A prototype of PC based remote control of irrigation

Abstract

In recent years, more efficient and positive use of current water resources together with global warming becomes important. New technologies and ideas have been developed for many years to optimal use of water resources especially in agricultural field. Growers irrigate their own areas uniformly. However demand of water, fertilizer and agricultural chemicals are different for each trees or crops depending on plant ages and chemical content of soil. Determination of water demand for crops and trees is important to protect fresh water resources. In this study, a prototype of solar powered, low cost, remote controlled real time monitoring irrigation system was designed to control drip irrigation. Software (ValCon, developed by authors with C# language in Visual Studio.Net 2008 editor) was developed to control irrigation valve and monitor water content of soil. Control method of irrigation (automatic or manual) can be selected by users. Only water content of soil was monitored. Nevertheless by using sensors which measure other features of water or air, it is also possible to extend the designed system. Remote controlled site-specific irrigation scheme prevents moisture stress of trees and salification besides providing the efficient use of fresh water resources. Also, this irrigation method removes labour that is needed for flooding irrigation.