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 is used to activate the water pump, ensuring
that 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 is effective in optimizing water
consumption, reducing waste, and boosting yields, resulting in significant energy and water savings for farmers. This research has
significant 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, making it easier to monitor and modify.
Additionally, the system is cost-effective, making it accessible to small-scale farmers with limited resources.