Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035

Design and Development of an IoT Based Smart

Irrigation System in Agriculture Fields
Badipati Chinna Babu1; P. Venu2; V. Ravindra Kumar3;
Y. Jhansi4; K. Geethanjali5
1
Assistant Professor; 2Student; 3Student; 4Student; 5Student
1;2;3;4;5
Department of Agricultural Engineering A.M Reddy Memorial College of Engineering and
Technology, Narasaropet-522601

Publication Date: 2025/04/18

Abstract: The project presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective IoT-based smart irrigation system aimed
at enhancing agricultural efficiency through automation and remote monitoring. Utilizing an ESP32/NodeMCU
microcontroller as the core unit, the system integrates a capacitive soil moisture sensor, DHT11 temperature and humidity
sensor, relay module, and water pump or solenoid valve to automate irrigation based on real-time soil moisture readings.
An LCD display and GSM module provide on-site monitoring and SMS alerts to keep farmers informed of environmental
conditions and system status. The hardware and software components were carefully chosen to maintain low cost while
ensuring reliable performance. Field testing under various environmental conditions demonstrated consistent sensor
accuracy, effective pump control, and significant water conservation. The system, developed at an approximate cost of
₹2,970, proved suitable for small to medium-scale farms, especially in rural areas. Its successful operation confirms the
potential of IoT in promoting sustainable farming, optimizing resource utilization, and improving overall crop management,
establishing a scalable foundation for future smart agriculture innovations.

Keywords: Smart Irrigation, IoT, Automation, Soil Moisture Sensors, Smart Farming, Real-Time Data Analysis.

How to Cite: Badipati Chinna Babu; P. Venu; V. Ravindra Kumar; Y. Jhansi; K. Geethanjali (2025). Design and Development of
an IoT Based Smart Irrigation System in Agriculture Fields. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research
Technology, 10(4), 438-442. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035

I. INTRODUCTION manage operations remotely via mobile apps or web

dashboards, users gain enhanced control and flexibility. The
A Smart Irrigation System based on the Internet of system not only reduces manual labor and operational costs
Things (IoT) represents a modern, data-driven approach to but also supports sustainable farming by minimizing water
agricultural water management, addressing inefficiencies waste and promoting healthy crop growth. Looking ahead,
associated with traditional irrigation methods. Conventional integrating technologies like AI, solar energy, and machine
systems often rely on manual intervention or fixed schedules, learning could further enhance the intelligence, energy
leading to overwatering or underwatering and unnecessary efficiency, and adaptability of such systems. Overall, IoT-
resource waste. In contrast, IoT-based irrigation leverages based smart irrigation systems offer a transformative solution
real-time data from soil moisture, temperature, and humidity for efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible
sensors to make automated, precise decisions about when and agriculture.
how much water to deliver. Core components such as
ESP32/NodeMCU microcontrollers, soil moisture sensors,  Objectives of Current Study
DHT11 temperature/humidity sensors, relay modules, and
water pumps work in harmony to create an efficient,  To design and develop an intelligent irrigation system for
responsive irrigation system. Additionally, communication efficient agricultural management.
modules like GSM enable remote monitoring and control,  To implement an autonomous system capable of making
making the system practical for both small-scale gardens and irrigation decisions based on real-time climatic
large agricultural fields. conditions.
 To optimize crop yield through precise and timely water
This smart irrigation system conserves water by management.
activating irrigation only when needed, based on sensor data  To enhance water use efficiency by minimizing wastage
and environmental conditions. With the ability to monitor and and maximizing effectiveness.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE The Arduino Uno is a popular open-source
microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P, widely
The literature on IoT-based smart irrigation systems used for prototyping in IoT, automation, and embedded
reflects the growing importance of integrating technology systems. Programmed via the Arduino IDE using C/C++, it
into agriculture to enhance water efficiency and crop yield. supports communication protocols like UART, SPI, and I2C
Ahmed et al. (2019) and Patel et al. (2020) emphasized the for easy hardware integration. Its affordability, simplicity,
significance of real-time monitoring of soil and and versatility make it ideal for projects such as smart
environmental parameters using sensor networks, which irrigation, home automation, robotics, and industrial
facilitate automated decision-making through cloud applications.
connectivity. Studies by Singh et al. (2020) and Reddy et al.
(2020) highlighted the benefits of automation in managing  LCD Display
water flow and scheduling irrigation based on soil moisture
and weather data, while also noting challenges such as sensor
calibration, rural connectivity, and system scalability. Das et
al. (2021) and Verma et al. (2021) provided comprehensive
insights into sensor-based systems, stressing the role of data
analytics, microcontroller selection, and software integration
in achieving efficient, low-cost solutions for small to medium
farms.

Further contributions by Mishra et al. (2021), Chen et

al. (2021), and Yadav et al. (2021) explored advanced
features such as mobile applications for remote monitoring,
cloud-based data management, and the integration of GSM Fig 2 16x2 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
and Wi-Fi for real-time communication. Ali et al. (2021) and
Iqbal et al. (2022) focused on the reliability and structure of In smart irrigation systems, LCD displays play a key
wireless sensor networks and emerging trends like edge role in providing real-time monitoring of sensor data such as
computing and machine learning for forecasting irrigation soil moisture, water flow, weather conditions, and system
needs. More recent reviews by Sharma et al. (2022), Kapoor status. Connected to a microcontroller, the LCD offers clear
et al. (2022), Bose et al. (2022), and Gupta et al. (2022) visual feedback, enabling users to track and adjust irrigation
examined sustainable water management strategies and the settings as needed. With features like low power
role of AI in predictive irrigation control. These works consumption, outdoor visibility, and easy integration, LCDs
collectively demonstrate the potential of IoT in transforming help farmers make informed decisions, ensuring efficient
traditional irrigation methods into intelligent, data-driven water usage and healthier crop management.
systems that enhance sustainability and productivity in
agriculture.  Relay

III. METARIALS AND METHODS

 Soil Moisture Sensor

A soil moisture sensor measures the water content in the
soil to help optimize irrigation. It works by detecting changes
in electrical resistance or capacitance based on moisture
levels. These sensors are energy-efficient, durable, and easily
integrated into smart irrigation systems for automated
watering. Key features include adjustable sensitivity, weather
resistance, and accurate performance for reducing water
waste.

 Arduino UNO

Fig 3 Relay

A relay is an electrically operated switch used in smart

irrigation systems to control high-power devices using low-
power signals. It provides isolation between control and
power circuits, ensuring safe operation. When current flows
through its coil, a magnetic field moves the armature to open
or close the circuit. Relays are known for their durability, fast
response, and ability to handle high-voltage or high-current
Fig 1 Arduino UNO loads.

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035
 Jumper Wires  D.C. Motor:
A power adapter is a vital component in electronic and
IoT systems, providing the necessary power for operation. It
converts AC (alternating current) from a wall outlet into DC
(direct current), which is suitable for powering devices like
sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules. This
conversion ensures that all components receive a stable and
safe voltage. Without a proper power supply, the system may
malfunction or become damaged. Therefore, a reliable power
adapter is crucial for the efficient and uninterrupted
Fig 4 Jumper Wires functioning of the entire setup.
Jumper wires are flexible electrical conductors
commonly used in electronics and IoT projects to establish
temporary or permanent connections between components on
a breadboard or circuit board. In this project, male-to-female
jumper wires are used, where one end features a male pin and
the other end a female connector, allowing easy interfacing
between modules and microcontrollers.

 Power Adaptor
A power adapter is an essential component that supplies
the required electrical power to devices like sensors,
microcontrollers, and communication modules. It converts
AC (alternating current) from the mains into DC (direct
current), ensuring safe and reliable operation of the entire
system. Fig 6 DC Motor

 Arduino UNO Pinout Description

The Arduino Nano is a compact and breadboard-
friendly microcontroller board with 14 digital I/O pins and 6
analog input pins. Each pin can serve multiple functions and
can be configured as input or output based on the application.
Functions like pinMode(), digitalWrite(), and analogRead()
control pin behavior, with analog pins offering 10-bit
resolution from 0 to 5V. Operating at 5V with a 16 MHz
crystal oscillator, it ensures reliable real-time processing.
Although it lacks a DC power jack, it supports Mini USB for
Fig 5 Power Adaptor programming and communication.

Fig 7 Arduino UNO Pinout Description

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035
 Emitting Pipes

Fig 9 Nozzles

IV. METHODOLOGY

Fig 8 Emitting Pipes  System Design and Implementation

The smart irrigation system automates water supply
Emitting pipes in smart irrigation systems deliver water using real-time soil moisture data to conserve water and boost
directly to plant roots through controlled openings, ensuring crop productivity. It consists of input sensors (soil moisture
precise irrigation based on soil moisture data from IoT and optional temperature-humidity), an Arduino UNO as the
sensors. These pipes promote water conservation, reduce processor, and output devices like a relay-controlled water
wastage, and enable efficient water flow with low pump, 16x2 LCD, and GSM module for SMS alerts. When
maintenance. Integrated IoT allows for remote monitoring dry soil is detected, the Arduino activates the pump and sends
and automated irrigation, supporting sustainable farming system updates via SMS while displaying the status on the
practices. LCD. All components are mounted on a breadboard or PCB
with a regulated power supply, and the system is programmed
 Nozzles using Arduino IDE in C/C++ for sensor reading, pump
In smart irrigation systems, nozzles regulate and control, messaging, and display.
distribute water efficiently, spraying in patterns like mist,
cone, or stream based on crop requirements. IoT sensors track  Testing, Validation, and Observations
factors like soil moisture, temperature, and weather to adjust The system was successfully tested in both lab and field
the water output from the nozzles, minimizing water wastage. settings. It accurately monitored soil conditions, triggered the
This ensures optimal irrigation and promotes healthy crop pump when needed, and sent SMS alerts using GSM. The
growth. Features include adjustable spray patterns, low water LCD provided real-time updates, and all components
consumption, and seamless IoT integration for remote functioned reliably. Field deployment confirmed its
control. The nozzles help maintain the right soil moisture and effectiveness under real conditions, proving its suitability for
support sustainable farming. The nozzle diameter is 0.5 mm. automated and sustainable irrigation.

V. RESULTS
Table 1 Test Results of IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System under Varying Soil and Environmental Conditions
Test Date & Soil Soil Water Pump Temp Humidity LCD SMS
No. Time Moisture (ADC) Condition Available Status (°C) (%) Display Sent
6/2/25 & Dry soil: PUMP:
1 780 Dry Yes ON 35 60
1:03 ON OFF
10/2/25 & Dry soil: PUMP:
2 785 Dry No OFF 32 55
1:04 ON OFF
15/2/25 & Moist soil: PUMP:
3 650 Moist Yes OFF 28 50
10:01 OFF OFF
23/2/25 & Soggy soil: PUMP:
4 280 Soggy Yes OFF 27 65
9:02 OFF OFF
26/2/25 & Dry soil: PUMP:
5 720 Dry Yes ON 36 58
2:04 ON ON
1/3/25 & Moist soil: PUMP:
6 690 Moist Yes OFF 30 52
10:03 OFF OFF

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1035
VI. DISCUSSION
[4]. Reddy, P., et al. (2020). "A Review on IoT
The results from the field and laboratory tests Applications in Smart Agriculture Irrigation," Journal
demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the IoT-based of Agricultural Engineering, 47(6), 145-159.
smart irrigation system in various soil and environmental [5]. Das, A., et al. (2021). "Sensor-Based IoT Smart
conditions. The system accurately detected changes in soil Irrigation System: A Comprehensive Review,"
moisture through ADC values, with the pump activating Sensors, 21(4), 1230-1245.
automatically when the soil was dry and water was available, [6]. Verma, R., et al. (2021). "IoT in Agricultural
as seen in Test Nos. 1 and 5. It correctly turned off the pump Irrigation Systems: Benefits and Implementation,"
when soil moisture reached moist or soggy levels, conserving Agricultural Water Management, 243, 106437.
water and preventing over-irrigation (Tests 3, 4, and 6). [7]. Mishra, S., et al. (2021). "IoT-Driven Drip Irrigation
Temperature and humidity variations were also recorded, for Sustainable Agriculture," Sustainable Agriculture
indicating the system's ability to function consistently across Reviews, 49, 145-157.
different climatic conditions. Moreover, the LCD display [8]. Chen, L., et al. (2021). "Cloud-Connected Smart
provided clear real-time information, and SMS alerts were Irrigation Using IoT," Journal of Internet of Things,
successfully sent, keeping the user informed about soil status 8(2), 213-227.
and pump activity. These observations confirm the system's [9]. Yadav, N., et al. (2021). "Real-Time Irrigation Control
potential for practical implementation in agricultural fields, Using IoT: A Survey," Computers and Electronics in
enabling automated irrigation with minimal human Agriculture, 180, 105698.
intervention and enhanced water management. [10]. Ali, H., et al. (2021). "Review on Smart Irrigation
Using IoT and Wireless Sensor Networks," Journal of
VII. CONCLUSION Network and Computer Applications, 174, 102863.

The IoT-based smart irrigation system proved to be an

effective solution for automated and efficient water
management. It accurately detected soil moisture levels,
responded appropriately by controlling the water pump, and
provided real-time updates via LCD and GSM alerts. Both lab
and field tests confirmed the system’s reliability, reducing
manual intervention and water wastage. Overall, it offers a
practical and sustainable approach for modern agriculture,
especially in regions facing water scarcity.

FUTURE SCOPE

The smart irrigation system can be further enhanced by

integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
(ML) algorithms to predict irrigation needs based on weather
forecasts and historical data. Incorporating solar power will
make the system more sustainable and energy-efficient,
especially in remote areas. Future versions could also support
IoT cloud platforms for advanced data analytics and remote
multi-farm management through mobile or web dashboards.
Additionally, using wireless communication technologies
like LoRa or NB-IoT can improve connectivity in rural and
large-scale agricultural fields, ensuring broader adoption and
scalability.

REFERENCES

[1]. Ahmed, M., et al. (2019). "IoT-Enabled Smart

Irrigation Systems: A Review," International Journal
of Agricultural Technology, 15(3), 567-579.
[2]. Patel, R., et al. (2020). "Precision Irrigation with IoT:
An Overview," Journal of Precision Agriculture,
22(5), 411-423.
[3]. Singh, K., et al. (2020). "IoT-Based Smart Irrigation:
Advances and Challenges," Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment, 192(1), 3-15.

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