Introduction

Efficient irrigation is crucial for maintaining healthy plants and maximizing agricultural productivity. Soil moisture monitoring and irrigation systems play a vital role in ensuring optimal water levels for plants. In this article, we will explore how to create a soil moisture monitoring and irrigation system using an Arduino Uno microcontroller. This DIY project offers an affordable and automated solution to monitor soil moisture levels and control irrigation accordingly.

Things You Need

1. Arduino Uno
2. Soil Moisture Sensor
3. Relay Module (5V)
4. Water Pump / Solenoid Valve (12V)
5. Jumper Cables
6. Breadboard

Working Principle

The soil moisture sensor measures the moisture content in the soil by determining its resistance. When the soil is dry, the resistance is higher, and when it is moist, the resistance decreases. The Arduino Uno reads the sensor’s analog output and compares it to a predefined threshold value. If the moisture level falls below the threshold, the Arduino activates the relay module, which controls the water pump or solenoid valve to irrigate the plants.

Circuit Diagram

The motor should be replaced with the pump. and the 9V battery to be replace with an actually power supply of 220V AC. Rest all connections remain the same. You can modify the connections as per your wish. The code should work as per the logic and has nothing to do with the output pump. The relay plays the most important role here of triggering the output device.

Code

const int moistureSensorPin = A0;
const int relayPin = 7;
const int moistureThreshold = 500;

void setup() {
  pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(moistureSensorPin);
  Serial.print("Moisture Level: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);

  if (sensorValue > moistureThreshold) {
    digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
    delay(2000); // Adjust the delay time as per your requirement
    digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
  }
  delay(1000); // Adjust the delay time for the moisture check interval
}

Troubleshooting

• Ensure the wiring connections between the components are accurate.
• Double-check the power supply for the relay module and the water pump/solenoid valve.
• Calibrate the moisture sensor module based on the soil conditions and the desired moisture threshold.
• Verify that the relay module is functioning correctly by manually triggering it with a test code.

Conclusion

Building a soil moisture monitoring and irrigation system using an Arduino Uno microcontroller offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for maintaining optimal soil moisture levels. This DIY project allows for automated irrigation, ensuring that plants receive adequate water for healthy growth and productivity.

By utilizing a soil moisture sensor, relay module, and water pump/solenoid valve, you can easily create an intelligent irrigation system. The Arduino Uno’s versatility and ease of use make it an ideal choice for implementing such systems.

Remember to calibrate the moisture sensor according to your specific soil and plant requirements. Fine-tune the moisture threshold and adjust the delay times in the code to suit your irrigation needs. Additionally, consider integrating additional features such as an LCD display or a water level sensor to enhance the functionality and convenience of the system.

Through the implementation of the soil moisture monitoring and irrigation system, you gain valuable insights into the use of Arduino Uno for real-world applications. This project serves as a stepping stone for further exploration and customization, allowing you to tailor the system to meet the unique needs of your garden or agricultural setup.

By combining technology with environmental awareness, you can achieve efficient water management and promote sustainable practices in agriculture. The soil moisture monitoring and irrigation system with Arduino Uno empowers you to optimize water usage, conserve resources, and foster healthier plant growth.