Automated Irrigation System Research Articles

Optimisation of Irrigation and Fertigation Processes through Automated Control Systems: A Case of Maziwa Farm’s Low-yielding Boreholes in Murewa, Zimbabwe

The aim of this research was to design an automated irrigation and fertigation system in low yielding boreholes at Maziwa farm, Murewa, Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. The study focused on designing an automated controlsystem of irrigation and fertigation using the PIC18F4550 microcontroller. The work entailed the designing of a fertilizer and herbicide chemical plant and the simulation of the developed control system. An irrigation and fertigation control system program was developed using Mikro C Pro software and simulated using Proteus software. Key considerations in the fertiliser and herbicide chemical plant design included a drip irrigation system for optimised water, fertiliser, and herbicide distribution, featuring chemical tanks and solenoid valves for controlled injection. Emitters, laterals and the mainline pipes, a medium for the irrigation water and fertilizer or herbicides to the plants were also selected. The automated irrigation system employs a microcontroller that utilizes Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology in facilitating operator communication. The system status updates were sent to the user via SMS (Short Message Service) with connection between the user and the system being possible also through text messages for action confirmation. The results of the research were validated using simulation with proteus software.

Implementation of an IoT-Based Automated Watering System for Melon Cultivation

Agriculture and plantations are vital for sustaining a significant portion of Indonesia’s population. However, the agricultural sector faces considerable challenges, particularly due to its dependence on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in production and market volatility. Effective water management is crucial for plant growth, and the specific water requirements of various crops, including melon plants, necessitate careful irrigation. The advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology presents substantial benefits for agriculture by optimizing plant growth, deterring pests, and enhancing irrigation systems. This research focuses on developing an automatic irrigation system specifically for melon farming, utilizing IoT technology. A capillary irrigation system controlled by water level sensors is implemented to ensure precise water management, reducing waste while improving plant health and yield. By enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting water sustainability, this system offers an efficient and reliable solution for automating irrigation, making it a suitable option for both household gardens and small-scale melon farms. The success of similar agricultural technologies, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, as demonstrated by Studio Tani Kalisuci in Gunung Kidul, highlights the potential of innovative farming practices in overcoming challenging environmental conditions.

Tracking Soil Moisture Levels and Automated Plant Watering System Utilizing IOT Technology

Nowadays, technology plays a tremendous role in serving humanity, and food is a man’s basic and primary need. Approximately 70% of Northern Nigerians are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Water pump irrigation cannot be maintained due to frequent power outages, the inaccessibility of grid lines in remote areas, and the scarcity and cost of fuel to run pumps. This IoT-based automatic irrigation system is proposed to create a sustainable field monitoring system for improved crop growth and production. In this system, IOT and WSN control and monitor the irrigation system. IoT collects saved data and monitors diverse soil contents in real time. WSN is utilized to create a user-friendly wireless system for cultivating and irrigating the field. Sensors of several types are utilized. This article uses the “Thing Talk Cloud Server” to operate and monitor a fully automated drip irrigation system. The temperature and humidity of the soil are constantly monitored. The system notifies the user of any abnormal conditions, such as low moisture content, rising temperature, or water concentration, by sending notifications via the wireless module. This will significantly improve food security and the well being of the Nigerian populace all through the year while boosting the economy.

Remote-Controlled Affordable Solenoid Valve Design and a Web-Based Approach to Its Implementation

Irrigating agricultural lands remotely using automated irrigation systems can mitigate water and energy wastage, reducing it to a minimum. This study aims to design an agricultural irrigation system that operates by remotely opening and closing solenoid valves. The envisioned solenoid valve comprises a wireless microcontroller, a power circuit, and a basic valve mechanism. The remote and automated irrigation system can monitor and receive commands for the connected solenoid valves through web services and a web interface. After every operation executed by the system, interfaces displaying the real-time status or historical operational states of the controlled solenoid valves are presented to the users. This system is orchestrated using a web server operating on a cloud server, serving as the system control center. Solenoid valves positioned at ten different points are integrated, facilitating real-time and programmable use based on user requests. The system uses a secured website, accessed via user passwords, as a communication interface to receive irrigation control requests. It offers the capability for multiple users to control the system simultaneously through the same interface. Ultimately, this research seeks to establish a secure, remote, and automated irrigation system based on the control and scheduling of low-cost solenoid valves via a web page.

Assessment of Adequate Volumetric Water Content for Managing Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitam. in the Indoor Gardens

Background and objective: The present research study aimed to investigate the optimum substrate volumetric water content (VWC) needed for <i>Farfugium japonicum</i> (L.) Kitam. to maintain its performance in the indoor garden.Methods: The threshold levels of substrate VWC were evaluated as 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> using an automated irrigation system with capacitance soil moisture sensors and datalogger. Plant growth and physiological responses were measured and analyzed at 10 weeks after treatment. Plant growth was investigated by measuring survival rate, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root. Physiological responses were observed by analyzing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD) and antioxidants (MDA, proline), maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and total chlorophyll contents.Results: The results of drought tolerance measurement by the treatment group showed that the overall growth was the highest in the 0.3 and 0.4 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatment plot and the lowest in the 0.1 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatment plot. Under the droughtstressed condition of the 0.2 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatment, growth was not as efficient as the 0.3 and 0.4 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatments due to the relatively higher moisture content, but there was no statistical difference between the 0.3 and 0.4 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatments in the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and also total chlorophyll content. Furthermore, for antioxidant activities, SOD, POD, and MDA showed high values, but no statistical differences were found among treatments except for the 0.1 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> treatment, which was under severe drought stress in terms of proline.Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that <i>Farfugium japonicum</i> (L.) Kitam., has a tolerance to drought, and for managing indoor gardens the adequate soil moisture content for the growth is at least 0.2 m<sup>3</sup>⋅m<sup>-3</sup> assuming the use of identical substrate in this experiment.

Automatic irrigation system with a fiber-optic pressure sensor regulating intrapelvic pressure for flexible ureteroscopy

Increased intrapelvic pressure (IPP) due to irrigation during flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) can pose a risk of postoperative severe urinary tract infection associated with pyelovenous backflow. An automatic regulation system for maintaining safe IPP levels could enable surgeons to perform f-URS safely without postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess the measurement accuracy of an ultra-miniature fiber-optic pressure sensor incorporated into a small-caliper ureteroscope for assessing IPP and to develop an automatic irrigation system linked to this sensor. A porcine kidney was used for the ex vivo experiment. The nephrostomy catheter, connected to the conventional pressure transducer, was placed on the renal pelvis to evaluate the actual IPP (a-IPP). For measuring IPP using the fiber-optic pressure sensor (fo-IPP) built into the f-URS, a diaphragm pressure sensor of Φ250 μm was used. To establish an irrigation system, the optimal proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller was explored to accurately adjust the irrigation pump flow rate. A high correlation between a-IPP and fo-IPP was confirmed across irrigation pressure values of 60–180 mbar (all, r ≥ 0.7, p < 0.001). When performing bolus irrigation, although fo-IPP showed relatively a higher peak value than a-IPP, the response time of fo-IPP was equivalent to that of a-IPP. After PID parameter optimization, our automatic irrigation system based on fo-IPP smoothly and accurately regulated the intended IPP set in the 5–20 mmHg range without overshooting. We successfully developed and demonstrated an automatic irrigation system regulating IPP based on the PID controller for f-URS, utilizing a fiber-optic pressure sensor. Further research, including in vivo studies, will be needed to assess clinical feasibility.

Automated remote sensing system for crops monitoring and irrigation management, based on leaf color change and piecewise linear regression models for soil moisture content predicting

Plants can serve as biological sensors if their “readings” and the feedback they provide us through changes in the colour of their leaves can be correctly interpreted. The study aims to predict soil moisture and, as such, the need for irrigation, using nonlinear mathematical models, describing the relationship between RGB and HSL colour model components and soil moisture and temperature. Nonlinear mathematical models used in the study are based on piecewise linear regression with breakpoint and soil moisture prediction using colour components and soil temperature with a deviation of +-6%. A system for automated irrigation was created and its control program was made, the basic control law of which is based on non-linear piecewise linear models. The automated irrigation management system includes a remote crop monitoring subsystem and an irrigation management subsystem. The program processes the photo received from the camera and activates the actuators when watering is needed. Compared to manual data collection in the first part of the study, the program calculates the average RGB model values from images in the studied row of tomato plantations with an accuracy of over 99% for the R and G components and over 92% for the B component. The program also predicts soil moisture with 98% accuracy. The practical significance of the water-saving efforts of this study lies in the development of a program-controlled automated irrigation system that utilizes plants as biological sensors, employing nonlinear mathematical models based on leaf colour changes to accurately predict soil moisture

Re-Calibration of Model-Based Capacitive Sensor for IoT Soil Moisture Measurements

Low-cost automatic irrigation systems require quality calibrated soil moisture sensors. The sensor is an indirect method of soil moisture measurement. The sensor works based on the change in the dielectric constant. So, it requires to be calibrated in terms of the soil water content. Polynomial and linear models are frequently used to calibrate soil moisture sensor data in the gravimetric test method. However, computational effort is required. This study aims to obtain a sensor calibration application that can provide the best model of the available models for model-based capacitive soil moisture sensor. This research was conducted using primary data from gravimetric test experiment on Internet of things (IoT) based soil moisture sensor. Web-based re-calibration application produced best model based on adjusted R Squared. Finally, model-based capacitive soil moisture sensor set up using best model coefficient. The results show that the web-based re-calibration application can provide the best model for model-based capacitive soil moisture sensor. Based on gravimetric test experiments and web applications, the best model is a polynomial regression model order 3 with 0.945 adjusted R Squared. The model predicted value for soil moisture is in the range 0 – 1.2 for raw sensor data values of 100 – 530. When the model coefficient configured in capacitive soil moisture sensor and Blynk application, soil moisture measurement can be done via mobile phone in real time.

Fuzzy Logic Controller Design for Smart Watering System of Rose Cultivation

The traditional methods of rose cultivation often rely on manual irrigation practices, which may not always be precise or efficient. Additionally, the cost associated with implementing automated irrigation systems has been a limiting factor for many farmers. This research addresses these challenges by exploring the integration of Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) technology and low-cost electronic devices to develop an automated irrigation system tailored for rose cultivation, aiming to enhance precision and accessibility in agricultural practices. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in optimizing watering practices, showcasing a notable level of accuracy in providing irrigation recommendations. Moreover, the implementation of low-cost electronic devices enhances the accessibility and feasibility of such smart irrigation systems. The research lays a foundation for advancements in precision agriculture, particularly in the domain of rose cultivation, with potential implications for broader agricultural practices.

An Automated Irrigation System for Smart Agriculture Using the Internet of Things

Water is a valuable but limited agriculture resource, and it is becoming harder to manage it efficiently. This paper discusses a system of an automated irrigation that integrates the cloud computing, tools, and IoT (Internet of Things) for optimization in order to reduce water usage in the agriculture. Low-cost sensors have been utilized by the automated irrigation system to monitor important factors like soil type, pH, soil moisture, and meteorological conditions. For information storage &amp; analysis, the data is kept in the Thing speak cloud service. The field data is sent to the cloud by utilizing the networks of GSM cellular as well as a Wi-Fi modem. Subsequently, using an optimization model, the ideal irrigation rate is determined. This rate would then be automated by utilizing a solenoid valve &amp; regulated by an ARM controller (WEMOS D1). The essential variables are available to farmers as a cloud-based service. When the recommended approach is used in a pilot-scale agricultural operation, our findings show a decrease a water use, a rise in the amount of data available, and better imagining.

In vitro comparison of simulated intrapelvic pressure in an artificial kidney model during retrograde intrarenal surgery among various single-use ureteroscopes.

This study compares intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during retrograde intrarenal surgery with various single-use flexible ureteroscopes (f-URS) in an artificial kidney model. We created an artificial kidney model with a pressure sensor using a bladder evacuation device. The model was completely closed and the only backflow was on the side of the ureteroscope inside the ureteral access sheath (UAS). We tested five single-use f-URSs (LithoVue, Wiscope, PU3022A, PU3033A, and AXIS) with six different types of UAS (9.5/11.5-14/16 Fr). Using the automatic irrigation system, 30 s of irrigation was performed at various pressures (40-180 mmHg) and steady-state IPP was recorded. IPP was compared between the five single-use f-URSs. IPP cutoff value was determined at 30 mmHg. The diameter of the endoscope tip and the curved and shaft parts were also measured and recorded. The diameters of all parts were significantly different between single-use f-URSs. The maximum IPP tended to be higher in ureteroscopes with larger diameters of the proximal parts (curved part/shaft part). In LithoVue and Uscope PU3022A f-URSs, the maximum IPP did not exceed 30 mmHg when UAS ≥12/14 Fr was used. In AXIS and Wiscope f-URSs, it did not exceed the cutoff value when the UAS ≥11/13 Fr was used. In Uscope PU3033A f-URS, it did not exceed 30 mmHg when the UAS ≥10/12 Fr was used. Maximum IPP tended to be higher in f-URSs with larger diameters of the proximal part and the appropriate size of the UAS differed between various single-use f-URSs.

Development and evaluation of the first automated irrigation system for alternate wetting and drying technique in rice cultivation in Bangladesh

Rice stands as one of the most water-intensive crops in agriculture, demanding a substantial volume of water annually for cultivation in Bangladesh. To address this considerable water requirement, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) introduced the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation method. This approach necessitates consistent manual oversight to maintain the desired water levels in the field. In pursuit of reducing this manual effort, a study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University. The study aimed to develop an automated version of the AWD irrigation system, assess its impact on plant growth and yield-contributing factors, and investigate water use efficiency through using that automated system. The automated AWD system incorporated water level controllers, solenoid valves, and water level detection probes to regulate water levels in the paddy field. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments: T1 (Conventional Irrigation - CI), T2 (AWD), and T3 (Automated Alternate Wetting and Drying - AAWD), each replicated four times. The findings indicated minimal variation in growth and development parameters of the rice plants between the CI and AWD treatments. Likewise, yield components demonstrated no significant differences among the various treatments. Notably, the treatment with automated alternate wetting and drying (AAWD), namely T3, displayed the highest water use efficiency (WUE) at 65.20 kg/ha/cm, while the lowest WUE of 52.56 kg/ha/cm was observed in the conventional irrigation (CI) treatment T1. The results underscore the clear advantage of adopting an automated AWD system, yielding a 20% reduction in irrigation water usage compared to the conventional approach. This transition also minimizes the need for labor-intensive interventions in the paddy fields of Bangladesh, illustrating the potential for more efficient and sustainable rice cultivation practices.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic Analysis of Tomato Irrigated with fish farms water; at URERMS-ADRAR. Algeria

The objective of the developed system is to encourage efficient water management practices that optimize the usage of water by keeping crop health and yield intact through the implementation of an automated irrigation system. The study aimed to determine the impact of irrigation by fish farming on growth rates and concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in tomatoes. Results indicated that irrigation with fish farm effluent significantly increased and effluent water, depending on its composition to feed the fish, can supply nutrients and increase the concentrations of these elements in tomatoes irrigated with this water with a refractive index = 1.3391 and a calorie value of 19.927 Calorie in the first sampling and 16.696 calories in the second sampling for 100 g for the year 2021 and for the year 2022 we have a refractive index = 1.3495 and a calorie value of 20.66 Calorie for 100 g. Here we show for the first time that is more than the standard norm (Cotte.2000) which is 18 Calories. Also, after carrying out microbiological analyzes, there is a total absence of pathogenic bacteria, as well as the organoleptic parameters are heading in the right direction where tomatoes irrigated by fish farming water is concentrated compared to the tomatoes irrigated by normal fresh water with Light red of 53 %, Cooked acid of 47 %, spherical form of 94 % and a pleasant smell of 88 %. Therefore, using fish farm effluent in irrigation provides water requirements for plants and also can improve the availability of nutrient elements for tomatoes.

Consequences of the Kakhovka Reservoir destruction for irrigation and water supply of the southern part of Ukraine

The Kakhovka reservoir construction on the Dnipro River solved some issues: navigation, water supply and irrigation on the southern part of Ukraine and Crimea, electricity generation, flood control. Environmental problems, the historical layer destruction and social effect of the populated areas flooding were not taken into account. Water is taken from the Kakhovka Reservoir by the North-Crimean Canal, by the Kakhovka Irrigation Canal, and by the North Rogachyn, Upper-Tarasivka, and Nikopol irrigation systems. The total irrigated area of the more than 1.0 million ha was supplied from the Kakhovka Reservoir in the south of Ukraine including the Crimea. The Kakhovka Reservoir is the source of drinking water supply for the large cities of Nikopol, Marganets, Pokrov, Kryvyi Rih, Energodar, as well as the number of rural settlements in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and Crimea. The Kakhovka irrigation system is the largest automated irrigation system in Europe. The Kakhovka canal is the of water supply source for the Syirogozy, Chaplinka, and Pryazov irrigation systems. The canal provides centralized water supply of the Ivanivka group water supply system (20 rural settlements of the Kherson region with the total population of 26.8 thousand people), the Western group water supply system (water supply of the 492 thousand residents of Yakymivka, Melitopol, Pryazovske and Berdiansk districts, Kyrylivka and Pryazovske settlements, Berdiansk city, Prymorsk). The North Crimean Canal supplies water for the irrigation area of approximately 400,000 ha and to the water supply systems of Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta, Feodosia, Kerch and other Crimean settlements. The 7 reservoirs were built to regulate water storage in Crimea. The North Rohachyn irrigation system supplies water to 81,800 ha of agricultural fields. The Dnipro–Kryvyi Rih Canal is designed to provide water to the Kryvyi Rih industrial district and to water 14,700 ha of the Nikopol irrigation system. Nearby is the water intake of the Sofiivka group water supply system, which supplies water to 34 settlements in the Apostolove, Nikopol and Sofiivka districts. The consequences of the Kakhovka Reservoir destruction for water supply and irrigation in the south of Ukraine are significant: the decrease of irrigated land, agriculture damage; decline of river ports; water supply restrictions for industrial enterprises and population of southern Ukraine and Crimea; limitation of the electricity loads; the new decision for cooling system of the ZNPP; ecological changes in the Dnipro delta, salinization of the Dnipro-Bug estuary. Kakhovka Reservoir restoration is necessary condition for the development of southern Ukraine, which will require significant financial and human resources.

Improved growth of coffee seedlings (Coffea canephora) under SMART irrigation system

Water stress in plants due to the effects of climate change resulted in reduced growth and yield of coffee in the tropics. Efficient use of water through the use of SMART irrigation systems available provides a promising solution to address such a problem. Thus, a study utilizing a combined climate- based and soil moisture SMART irrigation system has been conducted to assess its effects on the growth of Robusta coffee seedlings compared to practiced manual irrigation. The experimental design utilized a Complete Block Design (CBD) approach. Additionally, water consumption was measured to determine any significant differences. Over the course of the two-month experiment, 20 replications per treatment, it was observed that coffee seedlings subjected to the automated irrigation system (T1) exhibited significant improvements in both plant height and number of leaves, with growth rates of 72.56% and 65.29%, respectively, compared to manually irrigated plants (T0). Although the water savings achieved under the automated system were not statistically significant, there was an 18.95% reduction in water consumption. These findings highlight the potential benefits of automating irrigation systems using an IoT approach, specifically in terms of enhancing coffee seedling productivity. By utilizing real-time data from sensors, the SMART irrigation system effectively optimized water usage and resulted in improved growth and yield. This research underscores the importance of implementing such technological advancements to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on coffee cultivation in tropical regions.

The Modelling Strategies Used by the Pre-service Teachers in Fermi Problems: The Task of Automatic Irrigation System

This study aims to explore pre-service teachers’ solution spaces and model strategies in the mathematical modelling tasks involving estimations. A case study method was employed in the research. 119 pre-service teachers participated in the study. The data were collected in two weeks. The pre-service teachers created groups consisting of four or five individuals according to their wishes. Thus, 26 different groups emerged. The modelling problem was designed by the researcher by considering containing the reality, authenticity, closeness, openness, and modelling competencies criteria. The data collection tools consisted of the worksheets and presentation records of the pre-service teachers. The deduction and induction analysis methods were used together in the data analysis. According to the obtained findings, it was determined that the pre-service teachers used five different modelling strategies. In the problem given within the scope of the number of elements that could fit in a surface, the “reference point” was used most; on the other hand, the “concentration measures” were used least. It is found that taking the area covered by a sprinkler model as a reference rather than the area occupied by sprinklers in the solution spaces produces more realistic results. The solutions spaces created within these strategies was used to detail the modelling process. It is significant for teachers who will apply a similar modelling problem to know the created different modelling strategies and solution spaces. It is thought that the solution spaces will provide a source for teachers to keep track of the information related to their students.

PERANCANGAN ALAT SISTEM KONTROL KETINGGIAN AIR DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE PROTOTYPE BERBASIS ARDUINO

Making a water level control system using the Arduino-based prototyping method means making a tool to regulate the water level of the pool automatically. The Arduino platform is used to develop the system, which serves as the main regulator that can control various related components and sensors. The prototype design process enables rapid development of iterative control systems. The system was developed and upgraded to meet the desired performance requirements by using Arduino modules, water pump actuators, water level sensors, and additional components such as LCDs, ultrasonic sensors, buzzers, and relays. At first, the water level sensor is used to measure the water level in the tank. The data from the sensor is processed by the Arduino, and a corresponding control signal is generated. This control signal regulates the water pump to discharge water from the tank according to the set point. When developing this prototype, an important factor to consider is the accuracy and reliability of the control system. When designing this tool, scalability and ease of use were also considered. It is expected that this water level control system tool can provide efficient water level regulation solutions for various applications, such as agricultural irrigation, automatic irrigation systems, water level control storage tanks, and others, using an Arduino-based tool approach.

IOT SYSTEM FOR CAR PARKING, STREET LIGHTS, AND AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION WITH REAL-TIME UPDATES ON MOBILE APP

In today's energy-conscious world, our foremost duty is to efficiently conserve energy. With advancing technology, automation systems have become the preferred choice over traditional manual methods. We've developed a user-friendly IoT application encompassing smart street lights, a smart parking system, and an automatic irrigation system to ensure effective energy conservation and water reduction. Our IoT-based smart street lights utilize external light sensing to automatically adjust illumination levels, offering 50% and 100% intensity as needed. This minimizes electricity waste and reduces the need for manual control, thus conserving energy. The saved energy can be redirected for residential, commercial, or other essential purposes, contributing to sustainable energy practices. The smart parking system offers convenience to users by allowing them to view available parking slots through the application. Users can make secure online payments, streamlining the parking experience. Additionally, the system aids in locating parked vehicles, enhancing efficiency. Automatic irrigation system employs a distributed wireless network of soil moisture sensors. A gateway unit manages sensor data, triggers, and actuators, transmitting real-time information to a web application. This innovation optimizes water usage in agriculture and landscaping, reducing water wastage and labor. A realtime data, conserving water and time spent on irrigation. This system's ability to adjust water distribution based on soil moisture content ensures efficient water management. Users receive soil moisture information on their mobile devices, promoting responsible water use. By automating processes, reducing waste, and enhancing user experience, we contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Farming with the utilization of IoT

The use of IoT in farming has enabled plants to get precise amounts of water, nutrients, sunlight and heat. Historically planting has always been in soil but SiO2 is not consumed. Plants given mechanical support will grow with their roots in a container of nutritious water. Such hydroponics can achieve 30-50% faster growth, with less space/output, utilizing 1000% less water. Light can either be from the sun penetrating greenhouses or from LEDs. Such systems have enabled the tiny country of Netherlands to become the second largest exporter of food in the world. This must be the solution to supply food to an ever-increasing population of humans. In this research done in 2021, tomato plants were grown in coco pit mixed with perlite in four Dutch buckets with an automated irrigation system. The output plants were compared with control grown in the soil in clay pots. The temperature, moisture, pH and EC were monitored. Data from two sensors were exported to a laptop over Bluetooth. The usage of solar panels to power the system was also studied. The overall results indicate 34 - 67% better characteristics for the plants grown with this technique compared to the control grown in normal soil.

IoT-BASED AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEM

Background: Agriculture is a vital part of the economy that feeds a part of the world expanding population. However, the sector faces several difficulties, including water constraints, soil degradation, and climate change. The demand for increased security and safety in agricultural activities worsens these problems. This paper suggests an IoT-based agriculture environment and security monitoring system address these issues. Aims: The main objective of this work is to develop an intelligent monitoring and automated irrigation system that minimizes water use based on individual conditions and enables real-time environmental Methods: The Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller based on Microchip ATmega328P is used to gather environmental data such as humidity, temperature, soil moisture levels. The Arduino board is integrated with a relay and RTC module to water plants at precise times. It also has a passive infrared sensor to detect intruders. ESP32 camera is also used to record the current condition of the agricultural ground automatically. A sample of reading in an interval of 1 hour is recorded. This method involves wirelessly transmitting the data to cloud-based platforms. Results: The value of the sensor at the start of a wet condition is 0. When this occurs, the motor pump turns off, and the measured value is communicated to the microcontroller through NodeMCU. The motor pump automatically turns ON and OFF when plants receive enough amount of water. Discussion: It has been observed the water pump starts as soon as the temperature threshold of 19.5 °C is achieved. It has been observed that as humidity increases, it is unnecessary to water the plants as the plants take up water vapor from the surface of the leaves under humid conditions. Conclusions: This research offers a convenient prototype model that can simultaneously measure temperature, moisture, and humidity, identify intrusion, and remotely monitor it over the internet. It was concluded that with the decrease in moisture of the soil, the plants need to be watered.