Automatic Plant watering system using Arduino

Abstract:
Effective plant care often requires consistent and timely watering, which can be a challenging
task for both indoor and outdoor plant owners. This project introduces an innovative solution, an
Automatic Plant Watering System, leveraging the capabilities of an Arduino microcontroller and
a soil moisture sensor. The primary aim of this system is to intelligently monitor and maintain
optimal soil moisture levels, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of water precisely
when needed.

The system combines hardware and software elements to create a user-friendly and automated
approach to plant care. A soil moisture sensor is embedded in the soil of the plant pot,
continuously collecting data. The Arduino microcontroller interprets this data and activates a
water pump when the soil moisture falls below a predefined threshold. Water is sourced from a
reservoir and delivered to the plant pot, providing a hands-free solution for plant owners.

Introduction:
Maintaining an optimal watering schedule for plants is a fundamental aspect of horticulture and
gardening, yet it can be a time-consuming and often inconsistent task. For both novice and
experienced plant enthusiasts, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of moisture at the
right time is a critical challenge. To address this concern, we introduce an Automatic Plant
Watering System, a technological solution that seeks to simplify and enhance the care of plants,
both indoors and outdoors.

The primary purpose of this system is to automate the process of plant watering based on real-
time soil moisture data. By combining the power of an Arduino microcontroller and a soil
moisture sensor, this system continuously monitors the moisture level of the soil in a plant pot.
When the soil moisture drops below a predefined threshold, the system triggers a water pump to
deliver water to the plant. This intelligent approach to plant care ensures that plants remain
adequately hydrated and healthy, reducing the risk of under- or over-watering.

This project report explores the design, construction, and functionality of the Automatic Plant
Watering System. It delves into the intricacies of the system's components and how they interact
to fulfill the overarching goal of efficient plant care.
In a world increasingly shaped by technological innovation, the Automatic Plant Watering
System presents a practical and sustainable solution for plant enthusiasts, enabling them to enjoy
thriving and flourishing plants while minimizing the manual labor associated with plant care.
List of components:
1. Arduino UNO R3
2. Soil moisture sensor
3. Water pump
4. Power supply
5. Connecting wires

1. Arduino UNO R3:

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328 (datasheet). It
has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog
inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP
header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the
microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a
AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started. The Uno differs from all preceding boards
in that it does not use the FTDI USB-to-serial driver chip. Instead, it features the
Atmega16U2 (Atmega8U2 up to version R2) programmed as a USB-to-serial
converter.

Summary:
 Microcontroller: ATmega328
 Operating Voltage: 5V
 Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V
 Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
 Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
 Analog Input Pins: 6
 DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
 DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
 Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 0.5 KB used by bootloader
 SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
 EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
 Clock Speed: 16 MHz

Power:
The Arduino Uno can be powered via the USB connection or with an external power
supply. The power source is selected automatically. External (non-USB) power can
come either from an AC-to-DC adapter (wall-wart) or battery. The adapter can be
connected by plugging a 2.1mm center-positive plug into the board's power jack.
Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER
connector. The board can operate on an external supply of 6 to 20 volts. If supplied
with less than 7V, however, the 5V pin may supply less than five volts and the board
may be unstable. If using more than 12V, the voltage regulator may overheat and
damage the board. The recommended range is 7 to 12 volts. The power pins are as
follows:
 VIN. The input voltage to the Arduino board when it's using an external
power source (as opposed to 5 volts from the USB connection or other
regulated power source). You can supply voltage through this pin, or, if
supplying voltage via the power jack, access it through this pin.
 5V.This pin outputs a regulated 5V from the regulator on the board. The board
can be supplied with power either from the DC power jack (7 - 12V), the USB
connector (5V), or the VIN pin of the board (7-12V). Supplying voltage via the 5V or
3.3V pins bypasses the regulator, and can damage your board. We don't advise it.
 3V3. A 3.3 volt supply generated by the on-board regulator. Maximum current
draw is 50 mA.
 GND. Ground pins.

Memory:
The ATmega328 has 32 KB (with 0.5 KB used for the bootloader). It also has 2
KB of SRAM and 1 KB of EEPROM (which can be read and written with the
EEPROM library).

Input and Output:

Each of the 14 digital pins on the Uno can be used as an input or output, using
pinMode(), digitalWrite(), and digitalRead() functions. They operate at 5 volts. Each
pin can provide or receive a maximum of 40 mA and has an internal pull-up resistor
 (disconnected by default) of 20-50 kOhms. In addition, some pins have specialized
functions:
 Serial: 0 (RX) and 1 (TX). Used to receive (RX) and transmit (TX) TTL serial data.
These pins are connected to the corresponding pins of the ATmega8U2 USB-to-TTL
Serial chip.
 External Interrupts: 2 and 3. These pins can be configured to trigger an interrupt on
a low value, a rising or falling edge, or a change in value. See the attachInterrupt()
function for details.
 PWM: 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11. Provide 8-bit PWM output with the
analogWrite() function.
 SPI: 10 (SS), 11 (MOSI), 12 (MISO), 13 (SCK). These pins support SPI
communication using the SPI library.

2. Soil moisture sensor:

The soil moisture sensor is a pivotal component of the Automatic Plant Watering System. It
serves as the system's sensory input, enabling it to assess and respond to the soil's moisture
levels. The sensor functions by measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil, which is closely
correlated with soil moisture content.
2.1. Sensor Operation
The soil moisture sensor consists of two electrodes typically embedded in the soil of the plant
pot. It forms a variable resistor whose resistance changes with the moisture level in the soil.
When the soil is dry, the resistance is higher, and as it becomes wetter, the resistance decreases.
The sensor utilizes this resistance to provide an analog voltage output that is proportional to the
soil moisture.
2.2. Data Interpretation
The analog voltage output from the soil moisture sensor is read by the Arduino microcontroller.
The microcontroller then processes this data and compares it to a predetermined threshold value.
When the soil moisture falls below this threshold, it triggers the system to activate the water
pump to water the plant. This feedback mechanism ensures that the plant receives water
precisely when needed, avoiding overwatering and underwatering.
2.3. Sensor Calibration
Calibrating the soil moisture sensor is a crucial step in achieving accurate and consistent results.
Calibration involves establishing the threshold value or moisture level at which the system
should activate the water pump. The calibration process typically requires testing the sensor in
various soil moisture conditions to determine the optimal threshold for your specific plant and
environmental conditions.
2.4. Placement
Proper placement of the soil moisture sensor is essential for accurate readings. It should be
inserted into the soil near the plant's root zone at a depth appropriate for the type of plant you are
caring for. Ensuring good contact between the sensor's electrodes and the soil is critical for
reliable readings.
The soil moisture sensor is a critical component in the Automatic Plant Watering System, as
it enables the system to make informed decisions about when and how much to water the plants,
contributing to the overall success of the project.

3. Water pump:

The heart of the Automatic Plant Watering System is the 5V water pump. This pump is carefully
selected for its compatibility with the Arduino microcontroller, which provides a 5V power
source. When the soil moisture sensor signals a need for watering, the Arduino microcontroller
sends a signal to the relay module, which, in turn, activates the 5V water pump. This precise
control ensures that water is delivered efficiently and accurately to the plant pot, preventing
overwatering or underwatering. The pump draws water from a strategically positioned water
reservoir, taking advantage of gravity for efficient water distribution. The calibration and setup
of the watering duration are vital to ensure that the system delivers the right amount of water to
maintain plant health.
Technical Specification
Input Voltage: DC 3V – 5V
Flow Rate: 1.2 – 1.6 L/min
Operating Current: 0.1 – 0.2A
Maximum Suction Distance: 0.8m
Outside Diameter of Water Outlet: 7.5mm
Inside Diameter of Water outlet: 5.0mm
Diameter of Water Inlet: 5.0mm
Wire Length: 200mm
Operating temperature: less than 80˚C
Application
Controlled Gardening Systems
Controlled Fountain Water flow
Additional Information
Weight: 26g
Dimensions: 45 × 30 × 25mm

4. Power supply (9V battery):

Hi-Watt 9V Battery is the most commonly used and portable 9V battery. It is non-rechargeable
and is a high capacity and low-cost solution for many electronic devices. It is based on Zinc
Carbon Chemistry and can be used easily replaced if discharged just like any standard AA and
AAA batteries. The battery can be used to power LEDs, Toys, Flashlight and Torch, electronic
equipment like multimeter, wall clocks, or other devices with a 9V system. A battery snap
connector is generally used to connect it with a breadboard.

SPECIFICATIONS:

 Nominal Voltage(V): 9V
 Battery Type: Zinc Carbon battery
 Dimension: 26.5mm x 48.5mm x 17.5mm
 System: Zinc Carbon
 Discharge Resistance (Ohms): 620
 Cut-off Voltage(V): 5.4
 Discharge Tie: 270Hm, 9 Hrs
 Jacket: Metal
 Operating Temperature Range (deg. C): -20 to +85

Circuit Diagram:

Circuit Description:
Arduino Board (Arduino Uno): The Arduino acts as the central control unit for the system. It
processes data from the soil moisture sensor and controls the water pump through the relay
module.
Soil Moisture Sensor Module: The soil moisture sensor is connected to the Arduino's analog
input pin (A0). This sensor typically has three pins: VCC (power), GND (ground), and DO
(analog signal output). Connect VCC to the 5V output on the Arduino, GND to ground, and DO
to A0.
5V Water Pump: The 5V water pump is used for precise water delivery. It should be connected
to a suitable power supply, typically a 5V power source. This power source can be shared with
the Arduino.

Relay Module: The relay module serves as an interface between the Arduino and the 5V water
pump. It helps control the higher voltage (usually 12V or more) required to power the water
pump. Connect the relay module to the Arduino using two pins: one for the control signal (in this
case, pin 3) and the other for ground (GND).
Connect the relay module's control input to pin 3 on the Arduino.
Connect the relay module's ground (GND) to the Arduino's ground (GND).

Circuit Operation:

 The soil moisture sensor is inserted into the soil of a plant pot. It continuously measures
the soil moisture level and provides an analog output signal to the Arduino.
 The Arduino reads the analog signal from the soil moisture sensor through pin A0.
 The Arduino processes the soil moisture data and compares it to the predefined dry and
wet threshold values. When the soil moisture falls below the dry threshold, it triggers the
relay to turn on the water pump. Conversely, when the soil moisture rises above the wet
threshold, it turns off the water pump.
 The relay, in turn, controls the 5V water pump. When the relay is activated, it allows
power from a separate power supply to flow to the water pump, causing it to draw water
from the reservoir and deliver it to the plant.
 This circuit ensures that the plants are automatically watered when the soil moisture level
is too low, preventing under-watering, while also preventing over-watering when the soil
is adequately moist.
 Please note that electrical safety precautions should be taken when working with water
pumps and high voltage components. It's essential to ensure that the water pump's power
supply is appropriately isolated and that all connections are secure and insulated.
Working:
The working of your Automatic Plant Watering System involves monitoring the moisture
level in the soil and controlling a water pump to provide water to your plants when needed.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how the project works:
Soil Moisture Sensing:
The system begins by using a soil moisture sensor, which is inserted into the soil of your
plant pot. This sensor continuously measures the moisture level in the soil.
Arduino Control:
The soil moisture sensor is connected to an Arduino board, typically via an analog input
pin (A0 in your code).
The Arduino reads the analog signal from the soil moisture sensor and converts it into a digital
value. This value represents the moisture level in the soil.
Threshold Comparison:
The Arduino compares the measured soil moisture value to predefined threshold values
that you've set in your code.
You have two thresholds: dryThreshold and wetThreshold. These values determine when the
system should water your plants and when it should stop.
Decision Making:
If the soil moisture value is above the dryThreshold, it means the soil is too dry, and the
plant needs water.
When the soil moisture value falls below the dryThreshold, the Arduino makes the decision to
activate the water pump.
Water Pump Control:
The Arduino controls the water pump via a relay module. The relay module is connected
to a digital output pin (pin 3 in your code) on the Arduino.
When the Arduino determines that the soil is too dry, it sends a signal to the relay module to turn
the water pump on. The relay module, in turn, allows power to flow to the water pump.
Watering the Plant:
The water pump, now powered on, draws water from a water reservoir and delivers it to
the plant pot.
The water flows through tubing from the reservoir to the plant pot.
Monitoring and Feedback:
The Arduino continuously monitors the soil moisture level and checks if it remains below
the dryThreshold. As long as the soil is too dry, the water pump will remain on.
Completion of Watering:
Once the soil moisture level reaches or exceeds the wetThreshold, the Arduino turns off
the water pump by sending a signal to the relay module.
The system then stops watering, preventing over-watering of the plant.
Delay and Continuous Operation:
After each check and action, the Arduino adds a delay (in your code, it's 1 second) before
the next iteration of measurement and decision-making. This delay helps avoid rapid and
continuous activation of the water pump.
In summary, your Automatic Plant Watering System constantly monitors the moisture
level in the soil of your plant pots. It waters your plants when the soil becomes too dry, and it
stops when the soil is adequately moist. This automation ensures that your plants receive the
right amount of water at the right time, helping to maintain their health and vitality.

Source code:
// Define the pins
const int soilMoisturePin = A0; // Analog input pin for soil moisture sensor
const int relayPin = 3; // Digital output pin to control the relay

// Moisture threshold values

const int dryThreshold = 700; // Define your own threshold
const int wetThreshold = 300; // Define your own threshold

void setup() {
pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW); // Make sure the relay is initially off

Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
int soilMoistureValue = analogRead(soilMoisturePin);
Serial.print("Soil Moisture: ");
Serial.println(soilMoistureValue);

if (soilMoistureValue > dryThreshold) {

// Soil is too dry, turn on the water pump
digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
Serial.println("Turning water pump ON");
} else if (soilMoistureValue < wetThreshold) {
// Soil is wet enough, turn off the water pump
digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
Serial.println("Turning water pump OFF");
}

delay(1000); // Delay for 1 second (adjust as needed)

}

Software requirement:

Arduino IDE :

 Arduino IDE is an open-source software, designed by Arduino.cc and mainly used

for writing, compiling & uploading code to almost all Arduino Modules.
 It is an official Arduino software, making code compilation too easy that even a
common person with no prior technical knowledge can get their feet wet with the
learning process.

 It is available for all operating systems i.e. MAC, Windows, Linux and runs on the
Java Platform that comes with inbuilt functions and commands that play a vital role
in debugging, editing and compiling the code.

 A range of Arduino modules available including Arduino Uno, Arduino Mega,

Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Micro and many more.

 Each of them contains a microcontroller on the board that is actually programmed

and accepts the information in the form of code.

 The main code, also known as a sketch, created on the IDE platform will ultimately
generate a Hex File which is then transferred and uploaded in the controller on the
board.

 The IDE environment mainly contains two basic parts: Editor and Compiler where
former is used for writing the required code and later is used for compiling and
uploading the code into the given Arduino Module.

 This environment supports both C and C++ languages.

How to Download Arduino IDE

You can download the Software from Arduino main website. As I said earlier, the
software is available for common operating systems like Linux, Windows, and MAX,
so make sure you are downloading the correct software version that is easily
compatible with your operating system.

 If you aim to download the Windows app version, make sure you have Windows 8.1

or Windows 10, as the app version is not compatible with Windows 7 or older version

of this operating system.

 You can download the latest version of Arduino IDE for Windows (Non-Admin

standalone version), by clicking below button:

Download Arduino IDE

The IDE environment is mainly distributed into three sections

1. Menu Bar
2. Text Editor
3. Output Pane

As you download and open the IDE software, it will appear like an image below:
 The bar appearing on the top is called Menu Bar that comes with five different
options as follow

 File - You can open a new window for writing the code or open an existing
one. The following table shows the number of further subdivisions the file
option is categorized into.

 As you go to the preference section and check the compilation section, the

Output Pane will show the code compilation as you click the upload button.
 And at the end of the compilation, it will show you the hex file it has generated
for the recent sketch that will send to the Arduino Board for the specific task
you aim to achieve.

 Edit - Used for copying and pasting the code with further modification for font

 Sketch - For compiling and programming

 Tools - Mainly used for testing projects. The Programmer section in this panel
is used for burning a bootloader to the new microcontroller.

 Help - In case you are feeling skeptical about software, complete help is
available from getting started to troubleshooting.

The Six Buttons appearing under the Menu tab are connected with the running
program as follows.
 The checkmark appearing in the circular button is used to verify the code.
Click this once you have written your code.

 The arrow key will upload and transfer the required code to the Arduino board.

 The dotted paper is used for creating a new file.

 The upward arrow is reserved for opening an existing Arduino project.

 The downward arrow is used to save the current running code.

 The button appearing on the top right corner is a Serial Monitor - A separate
pop-up window that acts as an independent terminal and plays a vital role in
sending and receiving the Serial Data. You can also go to the Tools panel and
select Serial Monitor, or pressing Ctrl+Shift+M all at once will open it
instantly. The Serial Monitor will actually help to debug the written Sketches
where you can get a hold of how your program is operating. Your Arduino
Module should be connected to your computer by USB cable in order to
activate the Serial Monitor.
 You need to select the baud rate of the Arduino Board you are using right now.
For my Arduino Uno Baud Rate is 9600, as you write the following code and
click the Serial Monitor, the output will show as the image below.

 The main screen below the Menu bard is known as a simple text editor used for

writing the required code.

 The bottom of the main screen is described as an Output Pane that mainly

highlights the compilation status of the running code: the memory used by the
 code, and errors that occurred in the program. You need to fix those errors

before you intend to upload the hex file into your Arduino Module.

 More or less, Arduino C language works similar to the regular C language used

for any embedded system microcontroller, however, there are some dedicated

libraries used for calling and executing specific functions on the board.

Arduino Libraries
 Libraries are very useful for adding extra functionality into the Arduino Module.

 There is a list of libraries you can check by clicking the Sketch button in the

menu bar and going to Include Library.

  As you click the Include Library and Add the respective library it will be on the

top of the sketch with a #include sign. Suppose, I Include the EEPROM library,

it will appear on the text editor as

#include <EEPROM.h>

 Most of the libraries are preinstalled and come with the Arduino software.
However, you can also download them from external sources.

The digitalRead and digitalWrite commands are used for addressing and
making the Arduino pins as an input and output respectively.
 These commands are text sensitive i.e. you need to write them down the exact
way they are given like digitalWrite starting with small "d" and write with
capital "W". Writing it down with Digitalwrite or digitalwrite won't be calling
or addressing any function.

 In order to upload the sketch, you need to select the relevant board you are
using and the ports for that operating system.

 As you click the Tools on the menu, it will open like the figure below:

 Just go to the "Board" section and select the board you aim to work on.
Similarly, COM1, COM2, COM4, COM5, COM7 or higher are reserved for
the serial and
 USB board. You can look for the USB serial device in the ports section of the
Windows Device Manager.

 The following figure shows the COM4 that I have used for my project,
indicating the Arduino Uno with the COM4 port at the right bottom corner of
the screen.

 After correct selection of both Board and Serial Port, click the verify and then
upload button appearing in the upper left corner of the six-button section or you
can go to the Sketch section and press verify/compile and then upload.

 The sketch is written in the text editor and is then saved with the file extension
.ino.

It is important to note that the recent Arduino Modules will reset automatically
as you compile and press the upload button the IDE software, however, the
older versions may require the physical reset on the board.
 Once you upload the code, TX and RX LEDs will blink on the board,
indicating the desired program is running successfully.

Note: The port selection criteria mentioned above are dedicated to Windows
operating system only, you can check this Guide if you are using MAC or
Linux.

 The amazing thing about this software is that no prior arrangement or bulk of
the mess is required to install this software, you will be writing your first
program within 2 minutes after the installation of the IDE environment.

Arduino Bootloader
 As you go to the Tools section, you will find a bootloader at the end.

 It is very helpful to burn the code directly into the controller, setting you free
from buying the external burner to burn the required code.

When you buy the new Arduino Module, the bootloader is already installed
inside the controller. However, if you intend to buy a controller and put it in the
Arduino
 module, you need to burn the bootloader again inside the
controller by going to the Tools section and selecting the burn
bootloader.

That's all for today. I hope I have given you everything you
needed to know about Arduino IDE. If you are unsure or have any
questions, you can ask me in the comment section below. I'd love
to help you the best way I can. You are most welcome to keep us
updated with your valuable feedback and suggestions, they help
us provide you quality work so you keep coming back for what
we have to offer.

Future Scope:
The Automatic Plant Watering System, as it stands, is a promising step
toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of plant care. Looking ahead,
there are several avenues for further development and expansion. One potential
enhancement is the incorporation of remote monitoring and control, allowing users
to manage their plant care systems via the internet or smartphone apps. Data
logging and analysis could provide valuable insights into plant health and watering
patterns, enabling users to make data-driven decisions. Customizable settings for
moisture thresholds and watering schedules could cater to the diverse needs of
different plant species within a single setup. Scaling the system to accommodate
multiple plants or an entire garden is another promising direction. Moreover,
integrating automated fertilization, solar power sources, and weather forecasts
could create a more comprehensive and sustainable plant care solution. Battery
backup systems and smart home integration, including voice control, offer
additional avenues for improvement. Ultimately, the future scope of the Automatic
Plant Watering System is expansive, limited only by the creativity and specific
requirements of users and the environmental conditions of their plants.

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Advantages:
Consistent Watering: The system ensures that plants receive a consistent and
precise amount of water, reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering,
which is common with manual watering.
Reduced Manual Labor: It alleviates the need for frequent manual watering,
making it ideal for individuals with busy schedules, frequent travelers, or those
who may have difficulty tending to their plants regularly.
Healthier Plants: By maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, the system
promotes healthier and more vibrant plants, minimizing the risk of stress and
diseases caused by inconsistent watering.
Water Conservation: The system conserves water by delivering it only when
needed, preventing water wastage and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Potential for Customization: Future enhancements could allow users to
customize watering schedules and moisture thresholds, making the system
adaptale to the specific needs of various plant species.
Remote Monitoring and Control: With possible remote monitoring and control
features, users can manage their plant care systems from anywhere, enhancing
convenience and flexibility.
Data-Driven Insights: The system's potential for data logging and analysis offers
insights into plant health and watering patterns, enabling users to make informed
decisions.
Sustainability: Future implementations like solar power sources and weather
forecast integration can make the system more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Reduced Risk of Plant Stress: The consistent care provided by the system helps
prevent plant stress, ensuring that your plants thrive and flourish.
Time and Effort Savings: It saves time and effort in plant care, making it
accessible to a wide range of users and skill levels.

Conclusion:
The Automatic Plant Watering System represents a significant leap forward
in the realm of plant care, offering a multitude of benefits to both seasoned
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gardeners and those new to the world of plant maintenance. By ensuring consistent
and precise watering, it eliminates the common pitfalls of overwatering and
underwatering, ultimately resulting in healthier, more robust plants. The system's
potential for customization and data-driven insights empowers users to tailor their
plant care strategies and make informed decisions, enhancing the overall health
and vitality of their green companions. Moreover, this technology not only
simplifies the burdens of manual watering but also contributes to water
conservation, aligning with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
As the system evolves and incorporates advanced features like remote monitoring
and solar power integration, it promises to revolutionize the way we care for our
plants. The Automatic Plant Watering System stands as a testament to the fusion of
technology and horticulture, providing an efficient and reliable solution that
nurtures both plants and the convenience of their caretakers.

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