartphone applications.
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Ⅳ
Abstract Ⅴ
List of Figures Ⅷ
List of Tables Ⅸ
List of Abbreviations Ⅹ
List of Symbols Ⅺ
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Chapter 3: IMPLEMENTATION 17-21
4.1 Result 22
4.2 Analysis 26
5.1 Summary 28
5.2 World Perspective of IoT-based Smart Farming 28
5.3 Bangladesh Perspective of IoT-based Smart Farming 29
5.4 Challenges of IoT-based Smart Farming 29
5.5 Future Scope 31
REFERENCES 32
APPENDIX 33
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LIST OF FIGURES
3.1 The working diagram of our IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System project 17
4.2 The output of the project when the water pump is switched off automatically 23
4.3 The output of the project when the pump is switched on manually 24
4.4 The output of the project when the pump is switched off manually 25
4.5 Three screenshots of the connection between our internet router to ESP 826612F 26
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LIST OF TABLES
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AC Alternating Current
DC Direct Current
IoT Internet of Things
LCD Liquid-Crystal Display
IDE Integrated Development environment
Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
WSN Wireless Sensor Network
LTE Long Term Evolution
NB-IoT Narrowband IoT
CAGR Compound Annual Growth Rate
5G 5th Generation Mobile Network
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
DVD Digital Versatile Disc
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LIST OF SYMBOLS
V Voltage
% Percentage
M Mega
k kilo
Mbps Megabits per second
KB Kilobyte
Gbps Gigabits per second
$ US Dollar
mm Millimeter
gm Gram
cm Centimeter
mA Milliampere
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Food security is becoming a serious worry for all nations throughout the world. With the expansion
of the world's population comes the depletion of natural and agricultural resources and the worsening
of unpredictable environmental conditions. These problems are motivating the agricultural industry to
migrate to smart agriculture by implementing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance
operational efficiency and productivity. IoT solutions and technologies include wireless sensor
networks, cognitive radio ad hoc networks, cloud computing, big data, and user applications. This
project showcases Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and demonstrates how IoT may benefit the
smart agriculture industry. To reach this goal, we examine the idea of IoT-enabled smart agriculture
ecosystems by analyzing their architecture (IoT devices, sensors, Wi-Fi or cellular networks, and
software), their uses, and their benefits. In addition, we explore the trends and potential of IoT
applications for smart agriculture, as well as the outstanding questions and difficulties associated with
IoT applications for smart agriculture. We hope that the findings of this thesis will serve as important
guidelines for the development and promotion of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that improve the
productivity and quality of the agriculture sector and facilitate the transition to a future sustainable
environment based on an agro-ecological approach.
To address the current needs of humanity on a global scale, new ideas and technologies are
continually developed and implemented. This has given rise to the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is
described as the network of all items incorporated in devices, sensors, machines, software, and people
that use the Internet to connect, share data, and interact to give a holistic solution between the real
and virtual worlds.[1] According to Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG), the term
IoT was born between 2008 and 2009, when more "things or objects" were connected to the Internet
than humans. Using the growth of smartphones, tablet PCs, and other smart devices, the number of
Internet-connected devices reached 12.5 billion in 2010, while the world's human population
increased to 6.8 billion. For the first time in history, the number of connected devices per person
exceeded one (1.84, to be exact).[2]
In recent years, IoT has been implemented in numerous fields, including smart homes, smart cities,
smart energy, autonomous vehicles, smart agriculture, campus management, healthcare, and logistics.
IoT gives innovative management and smart security; monitors objects and environments with real-
time data analysis to make better decisions autonomously and remotely; provides connectivity,
predictability, and efficiency; and saves time and cost.
Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have been utilized extensively in agriculture throughout the years,
laying the groundwork for the development of smart agriculture. Self-organization, self-
configuration, self-establishment, and self-recovery are unique qualities of WSN that make it suited
for smart agriculture. Radiofrequency (RF) transceiver, sensor, microprocessor, and battery power
comprise the sensor device. WSN applications include environmental monitoring, automation of
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machine control, and traceability. Along with the advancement of science and technology, the
pressing need for innovative ideas and technologies to increase agricultural output and efficiency has
led to the adoption of the Internet of Things. The fundamental reason for their applications is the
revolutionary advancement of intelligent agriculture and its inescapable role as the future of
intelligent and sustainable environmental management. IoT integrates several existing technologies
and solutions, including WSN, cognitive radio, ad hoc networks, cloud computing, and end-user
applications. In the intelligent agriculture sector, automation solutions and technologies, mechanical
machinery, knowledge, decision-making tools, services, and software are seamlessly linked to assist
farmers in enhancing their productivity, product quality, and profitability. Figure 1.1 provides an
overview of the rich and various IoT possibilities for smart agriculture.
The United Nations (UN 2019) estimates that the global population will reach 10 billion by the year
2050. Consequently, the demand for agricultural products is always growing. However, the decline of
cropland, the depletion of natural resources, and the emergence of unanticipated environmental
challenges such as global warming, salinization, and flooding make food security the most serious
issue for all nations around the world. In recent years, the agriculture sector has implemented
innovative solutions and technology to increase agricultural output. The application of IoT with big
data is a developing pattern. Numerous studies have focused on investigation, experimentation, and
application. Cisco predicts that by 2030, more than 500 billion IoT devices will be connected to the
Internet. Utilizing IoT and big data will enable intelligent agriculture and is anticipated to increase
efficiency and output.
Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have been utilized extensively in agriculture throughout the years,
laying the groundwork for the development of smart agriculture. Self-organization, self-
configuration, self-establishment, and self-recovery are unique qualities of WSN that make it suited
for smart agriculture. Radiofrequency (RF) transceiver, sensor, microprocessor, and battery power
comprise the sensor device. WSN applications include environmental monitoring, automation of
machine control, and traceability. Along with the advancement of science and technology, the urgent
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need for innovative ideas and technologies to increase agricultural output and efficiency has led to the
adoption of the Internet of Things.[1]
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the world will need to
produce 70 percent more food by 2050. Coupled with dwindling agricultural lands and diminishing
natural resources, the need to increase farm productivity has become urgent. The situation has been
exacerbated by the limited supply of natural resources, such as fresh water and arable land, and the
declining yield patterns of key staple crops. The fluctuating structure of agricultural labor is a further
impediment to the farming business. Furthermore, agricultural work has decreased in the majority of
countries. As a result of the dwindling agricultural labor supply, internet connectivity solutions have
been incorporated into farming techniques to eliminate the demand for manual labor.
IoT solutions are designed to assist farmers in closing the supply-demand gap by ensuring high
yields, profitability, and environmental preservation. Precision agriculture refers to the method of
employing IoT technology to assure the optimal deployment of resources to generate high
agricultural yields and lower operating expenses. IoT technologies in agriculture include specialized
equipment, wireless networking, software, and IT services. According to a survey by BI Intelligence,
the adoption of IoT devices in the agriculture business reached 75 million by 2020, a 20 percent
yearly increase. In addition, the worldwide market size for smart agriculture is anticipated to treble by
2025, reaching $15.3 billion (compared to a little over $5 billion in 2016).[3]
The project aims to achieve water control with a programmed water system framework. The key
objectives are as follows:
Chapter 1 introduces the project “IoT-based smart irrigation system” and describes the evolution of
IoT-based smart irrigation systems. Also explain the motivation, aims, and objectives of the project.
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Chapter 2 describes the methodology, software, and hardware of the IoT-based smart irrigation
system.
Chapter 3 describes IoT-based smart irrigation system components. Overview of the whole system
with the circuit diagram. Then, individual descriptions of every component. The system is explained
with a working function.
Chapter 5 analyses the result with a conclusion and summary, Bangladesh perspective as well as
world perspective and challenges of IoT-based smart irrigation. Also describes the future scope of the
project.
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CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
To communicate and exchange data, IoT (Internet of Things) devices require a consistent and secure
method of connecting to the Internet. However, deciding which of these strategies to employ is not
always straightforward. Wi-Fi and cellular are the two most prevalent wireless technologies that
enable IoT networks; they constitute the "I" in "IoT." Even though Wi-Fi has been the most popular
option for IoT for years, cellular has recently gained popularity and is now a highly feasible
alternative.
Wi-Fi technology employs various radio frequency bands to deliver data between devices. A device
must have a wireless adaptor that converts between data and radio waves for Wi-Fi networking.
Using a protocol such as UART or SPI, the device connects with the adapter's chip. The adapter then
connects with an external router, which transmits the data to the Internet using an Ethernet cable.
Cellular-enabled IoT devices connect to the Internet using the same networks as smartphones and
other mobile devices. Cellular-capable devices must have a modem to communicate with the nearest
cell tower and send and receive data. The device uses a low-level communications protocol, such as
UART or SPI, to control the modem.
LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT are two of the most popular current
cellular IoT technologies (Narrowband IoT). LTE-M is faster than the present LTE infrastructure and
is compatible with it. NB-IoT, on the other hand, requires cellular operators to change their gear,
which is why its spread has been slower than that of LTE-M to date. NB-IoT offers a longer range
than LTE-M, however stationary devices are required.[4]
Wi-Fi versus cellular connectivity for IoT may not even be direct competition. Both technologies are
employed to solve distinct types of issues, and neither is demonstrably superior in every
circumstance. Many Internet of Things devices utilizes both cellular and Wi-Fi as a backup in case
the primary technology fails. The decision between Wi-Fi and cellular for your IoT project will
depend heavily on the device's priorities and intended use. Power consumption, bandwidth, coverage,
and security will have to be compromised to conclude.
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Some key comparisons between Wi-Fi and cellular approaches are described below:
In terms of Cost:
Typically, cellular networks are somewhat more expensive per bit than Wi-Fi. Therefore, Wi-Fi is
ideal when regular massive data transfers, such as security updates, are required. Additionally,
"piggybacking" on an existing public or private Wi-Fi network can occasionally save money.
Cellular networks offer two key security advantages over Wi-Fi by default, cellular data is encrypted,
whereas Wi-Fi encryption must be enabled.
Cellular security updates are implemented by providers with experienced, dedicated cyber security
employees and exceptionally strong financial and reputational incentives to prioritize security. Wi-Fi
security, on the other hand, needs proactive installation of upgrades by the Wi-Fi network owner.
Cellular networks are therefore subjected to a higher security level than public Wi-Fi networks.
Private Wi-Fi networks that are well-maintained by a large organization are likely to offer
comparable security to cellular networks.
Wi-Fi and cellular networks may both provide exact location data by measuring the distance between
your device and the nearest router or cell tower. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, cellular networks may be
able to locate your location.
In terms of Coverage:
Currently, cellular networks are extensive and expanding. Cellular IoT technologies like LTE-M and
NB-IoT provide a wider coverage than traditional cellular technologies, expanding access to
underground places, metal structures, and rural areas.
Wi-Fi has a longer range than cellular networks, but it is more subject to interference. As a local area
network (LAN), Wi-Fi can offer extensive coverage in a limited region close to an access point. As
soon as the gadget leaves the area, though, connectivity degrades dramatically. In other words, Wi-Fi
is not the best choice for mobile or distant devices.
In terms of Bandwidth:
Currently, the fastest speeds of Wi-Fi and cellular networks are comparable, with one significant
exception: cellular networks are significantly more expensive to reach these speeds.
Wi-Fi has historically outperformed cellular networks in terms of bandwidth. The previous
802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi standard supported rates of up to 450 megabits per second (Mbps), whereas the
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more modern 802.11ac standard supports speeds of up to 1.3 gigabits per second (Gbps).
Currently, 4G LTE-based cellular technologies are as quick as 1 Gbps, bringing cellular bandwidth to
a level with that of Wi-Fi. Currently, mobile suffices for the vast majority of IoT use cases (except
perhaps streaming high-definition video). In addition, it is projected that the forthcoming 5G upgrade
will improve cellular capacity even further.
Wi-Fi does have one disadvantage: as more devices attempt to access the network, the Wi-Fi signal
diminishes. In densely populated places where devices compete for bandwidth, Wi-Fi performance,
therefore, drops dramatically. Due to the underlying protocols and hardware of the technology,
cellular networks often do not encounter this difficulty.
If we do not conserve energy, cellular and Wi-Fi technologies may take a considerable number of
power, although Wi-Fi will generally consume less. Device manufacturers address these concerns in
one of two ways: by periodically putting the device to sleep and reactivating it, or by disabling
connectivity when the device is not in use. [4]
This work involves two aspects of software development. The first section consists of software
development for the Android application, while the second section consists of software programming
for Arduino boards. We utilized Ardunio IDE, where the board management and library are
downloaded from the internet, to write the code. The board manager is dependent on the chosen
device board, i.e. Arduino Uno, whereas the library is the pin's internal programming. This project
utilized an Arduino UNO as the board manager along with multiple libraries, including ESP826612F,
DHT11, and additional libraries as required. The pre-developed Android application 'Blynk IoT' from
the Google Play Store is used to acquire data from the hardware system and monitor the watering
system's functionality.
We got the Blynk app from the App Store or Google Play Store for this project. We established the
account by supplying our credentials. Then, we selected an 'open' button and a 'create a new project
button. Then we mentioned the name of our project because we were given the word "Project." After
selecting NodeMcu as the board, and Wi-Fi as the connection type, we clicked the 'create now'
option. The verification link was emailed to the email address on file. Now came the programming
phase. We began by adding a gauge. Therefore, we choose the gauge, clicked on it, and labeled it
"MOISTURE.” The input pin was then designated as virtual pin V1 and its label was changed to
“%”. There was an option to adjust the gauge's color, and we set the refresh rate to one second.
Similarly, we included a “HUMIDITY” gauge with the V2 Pin configuration. The
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“TEMPERATURE” Indicator is configured to the V3 pin. Then we added a button, which we then
opened and assigned the virtual pin V0. It was intended for the PUMP. We chose the mode to switch
to. We added ON/OFF status there. Virtual Pin V4 was set as the ON-OFF status. Similarly, we
added a second button for “MOOD”. We chose the mode to switch to. We added AUTO and
MANUAL status there. AUTO and MANUAL status configurations were made for Virtual Pin V5.
This was the newly set up Blynk IoT dashboard for online monitoring of sensor data.
One type of ATmega328P-based microcontroller board is the Arduino Uno R3. It comes with
everything needed to support the microcontroller; all you need to do is use a USB cable to connect it
to a computer and provide power using an AC-DC adapter or a battery to get things going. The word
"Uno" was chosen to signify the launch of the Arduino IDE 1.0 software. "Uno" is Italian for "one."
The third and latest version of the Arduino Uno is called the R3. The reference versions of the
Arduino board and IDE software are currently being updated. The first in a line of USB-Arduino
boards, the Uno-board serves as the platform's reference design.[5]
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2.4.2 Sensors
DHT11 Sensor
DHT11- Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor is both a temperature and humidity sensor. It
consists of two distinct components: a capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor. DHT11 is
referred to be a sluggish sensor, yet it is acknowledged as being extremely effective for applications
requiring simple analog data interchange. This sensor contains a tiny chip designed to execute the
function of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion. This delivers temperature and humidity
measurements in digital format. The resultant digital signal is easily interpretable by any
microcontroller. The cost of this temperature and humidity sensor is minimal. It is readily available
on the market, which has contributed to its increased popularity among similar sensors. It produces
accurate outcomes with greater efficiency. It is compact and consumes little energy. It is capable of
sending the signal up to 20 meters away. DHT11 is comprised of numerous features, including low
cost, long-term stability, quick response time, superior quality, and long-distance signal transmission,
among others. This sensor can be utilized in a variety of settings, including home appliances, weather
stations, and consumer items, for real-time applications.[6]
The output of a Soil Moisture sensor is the soil's moisture level. The sensor is designed to measure
the volumetric water content of the soil. The sensor is equipped with both analog and digital output,
allowing for its use in both analog and digital modes. There are two probes in the soil moisture
sensor. These probes are used to measure the water's volumetric content. With the aid of probes, a
current is passed through the soil, and the resulting resistance value is utilized to determine the soil's
moisture content. The soil will conduct more electricity in the presence of more water, indicating the
presence of less resistance. Therefore, the moisture level will be of more importance. In contrast, dry
soil has weak electrical conductivity. Therefore, when less water is present, electrical conductivity
will be quite low, indicating the presence of more resistance. Consequently, the moisture level will be
decreased.[6]
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Fig. 2.3: A soil moisture sensor and its pin diagram
Rain sensor
The primary purpose of rain sensors is to detect the presence of water beyond what a humidity sensor
can detect. The rain sensor detects water that falls on the sensor board and completes the circuits on
the printed leads of the board. The sensor board functions as a variable resistor with values ranging
between 100k and 2M ohms. For readings approaching 100k ohms, it suggests wetness, whereas
values approaching 2M ohms imply dryness. In conclusion, the wetter the board, the greater the
current it will conduct.[6]
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2.4.3 Other Hardware
LCD
LCDs are flat-panel displays that utilize the light-modulating characteristics of liquid crystals. Instead
of emitting light directly, liquid crystals need a backlight or reflector to create color or monochrome
pictures. LCDs can show arbitrary images or images with low information content that are fixed. As
seen in a digital clock, the information content can be displayed or hidden, such as predefined text,
numerals, and 7-segment displays. The only difference is that the visuals on this display are
comprised of a high number of small pixels, whereas those on the other screens will have larger parts.
LCDs are utilized in a wide range of applications, including computer monitors, televisions,
instrument panels, and aviation cockpit displays. Numerous portable consumer gadgets, including
digital cameras, digital watches, calculators, and smartphones, include small LCDs. LCDs can also be
seen on DVD players, video game consoles, and clocks. LCD panels have largely replaced heavy,
cumbersome cathode ray tube (CRT) displays in all applications. LCD panels are offered in a greater
variety of screen sizes than CRT displays.[6]
Relays are automatic switches that are commonly used to control high currents with low current
signals in automatic control circuits. The relay signal's input voltage spans the 0 to 5V range.
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Fig. 2.6: A 5V Single channel relay module
Jumper Wire
Jumper wires are simply wires with connector pins on either end, which enable you to connect two
places without soldering. To make it simple to change a circuit as needed, jumper wires are
frequently utilized with breadboards and other prototype equipment. Although jumper wires come in
a variety of colors, the hues have no real significance. Male-to-male, male-to-female, and female-to-
female jumper wires are the three main types that are generally available. The wire's endpoint is what
distinguishes each one of them. Female ends are used to plug into items while male ends have a pin
sticking out that can be used to plug into other things.[7]
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Submersible DC Water Pump with 2m Pipe
The maximum height of the water that may be raised by this pump is 1.5 meters. This pump functions
well doesn’t require any extra care, and also operates extremely smoothly. It operates on a 12V
voltage and is soundproof. 500 liters of water can be pumped by it every hour.
AC to DC Power Supplier
An input power transformer is used by a power supplier to step down the voltage from the AC to the
voltage needed by the load after converting the AC to unregulated DC. Generally, a power supply
with a 110V or 220V AC input to 12V DC output is used for small electrical projects.[8]
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ESP 8266 12F Node MCU
A highly integrated chip called ESP8266 12F was created to meet the demands of a newly connected
world. It is a small module with Wi-Fi on board that can connect an Arduino to the internet.
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2.6 Hardware Nodes
The hardware components include Arduino UNO, which functions as a sensor node. Arduino UNO is
connected to a soil moisture sensor and DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor for the sensor node.
The soil moisture sensor is linked to Arduino UNO analog pin A0. The sensor is powered by a 5V
DC supply voltage. Consequently, the soil moisture sensor and the DHT11 temperature and humidity
sensor gather and transmit data based on soil humidity to the central node.
Arduino UNO is coupled to a little water pump and a Wi-Fi module (Node MCU-ESP 8266) for the
central node. The Wi-Fi module communicates serially with the Arduino UNO via digital pins 1 and
2, which are Tx and Rx. The little water pump is linked to the digital pin of the Node MCU (ESP
8266) through a transistor that acts as an amplifier and switches to activate the water pump. The base
station will receive the sensor node's data and transmit it to the cloud server. This project used Wi-Fi
as a web server to record all data and connect it to an Android application called "Blynk IoT." Once
the irrigation system is activated, the tiny water pump will pump water from the water tank and
perform watering.
For controlling hardware remotely, we used the Blynk app in our IoT-based Smart Irrigation System.
In the Blynk app, the user can operate the ON and OFF switches to turn the pump on and off. This
allows users to manually control the watering.
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CHAPTER 3
IMPLEMENTATION
Before uploading the code to the Arduino UNO board, we created it in Arduino IDE. Arduino started
initializing. The Arduino UNO board was then used to connect the LCD, soil moisture sensor,
DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor, rain sensor, Wi-Fi module, relay module, and water pump
according to the connection shown in fig. 3.1. Using a data cable, we simultaneously connected the
Arduino board to the IDE. This cable assisted in supplying the received voltage necessary to power
the Arduino UNO hardware board and display the serial output. Once the code has been uploaded to
Arduino UNO hardware and connected to an Arduino IDE, the project began to function. The
Arduino UNO board began displaying the operating status on LCD in response to the sensor's
behavior. In addition, it transmitted data via the Wi-Fi module to the Blynk App server and
monitored its status via a mobile phone.
Fig. 3.1: The working diagram of our IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System project.
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Fig. 3.2: A photo representing the real connection of our IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System project.
3.2 Components
Arduino UNO R3: It is the microcontroller board that is equipped with sets of digital and analog
input/output pins and has a USB connection to load programs from personal computers.
Soil Moisture Sensor: It measures the volumetric water content indirectly in the soil by using soil
properties like electrical resistance etc. This sensor is used by burying it in the ground, and it can
indicate the percentage of soil moisture present.
Temperature-Humidity Sensor (DHT11): The DHT11 is a basic, ultra low-cost digital temperature
and humidity sensor. The DHT11 sensor comprises of a thermistor for measuring temperature and a
capacitive humidity sensing device. The humidity detecting capacitor consists of two electrodes
separated by a substrate that can hold moisture as a dielectric. The capacitance value changes as the
humidity levels fluctuate. The IC calculates, interprets, and converts the modified resistance values
into digital form.
This sensor uses a negative temperature coefficient thermistor to measure temperature, which results
in a drop in resistance value as temperature rises. This sensor is typically built of semiconductor
ceramics or polymers to obtain higher resistance values even for the smallest temperature change.
The DHT11 has a temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees Celsius with a 2-degree accuracy. This sensor
has a humidity range of 20% to 80% with a 5% accuracy. This sensor's sampling rate is 1Hz. In other
words, it provides one reading per second. The DHT11 is a tiny device with a 3 to the 5-volt
operational range. 2.5mA is the maximum current that can be used for measuring.
Single Channel Relay Module: One type of electro-mechanical component that serves as a switch is
the relay. To open or close contact switches, DC is used to energize the relay coil. High voltage,
current loads, such as motors and AC loads, are managed by a single channel relay module board.
The main purpose of this module is to interact with various microcontrollers including Arduino.
Specifications:
(i) Dimension: 8 x 6 cm
(ii) Voltage: DC 12V
(iii) Power: 8W
(iv) Max water height: 5m
(v) Max flow: 10Liter/min
(vi) Pipe: 2m
ESP 8266 12F Node MCU Wi-Fi Module: With the help of the ESP8266 12F Wi-Fi module, any
Wi-Fi network can be accessed by the microcontroller and supported for TCP/IP. It offers programs
that can be customized to fit the needs of certain IoT sectors.
AC to DC Power Supplier: AC-DC converters are the electrical circuits that convert alternating
current (AC) input into direct current (DC) output. Rectification is the process of converting AC to
DC. At the load end connection, the rectifier transforms the AC supply into the DC supply.
Specifications:
The main mechanism at work in this system is the connection between the soil moisture sensor,
which was previously embedded in the plant, and the Arduino, which is also connected to other
electronic components, some of which are listed above and are discussed in the thesis paper's section
on components. The soil moisture sensor uses an Arduino to drive the pump to send parameters and
information about the soil moisture to the Arduino. The Arduino sends a signal to the relay module,
which then runs a pump and delivers a specific amount of water to the plant if the soil moisture level
falls below a predetermined value of less than the programmed value of 80 percent, which is
displayed on both the LCD and the Blynk app. Pump operation stops when soil moisture reaches 80%
as per programming. The power supply's job is to provide power for the entire system, and the
suggested voltage should adhere to the Arduino's input supply range of 5V to 12V. Through the
Blynk App mobile app, which users can download for free from the Google Play Store, users can
remotely control the project both automatically and manually.
The active root system portion of the plant row is where the soil moisture sensor should be placed.
For more precise monitoring, soil moisture sensors should be installed at specific locations in deeper-
rooted crops. The sensor probes should be initially positioned at a shallow depth before being
lowered gradually. Typically, soil moisture sensors are buried 30 cm deep in the ground. [10]
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CHAPTER 4
4.1 Result:
By the soil's moisture content and crop requirements, the watering amount is determined. If soil
moisture is below the threshold value of 80%, the water pump is activated, and if it is equal to or over
the threshold value of 80%, the water pump is deactivated. The DHT11 sensor detects temperature
and humidity. The rain sensor senses whether there is rain or not in the crop field. When there is rain
on the rain sensor, the LCD shows the value of R is 1, and when there is no rain, the LCD shows the
value of R is 0. The LCDs show the temperature T in the Degree Celsius scale and the moisture and
humidity H in percentage. All the sensors give real-time data. Sensor data was transmitted to the
Blynk server using a Wi-Fi module through the internet.
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Fig. 4.3: The output of the project when the pump is switched on manually.
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Fig. 4.4: The output of the project when the pump is switched off manually.
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Fig. 4.5: Three screenshots of the connection between our internet router to ESP 8266 12F Wi-Fi
module named "Project".
4.2 Analysis
Farmers may plan and make irrigation decisions with the aid of monitoring data from LCDs, which
includes moisture, temperature, and rainfall. This helps to control crop growth conditions and lower
labor expenses. Through the Blynk cloud server, users can monitor and control our IoT-based Smart
Irrigation System project from anywhere worldwide with real-time data. Irrigation uses the most
water in agriculture. The system uses data from soil moisture sensors to irrigate the soil, helping to
avoid crop damage by preventing over- or under-irrigation of the soil. The farm owner can keep an
eye on the procedure online. This project has shown that the use of sensors and the Internet of Things
can significantly advance farming. The system provides a viable remedy for the issues encountered in
the current manual and laborious irrigation procedure.
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CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
The project allows investigating the existing systems and their advantages and disadvantages while
designing a system to monitor soil moisture level, temperature, humidity, and rain. One of the most
time-consuming tasks in farming is irrigation, which can be automated by using our IoT-based Smart
Irrigation System project to turn on and off the water pump based on soil moisture levels.
5.1 Summary
Nowadays, a scarcity of water resources is causing several issues in the agriculture sector. Smart
irrigation systems have been employed to assist farmers in overcoming their challenges. The Soil
Moisture Sensor in this Plant Watering System keeps track of the soil's moisture content, and if it
drops too low, Arduino triggers a water pump to water the plant. When the soil moisture sensor
determines that there is enough moisture, the irrigation system is automatically turned off. For
agricultural monitoring, the suggested model has a soil moisture sensor, DHT11 temperature,
humidity sensor, and rain sensor. The sensor-based system is set up on the farm to monitor soil
moisture. If it detects the moisture level and determines that it is below the threshold of 80%, it
immediately turns on the watering system for the farm. When the system determines that the soil has
enough moisture equal to or over the threshold value of 80%, the water pump turns off automatically.
Users can access the Blynk cloud server and manage our IoT-based Smart Irrigation System project
from anywhere in the world.
Connected gadgets have permeated every part of our lives, including health and fitness, home
automation, automotive and logistics, smart cities, and industrial IoT, as a result of the Internet of
Things (IoT) increasing acceptance. Consequently, it is only natural that IoT, linked devices, and
automation will find application in agriculture, thereby vastly enhancing practically every aspect of it.
How could one still rely on horses and plows when self-driving automobiles and virtual reality are no
longer science-fictional fantasies but rather commonplace?
There are numerous ways to describe contemporary agriculture. AgriTech, for instance, refers to the
general application of technology in agriculture. In contrast, smart agriculture typically refers to the
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deployment of IoT technology in agriculture. So what is IoT-enabled intelligent agriculture? By
utilizing IoT sensors to collect environmental and machine metrics, farmers can make informed
decisions and enhance every part of their job, from livestock to crop cultivation. By employing smart
agriculture sensors to monitor the condition of crops, for instance, farmers may precisely determine
the number of pesticides and fertilizers required for best performance. The same applies to the
definition of smart farming.
Even though smart agriculture IoT and industrial IoT, in general, are not as popular as consumer-
connected devices, the sector remains highly dynamic. The adoption of IoT solutions for agriculture
continues to increase. Specifically, COVID-19 has had a favorable impact on IoT market share in
agriculture. Its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has increased to 9.9 percent due to disruptions
in the supply chain and a lack of trained laborers. Recent projections indicate that the smart framing
market share will reach $6.2 billion by 2021.
In addition, the worldwide market size for smart agriculture is anticipated to treble by 2025, reaching
$15.3 billion (compared to a little over $5 billion in 2016).[11]
Agriculture is Bangladesh's lifeblood. Agriculture has been repeatedly identified as the largest sector
in several other developing economies. About fifty percent of the population is employed in the
agricultural industry, while about seventy percent of the population relies on agriculture for a living.
Bangladesh possesses approximately 8.52 million hectares of cultivable land altogether. Despite the
abundance of rivers in Bangladesh, over 5 million hectares of our cultivable land require irrigation
during the dry season. Monitoring and watering of our cultivable land and yield are still performed
manually, wasting a great deal of time, money, and labor. By decreasing the need for human
involvement, the Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart agriculture system can save time and money.
Smart agriculture contains sensors to monitor the status of the soil and the surrounding environment,
and acknowledgments are given to the user, i.e., the farmer, through IoT modules via wireless
internet access, so that the farmer may remotely monitor the situation and take appropriate action.
The irrigation and fertilization of plants can also be completely machine-controlled and remotely
operated.[12]
The hardware: We must decide which sensors to use for your device if you want to design an IoT
solution for agriculture (or create a custom one). Our decision will be based on the data you wish to
gather and the overall goal of your solution. In any event, the success of our product will depend on
the precision and dependability of the data that is acquired, thus the quality of our sensors is essential.
The brain: Every smart agriculture solution should be built around data analytics. If we can't make
sense of the obtained data, it won't be of use in and of itself. As a result, to get useful insights from
the gathered data, you need to employ machine learning and predictive analytics, as well as have
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strong data analytics capabilities.
Maintenance: For IoT solutions in agriculture, the difficulty of hardware maintenance is crucial
because the sensors are frequently used in the field and are easily broken. Therefore, we must ensure
that our hardware is robust and simple to maintain. If not, we'll have to replace your sensors more
frequently than we would like.
The adaptability: Applications for smart farming should be made specifically for use in the field. A
business owner or farm manager ought to have on-site or remote access to the data using a
smartphone or desktop computer. Additionally, every linked device needs to be independent and have
a sufficient wireless coverage area to talk with other connected devices and send data to the main
server.
The systemic framework: It needs a strong internal infrastructure to make sure that the smart
farming application functions properly (and can handle the data load). Additionally, the security of
internal systems is required. The likelihood that someone may break into the system, steal the data, or
even take control of autonomous tractors increases if you don't adequately secure it.
Connectivity: The deployment of smart farming is still hindered by the requirement for data
transmission between several agricultural facilities. The connection between these facilities needs to
be solid enough to resist inclement weather and provide uninterrupted operation. Even though there
are now initiatives to build unifying standards in this area, IoT devices still use a variety of
connection protocols. Hopefully, the arrival of 5G and other technologies like space-based Internet
will contribute to finding a solution to this issue.
How often data are collected: It can be challenging to determine the ideal data collection frequency
in the agricultural sector due to the wide range of data types. Restrictions and laws may apply to the
data from field-based, airborne, and environmental sensors, apps, machines, and equipment, as well
as processed analytical data. One of the major issues with smart farming is the secure, timely delivery
and sharing of this data.
Data protection in the agricultural sector: Working with huge data sets is required for precision
agriculture and IoT technology, which raises the possibility of security flaws that criminals can use
for data theft and hacker assaults. Unfortunately, the concept of data security in agriculture is still
largely undeveloped.
For instance, many farms employ drones to convey data to farm equipment. This equipment has an
Internet connection but little to no security measures in place, such as user passwords or remote
access authentications.
Basic IoT security guidelines include keeping an eye on data traffic, protecting critical data with
encryption, utilizing AI-based security tools to quickly spot signs of suspicious activity, and storing
data in the blockchain to guarantee its integrity. Farmers must become familiar with the data security
concept, establish internal security standards, and uphold them to fully profit from IoT.[11]
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5.5 Future Scope
By adding an alarm system to our IoT-based smart irrigation system, users can set an alert for the soil
moisture level threshold to remind them that their plants are in a critical scenario. By adding a 360-
degree camera to our project, users can see the view of the crop field. Users can add a GSM module
to the project so they can control the system through SMS on a mobile SIM card.
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REFERENCES
[1] Quy, V.K.; Hau, N.V.; Anh, D.V.; Quy, N.M.; Ban, N.T.; Lanza, S.; Randazzo, G.; Muzirafuti, A.
IoT-Enabled Smart Agriculture: Architecture, Applications, and Challenges. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12,
3396.
[2] IoT Application in Agriculture for Smart Farming. (n.d.). IoT Application in Agriculture for
Smart Farming; www.cropin.com. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://www.cropin.com/iot-in-
agriculture
[3] IOT TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE | IoT Solutions World Congress | 31
JANUARY- 2 FEBRUARY 2023 BARCELONA. (2019, April 22). IoT Solutions World Congress | 31
JANUARY- 2 FEBRUARY 2023 BARCELONA; www.iotsworldcongress.com.
https://www.iotsworldcongress.com/iot-transforming-the-future-of-agriculture/
[4] Wi-Fi vs. Cellular: Which is Better for IoT? (n.d.). Wi-Fi vs. Cellular: Which Is Better for IoT?;
www.verypossible.com. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.verypossible.com/insights/wi-
fi-vs.-cellular-which-is-better-for-iot
[5] Agarwal, T. (2019, March 5). Arduino UNO R3 Microcontroller, Specifications, and Pin
Diagram. ElProCus-Electronic Projects for Engineering Students; www.elprocus.com.
https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-arduino-uno-r3-pin-diagram-specification-and-applications/
[6] M K Anushree, & R Krishna,. (2018). A SMART FARMING SYSTEM USING ARDUINO-BASED
TECHNOLOGY. In International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology
(Volume 4, Issue 4).
[8] POWER SUPPLY BASICS – Wavelength Electronics. (2018, January 2). POWER SUPPLY
BASICS – Wavelength Electronics; www.teamwavelength.com.
https://www.teamwavelength.com/power-supply-basics/
[9] Day 7 - Section 1 - Introduction to Blynk: How Blynk works. (n.d.). Day 7 - Section 1 -
Introduction to Blynk: How Blynk Works; learn.leak.gr. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from
https://elearn.ellak.gr/mod/book/view.php?id=2950
[10] Srishti Rawal, "IOT based Smart Irrigation System", International Journal of Computer
Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 159 – No 8, February 2017
[11] Chalimov, A. (2020, July 7). IoT in Agriculture: 5 Technology Use Cases for Smart Farming
(and 4 Challenges to Consider). Eastern Peak - Technology Consulting & Development Company;
eastern peak.com.https://easternpeak.com/blog/iot-in-agriculture-technology-use-cases-for-smart-
farming-and-challenges-to-consider/
[12] Chowdhury, O. R. (2021). Prospect of IoT Based Smart Agriculture in Bangladesh-A Review.
In International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) (Vol. 10, Issue 11).
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APPENDIX
The Arduino code for our IoT-based Smart Irrigation System project is given below:
# include <dht.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
LiquidCrystal LCD(7,8,9,10,11,12);
DHT DHT;
# define DHT11_PIN 5
void setup(){
lcd.begin(16, 2);
pinMode(sensor_pin, INPUT);
pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop(){
int chk = DHT.read11(DHT11_PIN);
lcd.setCursor(0,0);
lcd.print("Temp: ");
lcd.print(DHT.temperature);
lcd.print((char)223);
lcd.print("C");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Humidity: ");
lcd.print(DHT.humidity);
lcd.print("%");
delay(2000);
lcd.setCursor(23,0);
lcd.autoscroll();
output_value= analogRead(sensor_pin);
output_value = map(output_value,550,10,0,100);
lcd.print("Mosture: ");
lcd.print(output_value);
lcd.print("%");
lcd.setCursor(23,1);
if(output_value<30){
digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
lcd.print("Motor ON");
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}
else
{
digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
lcd.print("Motor OFF");
}
delay(2500);
lcd.noAutoscroll();
lcd.clear();
}
Datasheets:
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