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EcoFlow: Sustainable Farming with Automated Irrigation Solutions

SUMMARY

Due to the extremely hot weather, there is a drought in the plantations which
causes the death of the crops we need to give it a solution. According to
Gallagher, Biscoe, and Hunter (1976), drought severely decreases grain yield
in many cereal growing regions and the resulting fluctuations in world supply
have serious repercussions. Powered by electricity, an automated irrigation
system is a technology-driven method of watering plants that reduces
manual effort and optimizes water usage. It typically involves using sensors,
controllers, valves, pumps, and sometimes solar panels or batteries to
efficiently deliver water to plants based on factors like soil moisture, weather
conditions, and plant needs. This system helps in conserving water, reducing
labor costs, promoting healthier plant growth, and improving overall
efficiency in agricultural or landscaping operations.

BACKGROUND

Automated Irrigation System is an artificial application of water to the soil


through various systems of tubes, pumps, and sprays. A sprinkler irrigation is
to moisture plant growth which also transports essential nutrients. This
irrigation works through AC Power Supply, a type of electric generated by the
vast majority of power plants and used by most distribution systems. This
irrigation can spring water for about 2-3 meters away. This helps farmers to
not wander around their farm and can reduce their work. Irrigation is the key
to a successful garden (Ingale, Kasat 2012). Moreover, automated irrigation
systems are advanced agricultural technologies designed to optimize water
usage and enhance crop productivity through targeted and precise
application of water resources. Irrigation is the artificial application of water
to the land and soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops,
maintenance of landscapes and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas
and during periods of inadequate rainfall (Pasha, Yogesha 2014). These
systems integrate data-driven decision-making, automation, and smart
control mechanisms to deliver water efficiently to crops based on their
specific needs and environmental conditions.

PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM PRESENTED

Precision or Automated Irrigation System will be a big solution for drought to


have growth and quality in the environment despite el niño. The use of
Automated Irrigation Systems as a solution for drought problems focuses on
intelligent water management, precision irrigation, water conservation,
efficient water distribution, and remote monitoring, all of which contribute to
sustainable and responsible water usage in agricultural and landscaping
practices.

Figure 1. An illustration of the Automated Irrigation System.

BENEFICIARIES

This study aims to be beneficial to:

Farmers:

It reduces labor costs associated with manual irrigation, optimizing water


usage to improve crop health and yield, and enabling remote monitoring and
control for efficient management of irrigation operations.

Household

By simplifying lawn and garden maintenance, ensuring proper watering


schedules without manual effort, conserving water, and saving time and
money on landscaping tasks.
Institution

It maintains green spaces efficiently, reducing water usage and costs, and
ensuring a healthy and attractive environment for students, visitors, and
residents.

Locality

It improved water management, reduced water waste, lower maintenance


costs for public landscapes, and the promotion of sustainable practices to
address water scarcity and environmental concerns.

Future Researchers

They can explore advancements in sensor technology, data analytics for


precision irrigation, integration with smart home systems, sustainable water
management practices, and the development of more efficient and cost-
effective irrigation solutions tailored to specific crops or environments.

Method

The method used for Automated Irrigation Systems revolves around


intelligent data collection, processing, decision-making, and control
mechanisms to automate and optimize the watering of plants based on
specific environmental factors and user preferences.

PREPARATION OF MATERIALS

To prepare for an Automated Irrigation System, gather a controller unit


(irrigation controller or microcontroller board), sensors like soil moisture and
weather sensors, appropriate valves for electronic control, pumps if needed,
tubing, fittings, power supplies, programming tools for microcontrollers,
design a user interface, consider optional components such as relays and
communication modules, gather basic tools and documentation. This
comprehensive approach ensures you have all the necessary materials and
knowledge to assemble, program, and operate the system effectively.

IRRIGATION ASSEMBLY

To assemble an Automated Irrigation System, begin by planning the layout,


then install sensors like soil moisture and weather sensors strategically.
Connect solenoid valves or motorized ball valves to irrigation pipes, ensuring
proper sizing and placement, and integrate the controller or microcontroller
board in a weatherproof enclosure nearby. If needed, install and connect a
pump for pressurized irrigation. Lay out irrigation tubing and fittings to
deliver water to zones, program the controller with watering schedules and
logic, test the system for functionality, adjust settings as needed, and finalize
the installation by securing all components and labeling them for
maintenance ease.

TESTING AND EVALUATION

Checking individual components like sensors, valves, and pumps for


functionality before integrating them to ensure they work together
seamlessly. Validate the programming logic of the controller for accurate
watering schedules, sensor thresholds, and automation rules. Evaluate water
distribution to ensure uniform coverage without wastage, and measure water
usage to confirm efficient water management. Test the system’s reliability
under various conditions and assess the durability of components for long-
term performance. Additionally, evaluate the user interface for usability and
functionality, and provide comprehensive documentation and training for
system operation and maintenance.

COST ANALYSIS

Materials Use Price


AC Power Supply 459
Microcontroller 579
Tank 5,000
Pump 159
Solenoid Valve 162
Sprinkler 145
Pipe or Drip Lines 420
BLDC motor 420
Flow Sensor 148
Pressure Sensor 162
Total 7,654

Figure 2. Cost of making the proposed prototype

REFERENCES

Gallagher JN., Biscoe PV., Hunter B. (1976) Effects of drought on grain


growth. Nature 264 (5586), 541-542.

Ingale HT., Kasat NN. (2012) Automated Irrigation System. International


Journal of Engineering Research and Development 4 (11), 51-52.
Pasha S., Yogesha B. (2014) Irrigation System. The International Journal of
Engineering and Science (IJES), volume3, 06-09.

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