Optimizing Water Resources: A Sensor-Based Framework for Precision Irrigation Scheduling

Abstract

Pakistan's agricultural sector faces the pressing challenge of meeting rising food demands amidst dwindling natural resources. Water scarcity, especially, has emerged as a critical issue, ranking Pakistan as the fourth most water-stressed nation globally. Timely and adequate irrigation practices are imperative for optimal crop growth. Traditional irrigation methods often lead to water wastage and crop damage, while the cost of available smart irrigation systems remains prohibitive for many farmers. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a cost-effective smart crop monitoring and watering system integrating IoT and a smartphone application. The framework emphasizes sensor-based precision irrigation, utilizing real-time data on soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop growth stages. Leveraging IoT technology, the system incorporates wireless sensor networks, a solar photovoltaic system, GSM modules, Bluetooth, and various sensors interconnected with a microcontroller. Trials conducted in Sialkot, Pakistan, from 2019-2020 demonstrated the system's effectiveness in regulating water flow, monitoring crop growth, and alerting farmers about potential risks via a mobile application. By combining sensor-based precision irrigation with IoT, this framework offers a solution to optimize water usage, mitigate crop deterioration due to unpredictable rainfall, and minimize water wastage in agriculture. The system's integration with smartphones facilitates enhanced control and monitoring, empowering farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation scheduling. This unified approach not only enhances crop yield but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices in the face of escalating water scarcity and evolving climatic challenges.