Innovative Module Design for Advanced Automated Irrigation Systems

Abstract

Aim:The paper aims to develop a soil moisture sensor utilizing copper material to enhance irrigation efficiency in regions like India. Calibration using the gravimetric method showcased the sensor's superior performance across various soil types. Integrated with an Arduino platform, an automated irrigation module was successfully tested. The developed system offers a practical solution for automated irrigation, even in water-scarce environments.
 Methodology: The study conducted in the Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Laboratory involved fabricating a soil moisture sensor with copper material. The experimental setup comprised four units: power supply, sensing, controller, and display. Calibration involved the standard gravimetric method to establish a linear equation correlating moisture sensor readings with soil moisture content.
 Results: Calibration revealed a linear relationship between the developed sensor's analog values and soil moisture content. Validation against the gravimetric method demonstrated high accuracy across the tested soil types and depths. Statistical analysis yielded low RMSE values (1.02, 1.013, and 1.022), high R² values, and a satisfactory NSE (0.90, 0.90, 0.89), confirming the sensor's reliability and precision.
 Conclusion: The developed soil moisture sensor, validated through rigorous testing, demonstrates superior performance across tested soil types. Integrated into an automated irrigation module, it offers an efficient solution for irrigation automation, contributing to water conservation and improved crop productivity.