SMART IRRIGATION IN DRIP IRRIGATION

Abstract

The smart irrigation system was developed to optimize water use for agricultural crops. The system has a distributed wireless network of soil-moisture placed in the root zone of the plants. In addition, a gateway unit handles sensor information, triggers actuators and transmits data to a web application. Drip irrigation may be common but the moisture sensors which are implemented to this system makes it unique. There are moisture sensors throughout the field which are connected to a microprocessor unit (an ESP - 32S board). The unit is synchronized with the pump which is connected to the pipes & a screen filter to prevent clogging of pipes. Hence by studying of soil conditions, delta, duty & wilting point of the crops the knowledge of the minimum & maximum moisture content required by the crops are known & the board is configured. Whenever the moisture reduces below the willing point, the sensors report it to the board which in turn starts the pump & when there is sufficient moisture the board shuts down the pump accordingly. This helps in getting the maximum yield by using the least amount of water & it helps in saving cost, labour & time of the farmer.

Specification

The new invention brings in some innovations to smart irrigation systems but focuses more on integrating intelligent technologies into drip irrigation in order to optimize water usage and improve agricultural efficiency. Here, the system proposed uses a network of sensors to monitor real-time environmental parameters such as soil moisture sensor, weather forecasts. The system controls the outflow of water to drip irrigation pipes automatically for exact volumes directly to the roots of plants with the help of eliminating wastage and conserving water resources.
The design will involve innovative ideas about using renewable sources of energy, for example, solar-powered controllers and sensors, in order to ensure sustainability and energy efficiency, even in remote or off-grid agricultural areas. It uses advanced analytics to adjust according to crop requirements, seasons, and geographical conditions while maximizing crop yields and keeping water usage at its lowest.
This smart irrigation solution is more applicable in the scarcity areas of water resources, large agricultural equipment setups, and also for urban farmlands. Through this, optimum utilization of resources increases productivity, thereby reducing the dependency on traditional irrigation methods as well as encouraging eco-friendly technology in modem farming practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
This innovation emanated from the increased need for sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water management, especially in the face of instances of water scarcity and increased demands in food.The Smart Drip Irrigation system addresses a series of problems that fall under water conservation, agricultural efficiency, and environmental impact.
Rising Water Scarcity: With the ever-increasing population globally and people moving to the urban centres, demand for water has escalated endlessly. Traditional irrigation systems have the drawback of wasting a considerable amount of water due to low efficiency and evaporation. This is particularly alarming in countries where the freshwater resources arc limited. Smart Drip Irrigation bridges this gap by delivering water directly to the roots of the plant, thus minimizing wastage and optimizing water usage to the fullest potential. It uses real-time sensor data to ensure precise delivery o f water tailored to crop requirements.
Inefficiencies in Conventional Irrigation: Traditional irrigation techniques flood irrigation-s often end up either overwatering or under­irrigating the crops, cutting their yields and expending excess amounts of resources. Smart Drip Irrigation, on the other hand, turns around this inefficiency through sensors and controllers that track soil moisture levels, weather development, and plant needs. In this way, crops receive just the amount of water they actually require thus boosting yields and saving resources.
By trying to answer these problems, smart drip irrigation creates a greener and more sustainable agricultural future by contributing to global efforts at combating water shortage and resource­efficient management with a focus on sustainability in productivity.


COMPARISON OF ART WITH CURRENT EXISTING MODEL:
While existing smart irrigation systems like the Hydrawise focus on generalized solutions, the Smart Irrigation in Drip Irrigation system provides specialized innovations to cater to specific issues of some types of plant growth. Hydrawise employs sprinkler systems and general irrigation methods often cause water loss due to evaporation and runoff; in our system, water reaches the roots of the plants directly through drip irrigation, thus minimizing wastage.
Automation is not a common requirement, as Hydrawise relies on Wi-Fi-enabled controllers with basic weather forecasting, which requires manual fine-tuning. Our system uses advanced sensors for real-time monitoring and algorithms for perfect adaptation to crop and environmental conditions. Energy efficiency is also at another level because Hydrawise relies solely on grid power, whereas our system depends on solar-powered controllers and sensors, thereby making it suited for off-grid areas and reducing operational costs. Our system is modular and adaptive, making it suitable for a wide range of applications-from greenhouses to urban farms-whereas Hydrawise was specifically designed for medium-to-largc landscapes such as parks.
Furthermore, our system refines irrigation strategies through advanced data analysis and customized algorithms, whereas Hydrawise employs fixed schedules and basic weather data.
Environmentally, our system is much more friendly to the environment. It combines renewable energy and the use of eco-friendly materials, whereas Hydrawise mainly relies on the grid energy. Maintenance requirements are less in our system due to robust sensors and simpler parts, which makes it suitable for high-demand agricultural settings. Finally, our system is cost- effective; based on solar energy dependence and optimized water use, its efficiency surpasses Hydrawise, whose initial and even operational costs are higher. In general, our system better meets a targeted, scalable, and sustainable solution for the needs of present-day irrigation.
SUMMARY:
Smart Irrigation in Drip Irrigation is a totally innovative approach to modem agriculture that unites precision water application, sophisticated monitoring systems, and sustainability. As opposed to the traditional sprinkler systems, the system focuses on delivering water directly to the plant roots from the drip lines network-the loss of water through evaporation and runoff is greatly reduced compared to other types of irrigation systems. This precise delivery ensures proper utilization of water, thus making it fit for regions with limited water resources or challenging climatic conditions.
It presents the unique monitoring and controlling of real-time environmental factors for this system. The system employs the inclusion of advanced sensors that monitor soil moisture, temperature, and humidity factors incessantly among others. Advanced algorithms processed inputs adjust irrigation schedules accordingly set to the crop's particular requirements. It does away with the guesswork many associate with old-school irrigation, ensuring a plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, for the growth of a healthier crop and greater yields.
Because the system utilizes renewable energy, like solar panels, it is sustainable and thus appropriate for installation in rural or off-grid agricultural areas. This implies lower running costs and a lower footprint in comparison with traditional grid-powered systems. The 'green' materials utilized also make it more sustainable than parallel efforts currently being pursued globally toward green technologies.
Smart Irrigation in Drip Irrigation is very scalable and adaptable to every possible application whether it is a big agricultural field application, greenhouses, urban farms or even vertical gardens. The modular design makes easy installation and expansion, maintaining it on different terrains and crop layouts.
The other benefit is that the system requires very little maintenance. In addition to this, because of efficient water use and the use of renewable energy, farmers and agricultural companies will save quite an amount of money in the long run, and hence, making it an economical choice.



OBJECTIVE:
It provides innovative, cost-effective, and a sustainable solution through Smart Drip Irrigation technology. The system possesses advanced sensors integrated in its streamlined design, which ensures water delivery directly to the roots of the plants to avoid wastage due to evaporation and runoff. Modularity forms the crux of this project as it provides it with affordability, adaptability, and scalability in any type of use-from small-scale farms to urban agriculture practices.
The system focuses on the use of renewable energy sources, in conjunction with environmentally friendly materials, to contribute to achieving global sustainability goals. Its modular design will ensure easy installation, maintenance, and customization for incorporation into greenhouses, farms, and urban settings. Being affordable and accessible is at the top of the agenda, thus a feasible solution for off-grid places like water-scarce regions.
With this regard, it saves resources and increases crop yields with the efficient working, thus bringing operational costs into a more sustainable order. Additionally, it generates awareness of modem agricultural techniques, including the practical application of sustainable technologies toward a more resilient, eco-friendly, and forever-fresh future of agriculture.


DETAILED EXPLANATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
PROJECT AND THE FIGURE:
1. Concept of Project and Objectives The project seeks to develop a smart and efficient drip irrigation system that automates the delivery of water by measuring soil moisture. The system uses an electronic circuit while monitoring soil conditions and thus controls the whole process of irrigation. This could ensure precise watering, reduce wastage, and optimize crop growth through adjusting the irrigation schedule automatically. It has those two most crucial advantages- a low cost, scalable, and hence suitable for sustainable agricultural practices. 2. Circuit Components and Functionality Soil Moisture Sensor: It measures the moisture content of the soil and transmits real time data to the control unit.
In this, the water is supplied when the soil moisture is below a specified threshold only.
ESP - 32 controller: Here ESP - 32 controller acts as the central controlling unit and takes input from the soil moisture sensor.
And then sends an electrical signal to activate or deactivate the water pump based on the soil moisture levels.
Relay Module: Connects the ESP - 32 controller to the water pump.
Acts as a switch controlling the working of the pump based on the signals from the microcontroller.


Water Pump Activates the drip irrigation system by pumping water through it when turned on.
It supplies water to the plants with consistent and controlled flow.
Power Supply Unit Powering on the circuit and its components.
It may also contain a batter)' or solar panel for independent working in remote areas.
3. Circuit Design and Working Soil Moisture Sensor continuously measures the moisture content in the soil and sends analog signals to the microcontroller.
ESP-32 Microcontroller processes these signals and compares them with a predefined threshold value.
If the soil moisture falls below the threshold, then the microcontroller activates the relay module. The relay module switching the water pump on.
Once the desired soil moisture level is attained, the microcontroller turns off the relay and deactivates the pump.
4. Material Selection and Component Assembly Components Used: Soil moisture sensor ESP-32 Controller Relay module Submersible water pump Power supply (battery or solar panel) Connecting wires and breadboard/PCB
Assembly Process: Connect the soil moisture sensor to the microcontroller's analog input pins.Attach the relay module to the microcontroller's digital output pins.
Connect the water pump to the relay module for operation control.
Connect all power supply sources and test the circuit. 5. Prototype Testing and Calibration Testing: Measure soil moisture at different conditions, that is, dry, moist, and wet to check the accuracy of the sensor.
Check if the microcontroller works accordingly with the inputs from the sensor. Check whether the relay and pump work accordingly.
Monitor the system constantly for effective water delivery and minimize the waste.
Calibration: The program of the microcontroller establishes threshold moisture levels for crops.
The pump flow rate and duration are adjusted to optimize irrigation.
Thus, the circuit-based drip irrigation system is cost-effective and sustainable for water management in agriculture with efficiency.



WE CLAIM
Claim I: The salient feature of the system is that it contains soil moisture sensor, which offers instant soil condition to be taken into account and initiate only when threshold moisture level crossed, saving water.
Claim 2: An innovative design of the circuit includes a relay module connected to the water pump, enabling precise control of water flow based on the microcontroller's signals.
Claim 3: A slot on the circuit board has been provided to hold all the connection of soil moisture sensors safely and stably, making sure that data would be taken by the microcontroller without interference.
Claim 4: The electrical transmission system is efficiently oiganized to manage wires and connections, reducing interference and ensuring seamless operation of the irrigation system

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