Agriculture is heavily weather-driven and farmers all over India face the issues of shortages of rain and inadequacy of water. That’s why there is a need for a smart irrigation system using IoT.
Since agriculture is an occupation that consumes plenty of water, we need a system that can allow efficient usage of water.
The main aim of today’s article is to explain everything in detail about the automated smart irrigation system using IoT.
Irrigation is very important in agriculture practices to ensure crop success. However, the transformative tech approach has made irrigation much smarter by providing efficiency and sustainability.
Here in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about smart irrigation.
Understanding Smart Irrigation System Using IoT
Smart irrigation is a farming buzzword and has become very popular in the agriculture industry. Nevertheless, smart irrigation simply means the use of IoT devices in traditional irrigation practices.
So, a smart irrigation system uses connected devices and real-time data to smartly manage water usage in agricultural practices.
Basically, a smart irrigation system uses soil moisture data by placing soil moisture sensors below the ground to determine crops’ water needs.
These soil moisture sensors measure the soil volumetric water content i.e., the portion of the total volume of soil occupied by water.
If the volumetric water content reaches the pre-set threshold, the valves are adjusted to start irrigation.
Elements Used in IoT-based Irrigation Solution
To better understand the workings of a smart irrigation system, we have broken down and explained the components used in smart irrigation systems.
To state in brief, a smart irrigation system consists of sensors, communication networks, decision-making algorithms, and automated equipment.
Sensors For Data Collection
A sensor system is installed in the field to collect real-time data on several parameters, like soil moisture level, temperature, humidity, and several other relevant factors. This data helps in analyzing and making decisions about how much water is needed for irrigation and how much area to irrigate.
Communication Networks
The data collected by the ground sensors is sent through communication networks. The communication networks are used for seamless connectivity between the various components of the smart irrigation system.
Such connectivity is needed to provide the farmers with up-to-date information about their fields in near real-time with minimum latency.
Data Analysis for Decision-Making
Advanced algorithms are used to process and analyze the collected data on the cloud. This helps in providing detailed insights and recommendations for needed irrigation schedules. The algorithms analyze the data based on crop type, soil composition, and current weather conditions to provide accurate insights depending on different crop needs.
This is because some crops need very little water while some crops have to be soaked in a field full of water for instance rice saplings.
Actuators & Control Devices for Action
These actuators are electronically controlled valves that regulate water flow across the field based on commands. Now since it’s a smart irrigation system, it should be automated as well. These actuators help automate the entire irrigation process.
So, depending on the collected data and historical trends, the system sends commands to the actuators to adjust watering schedules. Thus water usage is optimized.
How Smart Irrigation System Works?
Now that you have got an idea about the components used in smart irrigation systems. It will be easy to understand the entire workflow of the system.
- So, the soil moisture sensors measure the moisture content of the soil around the root zone. The sensors estimate the volumetric water content of the soil and transmit the data to a central hub using wireless communication technology.
- The central hub analyzes the data by considering the pre-programmed watering schedules and thresholds of ideal moisture levels for specific plant types.
- Based on the analysis the signal is sent to activate the valves of the irrigation pumps.
- The users can monitor soil conditions and control irrigation remotely through smartphones.
- The farmers can also adjust watering schedules or can even receive alerts for concerns like low water pressure or sensor malfunctions.
Here, please note that the threshold value depends on the soil and crop type. Also, the soil moisture sensors are installed far enough from the sprinkler heads and irrigation pumps.
Important Components of a Smart Irrigation System
In a smart irrigation system, there are some important elements, such as:
Soil Humidity Sensors
The soil humidity sensors are the commonly used sensors in agriculture for measuring soil humidity levels. These sensors allow customized water scheduling. The sensors are installed at fixed distances across various depths to get accurate soil moisture data. Thus preventing overwatering and contributing to water conservation.
Weather Forecasting Integration
The use of weather forecasts in irrigation practices is very important as it will improve agriculture operations and be a game changer.
Integrating weather forecasting means getting real-time weather data and adjusting irrigation schedules based on weather predictions.
This will help with water conservation and reduce overwatering risks.
Even with the remote monitoring and control feature, farmers can make real-time adjustments. Therefore, promoting an efficient irrigation approach.
Automated Irrigation Controllers
In a smart irrigation system using IoT, automated irrigation controllers are basic. The automated irrigation controllers allow users to customize watering schedules for optimal crop growth.
Benefits of Smart Irrigation Systems Using IoT
The term smart irrigation system in itself tells a lot about the benefits that farmers can avail. Still, if we have to mention some benefits of using a smart irrigation system then it will be:
Water Conservation
Water is indeed a precious resource that is depleting and so mindful practices should be adopted to conserve such resources. A smart irrigation system largely helps in water conservation. As it only waters the plant when the moisture level of crops and soil is low.
Traditional systems involve watering crop fields on fixed schedules. But this results in overwatering during cool or wet periods and underwatering during hot or dry periods.
However smart systems use real-time data on the soil humidity and crop moisture level to deliver the exact amount of water needed by the plants, eliminating unnecessary water waste.
Also, overwatering can lead to water runoff, carrying away valuable nutrients and potentially polluting nearby water sources. Smart systems prevent this by delivering targeted watering, minimizing runoff, and protecting the environment.
Also, smart water meters can be embedded with smart irrigation systems to give accurate data on the total usage of water and to determine any sort of leakage.
Improved Crop Health
Definite crop irrigation ensures plants receive the correct and needed amount of water, preventing overwatering and underwatering. This smart practice results in healthier crop growth and potentially higher yields.
By delivering water based on actual crop needs, plants receive the perfect amount of moisture for proper growth. This limits issues like root rot from overwatering and wilting from underwatering, leading to healthier and more vibrant plants.
Proper watering of crops means adequate nutrient uptake by plants, thus increasing the benefits of fertilizers and promoting healthy crop development.
Reduced Labor Costs
Smart systems literally lessen the need for manual monitoring and adjustments to irrigation schedules. And so it frees up valuable time of farmers and laborers that can be directed towards other more important tasks.
The ability to monitor and control the system remotely allows for adjustments to be made without physically being present at the site. This is beneficial for large agricultural lands that are spread over acres or for managing irrigation processes during off-hours.
Increased Efficiency and Convenience
The system gives detailed insights into soil moisture levels, environmental conditions, and water usage patterns. This data is used to improve irrigation practices, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about different types of crops.
The smart IoT system sends alerts for low soil moisture, potential leaks, or system malfunctions, allowing to take prompt actions to correct things.
Other than improving agricultural practices and daily crop watering tasks, this smart system also offers a great level of convenience.
Just picture this, you are somewhere in the market, and you get an alert on your phone that “soil moisture level is down, crop needs watering.” So instead of rushing back to the farm hastily or reaching out to others to start the irrigation pump, you can simply start the irrigation pump on your own by sending one command through your phone app.
Does it sound unbelievable? Well, this is what IoT makes possible.
To Conclude,
A smart irrigation system is an important component within a broader smart agriculture system.
In essence, a smart irrigation system acts as an important part of a smart agriculture system. It offers real-time data and automation capabilities to improve water management and contribute to the overall health and growth of crops.
Get Smart Irrigation System Solutions With PsiBorg
PsiBorg is experienced in developing smart agriculture solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in this field.
The proven expertise of developing smart IoT solutions in the agricultural landscape like soil health monitoring systems, ensures that PsiBorg possesses the technical expertise to design and implement an advanced and reliable smart irrigation system.
The smart soil health monitoring system developed by PsiBorg Technologies involves various sensors for monitoring soil health, weather conditions, and potentially even crop health indicators. This existing knowledge translates well to building a smart irrigation system that uses a wider range of data points beyond just soil moisture.
So, whether you are a farmer looking to improve your crop yield or a business aiming to contribute to sustainable agriculture practices. PsiBorg Technologies is here to partner with you to develop a smart irrigation system using IoT.
Talk to us today about your smart irrigation systems and other agricultural practices, and take the first step towards sustainable farming.
FAQs
IoT is used in irrigation to reduce overwatering in crops and helps in water consumption. The smart irrigation system uses sensors to monitor soil moisture, weather conditions, and plant needs to give insights about how much irrigation is needed. It also enables automated adjustments to irrigation schedules, conserving water and maximizing crop yield.
The smart irrigation system utilizes soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and weather forecasts to predict crop watering needs and automate irrigation. The collected data is transmitted to the cloud, where algorithms are used to analyze the data. As per the insights, the irrigation is scheduled and water delivery is adjusted remotely to conserve water while improving crop health.
Smart irrigation systems utilize IoT (Internet of Things) technology. It integrates IoT devices like soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and other environmental sensors to predict the irrigation needs of the crops.
The benefits of IoT-based irrigation systems are:
- Precise water usage and water conservation based on real-time data.
- Automated scheduling and adjustments, so increased productivity.
- Improved crop health and increased crop yield.
- Reduced water and energy expenses.
Some of the commonly used sensors in a smart irrigation system are soil moisture sensors placed in the root zone of the plant, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a water flow sensor connected to the valve of the water pumping motor.
