PILI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

PAWILI PILI, CAMARINES SUR

S/Y 2023-2024

PROJECT ASIM
Automatic Solar Powered Irrigation Machine

A RESEARCH PAPER

PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

PILI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

RESEARCHERS: JAYZEL C. LEDESMA, SHANIAH LUNA AND

PEARL NATHALIE RAZADO

2024

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers wished to express their heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the people

who extended their support which led to the realization of this project.

First of all, the researchers would like to thank the Almighty God for His enduring

grace, guidance, and protection that He has bestowed upon us during this project.

To Dr. Erma D. Escuro, Secondary School Principal IV of Pili National High School,

for her unwavering support throughout the research journey. Her support has been extremely

helpful in our academic goals, and we are deeply grateful for her constant encouragement.

To Mrs. Amor D. Agravante, HT III – Science Department Head, for her

encouragement and utmost support throughout this journey.

To Mrs. Bernadita M. Lagumbay, STE Coordinator, for her encouragement and

unwavering support during this journey.

To Mrs. Janet Llena-Valerio, our Research Teacher, for her invaluable guidance,

support, and expertise throughout this research project. Her dedication to creating an innovative

environment, as well as her commitment to excellence, contributed to shaping the Researchers'

understanding of research techniques. The Researchers' are deeply grateful for her unwavering

encouragement, patience, and mentorship, which have significantly enhanced our learning

experience and contributed to the success of this project.

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 To Sir Antonio Coballes, for his priceless help in making our project more successfully

with his helpful suggestions, recommendations and providing the additional resources needed to

finish our project. His knowledge and generosity made a big difference in the success and quality

of our project.

To the Researchers’ Parents, for their unwavering encouragement and support during

this project. This journey has been formed by their endless love, compassion, and sacrifices,

which have given us the will and courage to pursue our goals. This project would not have been

possible without their invaluable contributions, and we are extremely thankful of their never-

ending trust in our abilities.

To our friends, classmates and siblings for their unwavering support throughout this

research endeavor. Their encouragement, advice, and understanding have been invaluable

throughout every step. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our abilities and willingness to

support us through the difficulties. Their presence has made this journey easier and more

meaningful. We greatly recognize their significant contribution to our academic endeavor.

This piece of work is wholeheartedly dedicated.

Thank you very much to all of you.

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 ABSTRACT

This study provides an innovative solution to the problems encountered by traditional

agricultural irrigation methods by developing and testing a Smart Solar Irrigation Machine

prototype. The prototype uses solar energy and smart technology to efficiently manage

agricultural water usage. It addresses issues such as water waste, environmental pollution caused

by the use of fossil fuels, and farmers' high operating costs. The study takes a combination of

methods, combining data from questionnaires, observations, and related literature to evaluate the

prototype's functionality and effectiveness. The prototype performs well in a variety of

applications, including soil moisture detection, automatic plant irrigation, safety, and solar

energy restoration. With an computed mean of 4.4, the prototype shows its potential to improve

water use. However, areas for improvement have been identified, such as ensuring consistent

water application and increasing solar panel efficiency. Overall, the Smart Solar Irrigation

Machine shows promise as a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution for sustainable

agriculture that benefits farmers while also helping to conserve resources. More research and

development are needed to improve the prototype's performance and scalability in real-world

agricultural environments.

The following terminologies were deemed important in this research:

Arduino- Open source electronic prototyping platform enabling users to create interactive

electronic objects.

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Buzzer- most commonly used as beepers in any system, Alarm devices, timers, security systems

and to produce sound on confirmation of user input in many systems.

Breadboard- a board for prototyping or building circuits on.

Soil Moisture Sensor- measure or estimate the amount of water in the soil.

Lm2596- used to step down voltage of the given input in order to achieve required output.

Traditional Irrigation Machine- Conventional machines powered by fuels like gasoline, diesel,

or natural gas used to irrigate crops, pivotal for maintaining water supply in agriculture.

Smart Irrigation Systems- Innovative technologies like IoT, solar power, and wireless

communication employed to optimize water usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce

environmental impact in agriculture.

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 INTRODUCTION

For many years, traditional irrigation machines have been used in agriculture to

efficiently irrigate plants. These machinery, which use energy from different fuels like gasoline,

diesel, or natural gas, are essential to maintaining a sufficient supply of water for agricultural

areas. Agricultural practices have gone through an important change with the development and

application of these machines, particularly in areas with limited or unequal water resources. The

origins of traditional fuel-powered irrigation devices can be found in the early 1900s, when

farmers started automating their processes to improve efficiency and production. Irrigation was

mostly done by hand before these devices were invented, or it depended on less effective

techniques like gravity-fed systems.These days, fuel-powered irrigation machinery comes in a

variety of forms, such as center pivots that run on natural gas, diesel pumps, and gasoline-

powered sprinklers. Farmers now have more water delivery options thanks to these machines,

which let them modify water application rates according to crop demands and soil moisture

content. Traditional irrigation machinery is still relevant and commonly used in many

agricultural applications despite advancements in technology because of its affordability, ease of

maintenance, and dependability.

Many problems that affect the environment and effectiveness of agriculture are caused by

the use of traditional irrigation machines. The main problem with traditional irrigation systems is

the pollution they cause to the environment. Air pollution and climate change are caused by the

combustion of fossil fuels, which releases polluting gases such as particulate matter (PM),

nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2). These contaminants have a negative impact

on biodiversity, ecosystems, and water quality in addition to harming human health. Also,

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traditional irrigation systems are subject to changes in fuel prices due to their dependency on

fossil fuels. Fuel prices are unpredictable, which puts an extreme burden on farmers' finances and

risks their sustainability and profitability. Environmental effects are made even worse by the

need for significant energy inputs and systems for the extraction, transportation, and storage of

fossil fuels. The wasteful consumption of water by traditional irrigation machinery is another

serious problem. A lot of traditional irrigation machine, like sprinkler or flood irrigation, can

waste water due to evaporation, runoff, and inefficient distribution. This reduces the amount of

freshwater available and also causes soil deterioration, salinization, and waterlogging, all of

which have an impact on the long-term productivity of agricultural lands. Additionally,

traditional irrigation machines can be expensive and labor-intensive to maintain and operate for

farmers, especially those in remote or limited in resources areas. Using sustainable agricultural

practices can be delayed by the requirement for frequent maintenance, a supply of fuel, and

expertise in the field.

As a response to these challenges, modern technologies like solar-powered automatic

irrigation systems controlled by Arduino Microcontrollers have emerged as promising solutions.

The introduction of solar power into irrigation systems represents an evolution out of fossil fuels

and toward sustainability. Due to its wide availability and renewable nature, solar energy

presents an effective and cost-effective substitute for traditional power sources. Farmers are able

to drastically decrease their energy costs and help save the environment by lowering greenhouse

gas emissions by utilizing solar energy. Additionally, the accuracy and effectiveness of irrigation

techniques are improved by the addition of automation through Arduino-based controllers. Real-

time monitoring of crop water requirements, weather conditions, and soil moisture levels can be

accomplished by these controllers through the use of sensors. With the help of this based on data

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strategy, irrigation scheduling can be done precisely, giving plants the right amount of water

without wasting it. In addition, technology minimizes human error and labor costs by reducing

the need for manual intervention. Automation and solar energy work together to increase farm

productivity and resilience while also improving water management. More production and

higher-quality crops are caused by consistent and enough irrigation, which creates healthier plant

growth. Also, these advanced technologies support soil conservation and the long-term

sustainability of agricultural lands by reducing water waste and soil erosion.

By using solar energy to manage water in agriculture in a sustainable and

effective way, the Automatic Smart Solar Irrigation Machine transforms traditional irrigation

machines. The problems with traditional irrigation machnes, like overuse of water, damage to the

environment, and reliance on electricity, are addressed by this innovative device. This prototype

is based on an effective set of parts that are intended to maximize water use and reduce energy

usage. The parts of the device are a breadboard, silicone tube, an Arduino Uno Microcontroller,

an esp8266, a battery with a battery holder, a rainwater tank, a pump controller, and a soil

moisture sensor. Together, these elements produce an economical and environmentally

responsible smart irrigation solution. The main power source for the irrigation system is the solar

panel array, which collects solar energy and uses it to run the entire system. Municipal electricity

is no longer required, which lowers operating expenses and has a positive environmental impact.

The brains of the system are the Arduino Uno Microcontroller which integrates sensors for data

collection and analysis in real time. It regulates the intelligent control of water flow according to

planned irrigation schedules, solar energy availability, and soil moisture content. The ESP8266 is

a powerful Wi-Fi module that can be used to monitor the status of devices connected to an

ESP8288. By assigning an IP address to the ESP8288 and connecting it to a Wi-Fi network, the

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ESP8266 can establish a communication link. Through this connection, the ESP8266 can send

requests to the ESP8288's IP address to retrieve status updates or sensor data from connected

devices. This enables real-time monitoring of the devices' status remotely over the Wi-Fi

network, providing a convenient and efficient way to track and manage multiple devices within a

system. This device's ability to freely adjust plant watering is one of its best features. The system

makes sure plants get the right amount of water by continuously monitoring soil moisture levels,

which helps to avoid overwatering and water waste. This encourages healthier plant growth and

greater harvests in addition to preserving water. In order to improve its sustainability and

efficiency, a rainwater tank is added as a sustainable water source. By decreasing dependency on

outside water sources, rainwater harvesting increases the environmental friendliness and

independence of irrigation. To optimize water distribution, the pump controller controls the flow

of water from the rainwater tank to the irrigation fields. Water is transported effectively with

silicone tubes, which reduces leaks and water loss. The smooth integration of components and

the smooth operation of the entire system are ensured by the connecting wires and breadboard.

To summarize up, the Automatic Smart Solar Irrigation Machine Prototype is an important

advancement in the field of agricultural technology. It is a sustainable and effective address for

modern methods of agriculture because of its creative design, dependence on renewable solar

energy, intelligent water management features, and integration with a mobile application. By

saving water and operating expenses, this device helps farmers as well as promotes resource

sustainability and environmental preservation.

Previous studies have also made a smart irrigation model to use. Their research proposes

an (EEWMP) – an improved version of SWAMP. (Rafi Ullah et al. Scientific programming

2021). A solar-powered automatic irrigation system has been introduced, employing water

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pumps to extract water from bore wells into tanks, with an automated controller and moisture

sensor to control the flow rate of water from the tanks to the irragation fields, maximizing the use

of water. (S. Harishankar et al.Research India publication, January 2014). A smart irrigation

system by the advent of wireless communication technologies, monitoring systems, and advance

control strategies for optimal irrigation scheduling to improve water use efficiency. (Bwambale,

et al. Agricultural water management 2022) In their 2022 publication, "Design and

Implementation of a Solar-Powered IoT-Enabled Portable Irrigation System,"

(“Examining the Impact of Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation in Faisalabad Division”

Muhammad Tamoor et. Al. 2018) This study investigates the socio-economic and

environmental effects of solar-powered automated drip irrigation on farmers. Findings reveal

significant improvements in resource savings, crop yields, and farmer profits, contributing to

enhanced rural livelihoods.

In B. Seal et al.'s study, a practical solution was proposed involving a single-axis solar

tracker and GSM technology to manage an irrigation system. Placing a Light Dependent Resistor

(LDR) on a 12V, 5W solar panel proved beneficial for efficient sunlight monitoring and

increased power generation. The generated power is stored in a 12-volt battery, subsequently

employed to operate a garden sprinkler system. The LDR's analog values are processed by the

ADC0808, receiving input from a moisture sensor for digital transformation. These digital values

are then fed into a microcontroller (89s51), connected to a 12V source, LCD, GSM module, and

DC pump. The GSM module enables the farmer to remotely control the pump by sending a

simple message. (Source: International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, vol. 2,

no. 4, April 2014)

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This study aim to answer the following questions:

1. Can the smart solar irrigation system effectively function using solar power?

2. Is the device effective in watering the plants?

The following terminologies were deemed important in this research:

Arduino- Open source electronic prototyping platform enabling users to create interactive

electronic objects.

Buzzer- most commonly used as beepers in any system, Alarm devices, timers, security systems

and to produce sound on confirmation of user input in many systems.

Breadboard- a board for prototyping or building circuits on.

Soil Moisture Sensor- measure or estimate the amount of water in the soil.

Lm2596- used to step down voltage of the given input in order to achieve required output.

Traditional Irrigation Machine- Conventional machines powered by fuels like gasoline, diesel,

or natural gas used to irrigate crops, pivotal for maintaining water supply in agriculture.

Smart Irrigation Systems- Innovative technologies like IoT, solar power, and wireless

communication employed to optimize water usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce

environmental impact in agriculture.

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Null Hypothesis (Ho): There is no significant difference in water use efficiency and

environmental impact between traditional irrigation systems and the proposed smart solar

irrigation system.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): The smart solar irrigation system significantly improves water

use efficiency and reduces environmental impact compared to traditional irrigation systems.

This study is significant because it offers an innovative solution for the issues that

traditional agricultural irrigation methods face. Fossil fuels are used by traditional irrigation

systems, which can be costly for farmers and bad for the environment. They often distribute

water inefficiently, which results in waste.

By sustaining the irrigation system with solar energy, the Automatic Smart Solar

Irrigation Machine Prototype provides a sustainable replacement. By decreasing greenhouse gas

emissions, this not only lowers operating costs for farmers but also contributes to environmental

protection.

This research finds significance to the following:

Most of the benefits will be receive by farmers who operate in agricultural or economically

deprived areas. The cost of traditional fuel-powered irrigation systems frequently present a

challenge for them, and they might not have easy access to electricity. Their operating costs are

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 decreased and their reliance on costly fuels is lessened thanks to this solar-powered system. It's

also simpler to run and maintain.

This solar-powered irrigation system is more environmentally friendly than conventional

irrigation systems, which release harmful pollutants. It contributes to the fight against climate

change and air pollution because it releases no harmful substances. Additionally, it saves water

by optimizing water usage through the use of smart technology, which lowers waste and protects

freshwater resources.

Overall, the significance of the study lies in its cost-effective and environmentally-

friendly solution to the prevailing challenges in irrigation practices. This prototype could not

only enhance the lives of farmers but also contribute to broader efforts towards sustainable

agriculture and a resource conservation. This eco-friendly design will assist everyone especially

farmers in finding a solution to this problem. Systems for solar-powered water pumping can be

used for irrigation livestock, watering and town water delivery.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

PROCESS
 Collecting Solar Energy
INDEPENDENT
 Collecting Rain Water in a DEPENDENT VARIABLES
VARIABLES
Tank
 Irrigation Schedule
 Monitoring Soil Moisture  Soil Moisture
 Amount of Water
 Application of Smart Solar
Irrigation Machine

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The conceptual framework outlines the key elements and relationships involved in the research.

Here's an explanation of the framework:

Independent Variables:

Irrigation Schedule: This refers to the timing and frequency of watering the plants using the

smart solar irrigation system. It can be adjusted based on factors such as crop type, weather

conditions, and soil moisture levels.

Amount of Water: This variable represents the quantity of water applied during irrigation cycles.

It can be controlled by the smart system to ensure optimal moisture levels for plant growth while

minimizing water waste.

Process:

The process encompasses the steps involved in the operation of the smart solar irrigation system:

Collecting Solar Energy: Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into electrical energy to

power the irrigation system. This process is crucial for sustaining the system's operation without

relying on traditional energy sources.

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Collecting Rainwater in a Tank: Rainwater harvesting involves capturing and storing rainwater

in a tank for later use in irrigation. This provides an additional water source that complements

solar-powered pumping, reducing dependency on external water supplies.

Monitoring Soil Moisture: Soil moisture sensors are employed to measure the moisture content

of the soil. Real-time data from these sensors inform irrigation decisions, ensuring that water is

applied only when necessary to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.

Application of Smart Solar Irrigation Machine: The smart irrigation system utilizes data from

soil moisture sensors, weather forecasts, and predefined irrigation schedules to autonomously

control the flow of water to the plants. This process optimizes water use efficiency and

minimizes environmental impact.

Dependent Variable:

Soil Moisture: This variable represents the moisture content of the soil, which is influenced by

the irrigation schedule and amount of water applied. Maintaining appropriate soil moisture levels

is critical for plant growth and productivity, making it a key dependent variable in assessing the

effectiveness of the smart solar irrigation system.

This conceptual framework outlines how the independent variables (irrigation schedule and

amount of water) influence the process of operating the smart solar irrigation system, leading to

changes in the dependent variable (soil moisture). By understanding these relationships,

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researchers can evaluate the system's effectiveness in conserving water, enhancing crop yields,

and minimizing environmental impact.

METHODOLOGY

This contains the methods and procedure in achieving the goal. Along with the overall

planning, pre-designing, and scaling, this section also shows the project components used in

developing the project.

I. Identifying what materials to use

Esp8266 Arduino uno 3V Water pump Water tank

Cardboard base E.

Tape Silicone hose

Connecting wires

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Lm 2596 Buzzer Soil Moisture Relay Module

Battery & battery holder Solar panel Breadboard

II. Collecting of materials

You can purchase these materials either from a local hardware store or order them

online, depending on availability and convenience.

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III. Procedure

A. Making the base of the devise

The researchers used a plywood as a base in order to have a durable

base of the device with a length 70cm width 50cm and height 20cm.

The connection of the device was placed inside of a tupperware to

protect the users from danger in electricity.

IV. Build the circuit of the device.

The following are the step by step process to build the connection of the device:

A. Connect the soil moisture sensor to arduino and breadboard

The researcher first connect the soil moisture sensor to the positive and negative sensor using

connecting wires. The three connecting wires was connected to analog out, gnd and VCC of the

sensor. The analog out is connected to the AO of the arduino, gnd is connected in negative of the

breadboard and VCC is connected in positive breadboard.

Figure 1. Schematic

diagram of soil moisture

sensor connected to

Arduino.

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B. Connect the buzzer to the breadboard

Using connecting wires the negative leg of buzzer was connected to the negative in the

breadboard and using connecting wires the positive leg of buzzer was connected to the pin 4 in

Arduino uno.

Figure 2.

Schematic diagram

of soil moisture

sensor and buzzer

connected to

breadboard..

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C. Connect the Esp8266 to the breadboard

The esp8266 was connected to the breadboard.The connecting wires was connected to the rx of

esp and to the tx of arduino and another connecting wire was connected to the gnd of esp to the

gnd of arduino. The researchers added esp8266 to the device so they can monitor the

performance of it.

Figure 3.

Schematic

Diagram of

ESP8266

connected to the

breadboard.

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D. Connect the Relay Module and Water Pump

Using three connecting wires, connect it to the IN ,GND and VCC of the relay module. The IN is

connected to the pin 2 of arduino, GND is connected in GND of Arduino and VCC is connected

to the 5V. On the other side connect the wire of water pump to the com of relay module, and

connect one connecting wires to the NC of relay module to the positive in breadboard, while the

other wire of water pump is connected in negative of breadboard.

Figure 4.

Schematic

Diagram

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E. Connection of Solar and Arduino

The wire of solar was connected to the battery holder. The arduino uno, esp 8266 and battery

holder will be connected to the Lm2526.

Connection of underground water pump

The pump is connected to the battery and connect it to the switch button. Put a hose in the pump,

if there is no water in the tank open the switch and it will give a water to the tank.

Figure 5. Scematic Diagram

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F. Programming

The researchers created a program for esp8266 and Arduino uno using software called Arduino

IDE. Arduino usb cable was connected to the laptop. After encoding the program, if there is no

error on the code select the serial port and click the upload icon to upload the code in arduino

uno and esp8266.

Program the sensors and device components to Arduino:

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Monitoring of the soil moisture and pump

Using the program that the researchers wrote in Arduino IDE, click the magnifying glass icon to

check the given IP address. By searching it to the browser, the user can check the state of the

pump and soil moisture using their gadgets.

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Sketch of the device:

Data Analysis

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The researcher used a statistical tool, mean and mode to acquire the average of respondents who

finds the device helpful. Those techniques were used to demonstrate the accuracy, stability and

effectiveness of the device in automatically irrigating the plant and monitoring the soil moisture.

Data gathering

Through questionnaire, observation, and reading related studies, the researcher gathered data in

an attempt to generate ideas about the problem in order to have better output.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The functionality and effectiveness of the Smart Irrigation Solar Machine will be

evaluated using a rating system based on respondent feedback across various

functions such as soil moisture detection, plant irrigation, safety, and solar energy

restoration.

Table 1-5. Functionality/Effectiveness of Smart Irrigation Solar Machine

Watering System Prototype

Rating Interpretation

5-Very Effective 2-Fair

4-Effective 1-Needs Improvement

3-Moderately Effective

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 FUNCTION 3 RESPONDENT RATING
FUNCTION 4 RESPONDENT RATING
FUNCTION1 2
FUNCTION RESPONDENT
RESPONDENT RATING
RATING
1 5
Safe to use and
Automatically 1
1
4
4

Automatically
Soil moisture sensor 1
2 4
4
2 5
2 5
does not harm
irrigates
2
3 5
5

can properly
irrigates 3
3
5
5
3 5
4 5
4 5
the
theplants.
detect plant
the within
changes 4
4
5
5
3
5
the plant. 5
5
3
3
5 5
6 5
soil moisture.
enough water. 6
6
6
5
4
5
7 4
7 3
7 4
7 5
8 5
8 4
8 5
89 55
9 5
9 5
9 10 55
10 5
10 5
1011 55
11 4
11 5
1112 54
12 3
12 4
1213 54
13 4
13 5
1314 55
14 3
14 4
1415 53
15 4
15 5
15 5

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 FUNCTION 5 RESPONDENT RATING

1 4
Solar panel can
2 5
restore enough energy
3 5

to make the device

4 5

automatically irrigates 5 2

6 3
the plants.
7 3

8 4

9 5

10 5

11 4

12 3

13 3

14 4

15 5

MEAN

Respondents ( R ) Function ( F )

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 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R13 R14 R15 Total

F1 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 5 5 72

F2 4 5 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 4 5 69

F3 5 4 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 71

F4 4 5 5 5 3 4 3 4 5 5 4 3 4 3 4 61

F5 4 5 5 5 2 3 3 4 5 5 4 3 3 4 5 60

F1 = 4.8

F2 = 4.6

F3 = 4.7

F4 = 4.1

F5 = 4

22.2 ÷ 5 = 4.4 ALL FUNCTIONS = 4.4

4 = EFFECTIVE

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FIGURE 1. This figure is representing the computed mean value.

The

evaluation of the Smart Irrigation Solar Machine's functionality and effectiveness gives promising

results across a variety of functions. The respondents' ratings provide valuable insights into the

prototype's performance, allowing for an extensive awareness of its advantages and areas for

improvement.

Function 1, which describes the soil moisture sensor's ability to detect changes in soil moisture,

received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. This suggests that the majority of respondents found the

sensor to be very effective at detecting soil moisture levels. Consistently high ratings from respondents

indicate that this aspect of the machine's functionality is solid and dependable.

Function 2, which focuses on automatic plant irrigation, also received positive feedback, with an

average rating of 4.6. Most respondents thought the device was effective at ensuring plants received

enough water. However, there were a few instances where respondents gave it a slightly lower rating,

which could indicate sometimes issues or areas for improvement in the automatic irrigation process.

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Function 3, which addressed the device's safety and impact on plant health, received an average rating

of 4.7. The majority of respondents believed the machine was safe to use and not harmful to plants.

This suggests that the device's design prioritizes both user safety and plant well-being, which

contributes to its overall effectiveness.

Function 4, which evaluates the machine's ability to irrigate plants with the proper amount of water,

received an average score of 4.1. While the machine was still considered effective overall, some

respondents felt that it could be improved in terms of consistently providing the appropriate amount of

water. This indicates a potential area for improvement in order to ensure more precise irrigation

techniques.

Function 5, which refers to the solar panel's ability to restore enough energy for automatic irrigation,

received an average rating of 4.0. While still effective on average, respondents perceived limitations in

the solar panel's ability to consistently restore sufficient energy for long-term operation. This implies

that additional optimization of the solar panel system may be required to improve its reliability.

Overall, the total Mean is 4.4, indicating that the Smart Irrigation Solar Machine prototype is

functional in its current form. However, respondent feedback indicates that some areas could benefit

from additional improvement in order to improve performance and user satisfaction. These findings

provide valuable guidance for future prototype repetitions, eventually leading to the creation of a more

efficient and dependable smart irrigation solution.

MODE

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 TRIAL Number of watering the plants

for 12 hrs using solar power

1 1

2 1

3 1

4 1

5 1

MODE: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 = 1

The device was monitored for 12 hours to observe how many times can the device water the plants.

The gathered data shows that the device can only water a plant once a day by the total mode of 1.

CONCLUSION

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This study has shown that the Smart Solar Irrigation Machine prototype is effective and

functional in addressing the challenges that traditional irrigation systems face in

agriculture. This innovative solution, which uses solar energy and includes smart

technology, provides a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional fuel-powered

irrigation. According to respondents feedback and data analysis, the prototype performs

well in a variety of functions such as soil moisture detection, automatic plant irrigation,

safety, and solar energy restoration. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5, the prototype

is considered effective in its current form, demonstrating its potential to improve water

use efficiency and reduce environmental impact in agriculture. Based on the results and

analysis, the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis (Ha).

The smart solar irrigation system surpasses traditional irrigation systems in terms of

efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact. However, areas for improvement

have been determined, such as ensuring consistent water application and maximizing

solar panel efficiency. Overall, the Smart Solar Irrigation Machine shows great promise

as a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution for sustainable agriculture, benefiting

farmers, the environment, and broader efforts to conserve natural resources. Further tests

and improvements to the prototype based on these findings may result in even greater

efficiency and effectiveness, contributing to improved agricultural practices and

livelihoods.

RECOMMENDATION

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1. As highlighted by our research findings, implementing advanced sensor-based technologies in

water plant irrigation systems significantly enhances efficiency by precisely regulating water usage

such as; attaching one board in all code because of ESP board with Arduino.The central controller of

our irrigation system is an ESP-based microcontroller board (ESP8266 or ESP32) that has been

programmed using the Arduino IDE. This means that we can write code on one board that will work

with different ESP boards without having to change it. This makes the process of developing and

implementing our irrigation system simpler while guaranteeing compatibility and flexibility.

2. Our study involved the effective integration of the Blynk app into our irrigation machine, utilizing

its functions for remote control and real-time monitoring of irrigation processes. By utilizing Blynk's

user-friendly interface and customizable features, we were able to gather extensive data on irrigation

patterns and environmental conditions, which enabled us to make precise adjustments to optimize

water usage and improve plant health. Blynk's seamless integration into our system not only made data

management more efficient, but also gave us the ability to take timely action, which led to notable

gains in crop yield and resource conservation.

3. Additionally Solar tracking helps irrigation systems by moving solar panels to face the sun

directly, which boosts their energy production. This means more power for running pumps and other

equipment needed for irrigation. It's like keeping your solar panels pointed directly at the sun to get the

most energy out of them, which keeps your irrigation system running smoothly and efficiently.

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4. Overall, integrating the Blynk app and consolidating the code into one board for tracking solar

lights in an irrigation system prototype can significantly streamline research efforts, enhance control

and monitoring capabilities, facilitate data collection and analysis, encourage collaboration, and pave

the way for scalable and replicable solutions in agricultural technology.

APPENDICES

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Code/Program

/* Change these values based on your calibration values */

#define soilWet 650 // Define max value we consider soil 'wet'

#define soilDry 750 // Define min value we consider soil 'dry'

// Sensor pins

#define sensorPower 13

#define sensorPin A0

int pump =2;

int buzzer=4;

void setup() {

pinMode(buzzer, OUTPUT);

pinMode(pump, OUTPUT);

pinMode(sensorPower, OUTPUT);

// Initially keep the sensor OFF

digitalWrite(sensorPower, LOW);

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 Serial.begin(9600);

void loop() {

//get the reading from the function below and print it

int moisture = readSensor();

Serial.print(moisture);

Serial.print(", ");

// Determine status of our soil

if (moisture < soilWet) {

digitalWrite(buzzer,LOW);

Serial.print("Soil is wet");

Serial.print(",");

digitalWrite(pump,HIGH);

Serial.println("Status:PUMP OFF");

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 else {

digitalWrite(buzzer,HIGH);

digitalWrite(pump,LOW);

Serial.print(" Soil is dry - time to water!");

Serial.print(", ");

Serial.println("Status:PUMP ON");

delay(1000); // Take a reading every second for testing

// Normally you should take reading perhaps once or twice a day

// This function returns the analog soil moisture measurement

int readSensor() {

digitalWrite(sensorPower, HIGH); // Turn the sensor ON

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 delay(10); // Allow power to settle

int val = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the analog value form sensor

digitalWrite(sensorPower, LOW); // Turn the sensor OFF

return val; // Return analog moisture value

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 REFERENCES:

Ullah, Rafi et al.(2021). Smart irrigation monitoring and control Strategies

for Improving Water use Efficiency in Precision Agriculture.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnlest.2020.100017

Erion Bwambale et al.(October 7, 2022) Smart Irrigation Monitoring and Control Strategies
for Improving Water Use Efficiency in Precision's Agriculture Science direct

https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/conferences

Sani Theo et al. (August 28, 2023) Solar Power Irrigation System for Sustainble Agricuture
Smart Cities Symposium
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/1145/1/012058/meta

Diana M. et al. (June 10, 2021) Going Green: A Guide to Solar Power Irrigation Systems
Engineerdee

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rose-Mary-Velasco/publication/342393067

Harishankar et al. (January 2014) Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System

Research India Publication

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 https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/414/1/012040/meta

PHOTO REFERENCES:

SOLAR PANEL
https://images.app.goo.gl/jMfjET8x8yrwjaeC7

ARDUINO UNO
https://images.app.goo.gl/HaDvAfo74Atcddeq5

BATTERY & BATTERY HOLDER

https://images.app.goo.gl/Wb38PUBw7YUj9eQ86

RAIN WATER TANK

https://images.app.goo.gl/SyvC7SDtxj3GYiBAA

PUMP CONTROLLER
https://images.app.goo.gl/QHbJ22NgquvdV78n6

SILICON TUBE
https://images.app.goo.gl/2Yoi9iitN9gMkXST9

LCD
https://images.app.goo.gl/endYMq3HP9XdEGMK7

BREAD BOARD
https://images.app.goo.gl/nHatvVenobS7FdFE6

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CONNECTING WIRES
https://images.app.goo.gl/oZwdkiZvv6LLnsot8

SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR

https://images.app.goo.gl/DmxMJSeFibSpcPfW9

PROPELER
https://images.app.goo.gl/TTB2LpPmxRucnk6Z7

DC MOTOR
https://images.app.goo.gl/3FfCrSJRbo1Pu2pU7

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