Development of an Automated Irrigation System for Enhancing Water-Use Efficiency

Abstract

This paper presents the development and calibration of an automated irrigation system designed using Arduino Uno, a micro pump, soil sensors, a relay module, and programmed in C++. The system aims to enhance irrigation efficiency by delivering water to crops based on real-time soil moisture levels. The Arduino Uno serves as the central control unit, continuously receiving data from the sensors embedded in the soil. When the moisture level falls below a predefined threshold, the Arduino activates the micro pump through the relay module to initiate irrigation. The system was programmed using C++ to ensure precise sensor readings, responsive control actions, and reliable operation. Calibration of the sensors and pump operation was conducted under controlled conditions to ensure accurate detection of soil moisture and appropriate water delivery. The developed system, powered by a solar-rechargeable battery setup, successfully automated irrigation based on real-time soil and environmental data, reducing water usage by an estimated 30–40% compared to manual irrigation methods. Key components included an Arduino Uno microcontroller, DHT22 sensor, 4-in-1 soil sensor (temperature, moisture, pH, EC), and a micro pump controlled via a relay module. Sensor calibration ensured high accuracy, with moisture and pH readings showing deviations within ±3% and ±0.2 pH units, respectively. The system maintained operational stability for over 48 hours without sunlight and responded to soil moisture changes within 2–3 seconds, triggering timely irrigation. Results demonstrate the system's capability to reduce water waste and support optimal soil moisture maintenance. This low-cost, scalable solution is suitable for small- to medium-scale farming applications and contributes to sustainable water resource management in agriculture.