Abdulbasit's Proposal
Abdulbasit's Proposal
By
SHEIDU ABDULBASIT
U18CM1059
Supervised By
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING
ABSTRACT
Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices are major challenges in agriculture, leading to
resource wastage and reduced crop yields. This project proposes a Smart Irrigation System that
leverages Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technology to optimize water usage and improve
crop productivity. The system employs soil moisture sensors, temperature and humidity sensors,
and a microcontroller to monitor environmental conditions in real-time. Based on the collected
data, an automated irrigation mechanism is activated to deliver the precise amount of water
needed by the crops. The system also includes a mobile application for remote monitoring and
control, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. The proposed solution aims to reduce
water consumption, minimize human intervention, and enhance agricultural efficiency.
Experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in water usage while maintaining
optimal soil conditions for crop growth. The system is cost-effective, scalable, and suitable for
small to large-scale farming applications.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, but it faces significant challenges due to climate
change, water scarcity, and inefficient irrigation practices. Traditional irrigation methods often
lead to overwatering or underwatering, adversely affecting crop health and yield. With the
advent of IoT and sensor technology, smart irrigation systems have emerged as a viable solution
to these problems. These systems use real-time data to automate irrigation, ensuring optimal
water usage and improving crop productivity.
Water is one of the most vital inputs in agriculture, directly influencing the growth, development,
and productivity of crops. In many regions around the world, especially those with arid or semi-
arid climates, rainfall is either seasonal or insufficient to sustain consistent agricultural
production. Even in areas with adequate rainfall, irregular weather patterns due to climate change
have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to rely solely on natural precipitation. This
unpredictability has highlighted the need for dependable, efficient irrigation systems.
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil to assist in the growing of crops,
maintenance of landscapes, and re-vegetation of disturbed soils. Historically, irrigation has
enabled the expansion of agriculture into otherwise unproductive lands, playing a critical role in
the development of civilizations. Early systems such as canal-based irrigation or manual
watering have gradually evolved, but many farmers in developing regions still depend on these
traditional, inefficient methods.
Traditional irrigation techniques like flood irrigation are simple and low-cost to install but are
generally inefficient, leading to high water losses due to runoff, evaporation, and deep
percolation. These systems can also result in uneven water distribution, causing water stress or
waterlogging in different areas of the field. Moreover, they are labour-intensive and do not allow
for precise water management, which is crucial for optimizing plant growth and reducing input
costs.
Modern irrigation systems—such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and subsurface systems
—have emerged as viable solutions to these challenges. These systems offer controlled, targeted
delivery of water to plant root zones, thereby significantly reducing water loss and improving
water-use efficiency. Drip irrigation, for example, can reduce water use by 30–60% compared to
traditional methods while increasing crop yields. Sprinkler
systems, on the other hand, mimic rainfall and are suitable for various crop types and terrains.
Technological advancements have also led to the integration of automation and smart controls
into irrigation systems. Timers, soil moisture sensors, and climate-based controllers can further
optimize water usage by adjusting irrigation schedules based on real-time environmental
conditions.
As global concerns about freshwater scarcity grow, implementing efficient irrigation systems is
not just an option—it is a necessity. This project aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by
designing and implementing an irrigation system tailored to a specific plot of land, considering
its topography, crop type, and environmental conditions.
The aim of this project is to design and implement a Smart Irrigation System using IoT and
sensor technology to optimize water usage in agriculture.
Objectives
To develop a sensor network for monitoring soil moisture, temperature, and humidity.
To design an automated irrigation mechanism controlled by a microcontroller.
To implement a mobile application for remote monitoring and control.
To evaluate the system's performance in terms of water savings and crop health.
To validate the system through field testing and data analysis.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This section reviews existing research on smart irrigation systems, IoT applications in
agriculture, and sensor technologies. It highlights gaps in current solutions and justifies the need
for this project.
The adoption of smart irrigation systems has gained significant attention due to the increasing
need for efficient water management in agriculture. This section reviews existing research on
IoT-based irrigation systems, sensor technologies, automation techniques, and their impact on
water conservation and crop yield. The goal is to identify gaps in current solutions and justify the
proposed system.
2.2 Review of Fundamental Concepts
IoT in Agriculture: IoT enables real-time monitoring and control of agricultural processes
through interconnected devices.
Sensor Technology: Soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors are critical for collecting
environmental data.
Automated Irrigation: Systems that use sensor data to trigger irrigation reduce water wastage
and improve efficiency.
Mobile Applications: Remote monitoring apps provide farmers with real-time insights and
control over irrigation.
2.2.1 ESP32
The ESP32 is a popular, low-cost, low-power system-on-a-chip (SoC) microcontroller with
integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, developed by Espressif Systems. It is widely used in IoT
(Internet of Things) applications, home automation, wearable devices, and more.
Figure 2.1 ESP32 dev board
Several development boards feature the ESP32 chip, making it easy for developers to prototype
and deploy projects. Some well-known ESP32 boards include:
1. ESP32 DevKitC
Common development board with GPIO pins, USB-to-UART chip (CP2102 or CH340).
Supports Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (BLE).
Typically has 36 pins, including ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C, UART.
2. NodeMCU-32S
3. ESP32-WROOM-32
4. ESP32-CAM
7. FireBeetle ESP32
Common ESP32 Applications IoT devices (smart home sensors, weather stations).
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-enabled projects (remote control, beacons).
Robotics and automation.
Wearable tech & health monitoring.
-Camera-based projects (face recognition, surveillance).
How It Works
1.Capacitance Principle: The sensor acts like a capacitor, where the soil acts as the
dielectric medium. As water content increases, the dielectric constant of the soil rises,
increasing the sensor's capacitance.
2.Measurement: The sensor measures this capacitance change and converts it into an
analog voltage or digital signal that correlates with soil moisture levels.
Common Models
Wiring
VCC→ 3.3V or 5V
GND → GND
Calibration Tips
Dry Calibration: Insert sensor in dry soil, record the analog value.
2.Wet Calibration: Insert sensor in water, record the analog value.
Use `map()` to scale between these values.
Applications
Capacitance Basics
A capacitor stores electrical energy between two conductive plates separated by a dielectric
(insulating material).
Measurement Method
I2C OLED displays are popular for embedded projects due to their low power consumption, high
contrast, and simple interface.
Figure 2.4 I2C OLED DISPLAY
Key Features
Interface: Uses I2C (2-wire communication: SDA + SCL), reducing pin usage compared
to SPI.
Resolution: Common sizes include 128x64, 128x32, or 64x48 pixels (monochrome).
Power Efficiency: OLEDs emit light per pixel, consuming less power than LCDs (no
backlight needed).
High Contrast & Wide Viewing Angle: Perfect for low-light conditions.
Fast Refresh Rate: Smooth animations and real-time updates.
Thin & Lightweight: Ideal for compact projects.
Driver IC: Often uses SSD1306 or SH1106 controllers.
Applications
Wiring Connections
GND GROUND
VCC 3.3V/5V
2.2.4 DHT 22
The DHT-22 is a sensor which measures relative humidity and temperature sensor and provides a
calibrated digital output. It is an inexpensive sensor that is almost similar to the DHT11 but
measures temperature and humidity with higher accuracy and wider range. You don’t need extra
components for operation. It is pre-calibrated, and you can directly connect it to obtain the
output. The DHT22 sensor is composed of a humidity sensing sensor and a thermistor. These
two components measure the humidity and temperature and send out a digital signal on the data
pin.
figure 2.5: DHT22
It is small in size and utilizes low power. It has a long transmission distance of about 20m.
Normally, we use DHT22 sensor in applications for measuring ambient temperature and
humidity. You can also use DHT11 sensor as it has same function but DHT22 sensor is more
compensation.
These sensors are well suited for use in all kinds of harsh applications and you can interface this
device with microcontrollers easily. If you need a sensor for measuring temperature in a range of
-40°C to +125°C or you need to measure humidity, then this sensor would be ideal for use in
such an application.
DHT22 Specifications
Applications
• Environment monitoring
Key Features
1. Voltage Rating
2. Current Handling
3. Optocoupler Isolation
Provides electrical isolation between the control circuit and the high-power load,
protecting the microcontroller from voltage spikes.
4. LED Indicator
6. Trigger Logic
Can be active-low (relay activates when signal is LOW) or active-high (activates when
signal is HIGH).
Applications
1. Home Automation
3. IoT Projects
4. Automotive Electronics
Managing car accessories like headlights or horns via a microcontroller.
5. Safety Circuits
6. DIY Electronics
Key Features
Since the pump requires more current than a microcontroller can supply, you need:
Power Supply: If the pump draws >500mA, use an external 5V 1A+ power supply (not USB).
Flyback Diode: Always use a diode to protect the circuit from motor-induced voltage spikes.
Relay vs Transistor:
Mwangi et al. (2023) explored the integration of rainwater harvesting systems with drip
irrigation in semi-arid regions of Kenya. The system stored rainwater in tanks and used gravity-
fed drip lines to irrigate vegetable crops. Results showed a 70% increase in water availability
during dry months and significant improvements in yield consistency. This approach emphasized
sustainability and low energy dependence, making it ideal for rural areas.
Ahamed et al. (2020) irrigation systems have gained traction, especially in areas with limited
water resources. integrating IoT sensors and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
allows real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, enabling automated
irrigation schedules that reduce water waste by up to 60%.
Kassahun et al. (2020) Recent works focus on integrating solar energy to power irrigation
pumps. designed a solar-powered irrigation system for Ethiopian highlands, reducing fuel costs
and enabling year-round farming. This model is scalable and eco-friendly, aligning with UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Singh and Sharma (2021) developed a solar-powered smart irrigation system using GSM
technology, which allowed farmers to control irrigation remotely via mobile phones. This
approach proved effective for smallholder farmers in rural India and sub-Saharan Africa, where
access to electricity and manual labor is limited.
El-Sharkawy et al. (2019) conducted a comparative analysis of traditional vs. drip irrigation
systems for vegetable production. Results showed that drip irrigation improved water-use
efficiency by over 40% and reduced disease incidence due to minimal leaf wetting.
Mahmoud and Khater (2023) studied automated irrigation systems that respond dynamically to
real-time weather data and crop water needs, showing a 20–35% yield increase for water-
sensitive crops like tomatoes and maize. As climate variability affects rainfall patterns,
researchers are prioritizing adaptive irrigation solutions. emphasized climate-smart irrigation that
adjusts water application based on evapotranspiration rates. Recent models use weather
forecasting APIs to schedule irrigation proactively, reducing unnecessary watering
SECTION THREE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
3.1 Problem Statement
Irrigation has played a central role in agriculture for over 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations like
those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley developed primitive but effective systems
using canals and basins. These early methods relied heavily on surface irrigation and gravity to
distribute water.
As agriculture evolved, so did irrigation techniques. The 20th century saw the rise of mechanized
irrigation, including center-pivot sys
Agriculture remains a critical sector in many developing economies, yet it faces persistent
challenges due to water scarcity, inefficient irrigation practices, and the increasing impact of
climate variability. Traditional irrigation methods such as surface flooding and manual watering
are not only wasteful but also lead to uneven water distribution, poor crop yields, and increased
labor demands.
In many rural and peri-urban areas, smallholder farmers lack access to modern irrigation systems
due to high costs, lack of technical knowledge, and unreliable power sources. As a result,
farming becomes dependent on inconsistent rainfall patterns, leading to seasonal productivity,
underutilization of arable land, and food insecurity.
The core problem this research seeks to address is the lack of an affordable, efficient, and
adaptable irrigation system that can be easily implemented by small- to medium-scale farmers
using locally available materials and technologies. The project aims to bridge the gap between
modern irrigation technology and practical application in resource-constrained environments.
Traditional irrigation methods are inefficient, leading to water wastage and poor crop yields.
Farmers lack real-time data to make informed decisions. This project aims to solve these
problems by developing a Smart Irrigation System using IoT and sensor technology.
Given the urgent global need to improve food security and adapt to climate change, there is a
growing demand for sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions that are scalable and affordable.
Therefore, there is a need to develop and implement a modern irrigation system that addresses
these shortcomings by optimizing water use, improving crop productivity, and reducing
operational costs.
SECTION FOUR
MATERIAL FUNCTION/DESCRIPTION
PVC Pipes (1/2", 3/4") Used to transport water from the source to the crop area.
Drip Emitters or Nozzles Deliver controlled water flow directly to plant roots.
Water Pump (Electric/Solar) Facilitates water flow from the reservoir/source.
Control Valves Regulate water pressure and flow within different zones.
Soil Moisture Sensors Detects soil hydration levels for smart control.
System Design
Drip line spacing and emitter flow rates were calculated based on crop water requirements.
Pipe diameters and lengths were selected to ensure even pressure and flow distribution.
A water tank was elevated on a stand to provide gravitational pressure, or a pump was installed
at the source.
Lateral drip lines or sprinkler heads were connected based on spacing needs.
Microcontroller was programmed to activate the pump based on timer or moisture sensor
readings.
Adjustments were made to emitter spacing and valve settings for optimum efficiency.
SECTION FIVE
PROPOSAL SUMMARY
5.1 Conclusion
This project proposes a Smart Irrigation System that leverages IoT and sensor technology to
optimize water usage in agriculture. The system automates irrigation, reduces labour costs, and
provides real-time data to farmers. Field testing will validate its efficiency and scalability,
contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
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