A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Application for Smart Monitoring and Control System for Drought

Abstract

The Philippine government persistently grapples with the challenges of low crop yield caused by drought, requiring efficient water management strategies. This becomes increasingly critical given the rising population and decreasing food supply. This study introduces an innovative precision agriculture system powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), designed to address this issue. This IoT-enabled system harnesses wireless technology, connecting environmental and soil sensors via a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). These sensors provide real-time data on farmland stress conditions, enabling farmers to respond swiftly with appropriate interventions. The gathered data are stored in both local and remote database systems and relayed via WiFi to an automated device—a programmable circuit attached to a magnetic latch solenoid—to control field irrigation. The system was piloted in three 12x16 m2 plots in San Ramon, Zamboanga City, employing 24 sensor and automation boxes strategically deployed across the irrigation network. Each box, protected by a robust, 3D-printed ABS plastic casing, safeguards the intricate circuitry from harsh environmental conditions. MQTT and HTTP protocols facilitate the delivery of information to a dedicated Android Application, ensuring remote access. The data is further analyzed using a Neural Network model, optimizing the irrigation schedule intelligently. Our findings validate the efficacy of this smart farming system as a scalable and efficient solution for precision agriculture.