A Crop Adaptive Irrigation System for Improving Farm Yield in Rural Communities

Abstract

Inefficient irrigation is one of the major causes of low crop yield and poverty among rural farmers in developing countries. Existing smart irrigation systems are often complicated, expensive, and require a high level of literacy, hindering their use by rural farmers. Thus, we propose an adaptive irrigation system that is easy to operate and accessible to farmers in rural communities. The proposed system utilizes sensors to monitor soil moisture levels, temperature, and humidity and delivers water to plants only when necessary, increasing efficiency and reducing water waste. An Arduino UNO board is used to analyze the data from sensors to determine the correct amount of water for each crop. A two-level feedback control system activates the water pump, ensuring the moisture level falls within the desired range. The system also has a user-friendly interface, with an SMS feature that allows users to control and monitor the system remotely. The system was tested for three distinct crops: beans, maize, and tomatoes, and its efficacy, efficiency, and sensor accuracy were evaluated. Results indicate that the system conserves water and increases crop yields by delivering the correct amount of water to each crop. The proposed adaptive smart irrigation system can optimize water consumption, reduce waste, and boost yields, resulting in significant energy and water savings for farmers. This research has implications for agriculture in rural communities. It can reduce the burden on farmers by providing an automated irrigation system that requires minimal human intervention. The system can also be controlled remotely, for easy monitoring and modification. Additionally, the system is cost-effective, making it accessible to small-scale farmers with limited resources.