Automatic Irrigation System - PRAVEEN KUMAR K

Introduction

In agriculture, efficient water management is crucial for crop success. Traditional irrigation methods often lead to water wastage and increased labor costs. To address these challenges, I developed a Low-cost Automatic Irrigation System as part of my Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) in the 7th semester of my B.Sc in Agriculture.

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Project Overview
The primary objective of this project is to create an affordable irrigation solution that automates the watering process based on real-time soil moisture data. By using technology, this system helps farmers conserve water and reduce labor while increasing crop yield.

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Components Used

1. Soil Moisture Sensors: Measure the moisture content in the soil.
2. Arduino Microcontroller: Acts as the brain of the system, processing sensor data.
3. Relay Module: Controls the water pump based on signals from the microcontroller.
4. Water Pump: Delivers water to the crops when needed.
5. Power Supply: Provides energy to the system, with an option for solar power to promote sustainability.

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Working Principle

• The soil moisture sensors continuously monitor the soil's moisture levels.
• When moisture levels fall below a predefined threshold, the Arduino microcontroller activates the relay module.
• The relay turns on the water pump, irrigating the field until the desired moisture level is achieved.
• Once the soil reaches the optimal moisture level, the system automatically shuts off the pump.

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Benefits

• Water Conservation: Reduces water wastage by irrigating only when necessary.
• Labor Reduction: Minimizes manual labor, allowing farmers to focus on other important tasks.
• Increased Crop Yield: Ensures consistent watering, which can lead to healthier crops.
• Affordability: Designed to be cost-effective, making it accessible for small and medium-scale farmers.

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Diagram 

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Code 

// Define pin numbers

const int sensorPin = A0;   // Soil moisture sensor pin

const int pumpPin = 7;      // Relay module pin for water pump

const int moistureThreshold = 300; // Moisture threshold value

void setup() {

    pinMode(pumpPin, OUTPUT); // Set the pump pin as output

    Serial.begin(9600);       // Start serial communication

}

void loop() {

    int moistureLevel = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read moisture level from the sensor

    Serial.print("Moisture Level: "); // Print moisture level to serial monitor

    Serial.println(moistureLevel);

    // Check if moisture level is below the threshold

    if (moistureLevel < moistureThreshold) {

        digitalWrite(pumpPin, HIGH);  // Turn on the water pump

        Serial.println("Pump ON");

    } else {

        digitalWrite(pumpPin, LOW);   // Turn off the water pump

        Serial.println("Pump OFF");

    }

    delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds before the next reading

}

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Conclusion
The Low-cost Automatic Irrigation System is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture. By utilizing technology, we can help farmers improve their irrigation practices, conserve water, and ultimately enhance their productivity.