Abstract
The “Smart Watering System for Gardens” project aims to develop an intelligent irrigation system that optimizes water usage for garden plants based on real-time environmental conditions and soil moisture levels. By integrating IoT sensors, weather data, and automation, the system ensures that plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plant growth. The system is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable to various garden sizes and types.
Proposed System
The proposed Smart Watering System involves the deployment of soil moisture sensors, weather sensors, and an automated irrigation system. The soil moisture sensors are placed at different locations in the garden to monitor the moisture levels in the soil. Weather sensors gather data on temperature, humidity, and rainfall. This data is processed by a central controller, which uses predefined thresholds and algorithms to determine the optimal watering schedule. The system automatically activates the irrigation system when the soil moisture drops below the required level or when weather conditions indicate a need for watering. Users can monitor and control the system remotely through a mobile application, where they can also set custom watering schedules and receive notifications.
Existing System
Traditional watering systems rely on manual or timer-based irrigation, which often leads to overwatering or underwatering. These systems do not account for real-time soil moisture levels or changing weather conditions, resulting in inefficient water usage and potential harm to plants. Additionally, manual systems require constant attention from the user, making it difficult to maintain optimal watering schedules, especially in large gardens or during periods of absence.
Methodology
The methodology for the Smart Watering System includes the following steps:
- Sensor Installation: Placing soil moisture sensors and weather sensors at strategic locations in the garden.
- Data Collection: Continuously gathering data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
- Data Processing: Using a central controller to analyze the collected data and determine the optimal watering schedule.
- Automated Irrigation: Automatically activating the irrigation system based on the analysis to maintain ideal soil moisture levels.
- User Interface Development: Creating a mobile application that allows users to monitor the system, set schedules, and receive alerts.
- Testing and Calibration: Testing the system in different garden environments and adjusting the sensors and algorithms for accuracy and efficiency.
Technologies Used
- IoT Sensors: For real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
- Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi): For processing data from sensors and controlling the irrigation system.
- Automated Irrigation System: Including valves, sprinklers, and pumps that are controlled by the central system.
- Mobile Application: For user interaction, monitoring, and control of the watering system.
- Cloud Computing: For data storage and remote access to the system via the mobile app.
- Communication Protocols: Such as Wi-Fi or Zigbee for data transmission between sensors, controllers, and the mobile application.
