Automatic Irrigation System: Design and
Implementation
Surenthar A/L Munusamy
Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering,
Management and Science University, 40100 Shah Alam,
Selangor, Malaysia
surentharmunusamy@gmail.com
2021 IEEE 11th IEEE Symposium on Computer Applications & Industrial Electronics (ISCAIE) | 978-1-6654-0338-2/21/$31.00 ©2021 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ISCAIE51753.2021.9431829
Muhammad Irsyad Abdullah
Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering,
Management and Science University, 40100 Shah Alam,
Selangor, Malaysia
irsyad@msu.edu.my
Abstract - This article presents an automatic irrigation
system using multi-sensors functionalities (temperature and
moisture) and Arduino MEGA 2560 associated with a
mobile monitoring system. This project aims to sense
moisture and temperature levels based on the variant
algorithm-based related to soil type. Subsequently, the
automated pumping system turns ON and OFF the actuator
(water pump) as feedback on the plant water need. The
devices have been installed successfully to monitor large
scale farms of Management and Science University, Shah
Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. By implementing this system,
water usage consumption was reduced significantly, and
the required labor works were maintained. Furthermore,
the provided mobile application allows the users to monitor
and manually control if the case is needed.
Keywords – Soil moisture sensor, Temperature sensor,
Arduino, Water pump motor, Bluetooth module.
I. INTRODUCTION
Water is a critical natural resource and should,
therefore, be properly conserved. The application of
the correct irrigation systems is an essential
component of water conservation [1]. The irrigation
system saves expenses and time and increases
lawns, flowers, and plants' growth. Irrigation
includes replacing or supplementing rainwater with
artificial irrigation structures [2]. Irrigation systems
are intended to guarantee that your lawns and plants
receive sufficient water, with a minimum quantity
of water required. Water is therefore not overused.
The installation of irrigation systems is generally
tailored to customer demands [3]. This is because
distinct customers have distinct requirements,
depending on the region's nature to be irrigated.
Irrigation systems are a critical component of the
contemporary economy. It is now feasible to
increase acres of soil, even with insufficient rainfall.
All you need is a well-installed irrigation system.
With fast technological development, state-of-the-
art irrigation systems have been implemented
worldwide. Systems have been critical in meeting
the specific requirements of agriculture and
landscape [4]. Proper installation of irrigation
systems is vital to building projects such as
greenhouses, golf courses, and theme parks.
978-1-6654-0338-2/21/$31.00 ©2021 IEEE
Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Prince Edward Island. Downloaded on July 03,2021 at 11:58:49 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
Safaa Najah Saud Al-Humairi*
Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering,
Management and Science University, 40100 Shah Alam,
Selangor, Malaysia
safaa_najah@msu.edu.my
Relevant companies should apply the current
irrigation methods in order to have a competitive
edge on the market. Working with the right
irrigation equipment supply business is the best
choice for a farmer in agricultural fields. Studies
indicate that a watered decrease of up to 90% is
achieved using a drip irrigation scheme instead of
obsolete hose pipe irrigation. Garden irrigation
systems are increasingly being implemented
throughout the globe. They are automatic and are
intended to decrease the time spent irrigating the
crops considerably. Such irrigation systems are also
very effective [5-7].
Over the years, specialists have created a wide
variety of irrigation technologies to improve
agricultural alternatives. Irrigation systems are
intended to irrigate crops effectively, with minimal
water loss due to evapotranspiration. Agricultural
irrigation systems are cost-saving, particularly in the
longer term. They can be submerged completely,
buried beneath the ground, or even completely
exposed to the environment [8]. Irrigation systems
such as sprinklers are intended to irrigate large
fields such as planting. Sprinkler systems also
irrigate crops that require an ample supply of water.
They give rapid irrigation and broad coverage.
Agricultural irrigation systems are straightforward
to keep [9]. Young crops can be irrigated effectively
using irrigation schemes such as the Arrow-Drip.
The system is intended to pour water into polybags
and is therefore suggested for nursery use. Irrigation
systems, such as the Mist-System, provide both
crops and humans with a cooling setting. Engineers
design, install and provide maintenance facilities for
irrigation systems based on the client's budget [10].
Companies that supply such devices also offer a
guarantee. Irrigation systems are critical to the
design of golf courses. The grass used in golf
courses needs an immense amount of water to keep
outstanding condition. Closed case rotors are
popular devices for golf courses [11]. The irrigation
system offers a brief and medium variety of water.
The nozzles have an elevated flow rate for applying
256
 water to a proper place within a short timeframe. microprocessor sends a signal to the correct
The Integrated Pump Station is the main irrigation equipment to switch the valve and pump on. When
pump for golf courses. They are strong and reliable the soil moisture has reached the desired level, the
for performance optimization. Qualified experts microprocessor indicates that interfacing devices turn
maintain irrigation systems to guarantee round-the- off the valve and pump according to the sensors'
clock operation and adequate results. This system is performance. Use serial port in the Bluetooth module
vital to ensure the stalling of activities, leading to (HC-05) module to send data to the mobile app. The
losses. The maintenance of irrigation systems also data has been collecting from the sensor and transfers
guarantees that no pipes are blocked. Maintenance microprocessor. The microprocessor often tests and
systems' role in the conservation of water cannot be compares the parameters' values with boundaries and
overstated. Therefore, by using the Arduino, the triggers them. The flowchart is illustrated in Figure 1.
automated irrigation system concept can be
achieved with a saving of water of 50%. The
humidity or soil moisture sensor will sense moisture
percentage in soil. The sensor will notice a reading
from 0 (i.e., low humidity) to 1023 (i.e., high
humidity). With the assistance of this moisture
sensor, it can be known the required percentage of
water is supplied to the soil or plant [12]. Irrigation
in Malaysia is one of the primary water technology
supplements that increase the number of around
14300 farmers in Malaysia, which shows us the
significance of farming in Malaysia [13, 14].
Irrigating crops is a very time-consuming activity to
do the job in a fair quantity of time; it also required
more manpower. Some technologies, such as
automated irrigation system technology, are now
helping decrease the number of employees or the
time needed to water the crops [15]. A gardener
who utilizes a manual way to irrigate the plant is not
sufficient and creates over-irrigation. It makes the Fig. 1. Flowchart of the project
issue of using water excessively and wasting water. This automatic irrigation system includes different
Over irrigation occurs due to inadequate distribution sensors, the moisture from the soil, and temperature.
or management of wastewater, a chemical that These entire sensors other parameters and send the
causes water pollution. More losses are incurred as data to the microprocessor. Microprocessors
the quantity of water provided exceeds plant command the process of the whole irrigation system.
requirements [16, 17]. Several studies have been Soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors all have
conducted on utilizing using internet of things (IoT) been executing their specific function. The soil's
technologies and inference systems in the agriculture moisture level will be controlled by turning on /off
fields [18, 19]. This initiative's primary reason is the water valve and water pump motor. The main
developing an automatic irrigation system at the part of the system is the microprocessor. All those
Management and Science University (MSU), which sensors have been used to support the microprocessor
is suitable for irrigation when the plant needs water. and Bluetooth module's data parameters, which are
Since it's time for intelligent technology and also connected with mobile apps, as shown in the
everyone needs stuff to be automated to reduce block diagram as in Figure 2.
workload, the Arduino automatic irrigation system
introduced in MSU will be a smart development that
will reduce manpower. It will also create a III. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
tremendous amount of help, particularly in the MSU
garden where people don't have to maintain watering A. Hardware used
with efficient irrigation. It will also provide a real-
Arduino Mega 2560, Soil Moisture Sensor,
time monitoring system using the mobile
Temperature sensor probe (DS18B20), Bluetooth
application.
module HC 05, Electric Clear Water Pump, Plastic
II. METHODOLOGY Water Solenoid Valve, and Rechargeable battery.
The soil moisture sensor as the primary sensor was
B. Software used
used to measure the soil's moisture and temperature
level in the accompanying irrigation system. Suppose Arduino software IDE 1.8.5, Proteus Professional
the sensors detect moisture levels lacking in plants 8, and MIT Inverter App.
and send a signal to the microprocessor. The

257

Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Prince Edward Island. Downloaded on July 03,2021 at 11:58:49 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
 indication of plants' dry soil and water. The same
field line valve for the valve opening and a pump
relay order for the switch to irrigate these plants
directly when receiving the Arduino board signal.

Fig. 3. The soil moisture parameter versus time

Fig.2. Block diagram of the project

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The tests carried out for this irrigation system be
divided into the soil moisture level, soil temperature
level and amount of water supplied. Figures 3 and 4
indicate the irrigation system's outputs based on the
soil moisture and temperature versus time, Figu.4. The soil temperature parameter versus time
respectively. The plotted graphs are referred to two
different soil types based on moisture level, the blue
color represents black soil, and the red color
represents burnt soil. It was shown that within a
morning at 9.00 am, and the moisture level indicates
the negative value and temperature become more
than 30 °C for black soil and more 31°C for burnt
soil. Whenever the system had those readings, the
valve for both lines will open, and the water pump
motor will start pumping the water. Those readings
are threshold values for the system on the system. It
was also shown that during the evening, around 4.00
pm. the moisture level again indicates the negative
value and temperature become more than 30 °C for
black soil and more 31°C for burnt soil. So, besides Fig. 5. The amount of water supplied
the process start-up, the water pump motor pump
drives the plants' water.
In addition, if the moisture and a temperature sensor
Consequently, both morning 9.00 am and 4.00 pm, are activated, both lines can be irrigated
its peak hours to water the plants because of sunlight simultaneously. All valve relays are energized to
exposure. Figure 5 indicates the amount of water open all the valves and irrigate the plants by
supplied for both soil at peak hours, and only 0.2L pumping. It is hard to damage any electrical element
has been provided at both times for the system. After because of a single error. The programming was not
the design and the selection of the project an easy system and uploaded in Arduino board to
components are completed, the partial target was operate the pump and starting valves with six
achieved. In order to conclude this irrigation method, sensors. Still, this system was finished, and results
it was fully developed and finalized, and all were provided with the Arduino library's help. It is
specifications were also enforced. The outcome was quite difficult and complicated to link the wires from
checked and as required. The system is not more than ten devices to the Arduino. However, it
completed until one or two moisture and temperature was simpler to attach such wires by using a plastic
sensors from either line give the Arduino an breadboard. Special flexible tubes were used to
design the system to make it easier to connect but

258

Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Prince Edward Island. Downloaded on July 03,2021 at 11:58:49 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
 faced problems connecting pipes from the water tank
to the plant. So, a type of pipe joint (T-joint) was
used to clear up this issue.
V. PROTOTYPE AND PROJECT DESIGN
The overall proposed automatic irrigation system
contained temperature sensor and soil moisture
control system along with automated water supply
system is designed using 3D sketch as in Figure 6.
The design illustrates system functions status for the
input, process, output, and feedback. Figure 7 shows
the mini prototype of the proposed project prior to
the MSU garden's upscaling size.
Fig. 6. 3D design of Automatic Irrigation System
process
Fig. 7. A prototype of the project
VII. MONITORING SYSTEM
The soil moisture and temperature values monitor
using MIT inverter application, as shown in Figure 8.
259
Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Prince Edward Island. Downloaded on July 03,2021 at 11:58:49 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
Fig. 8. Mobile application
VI. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, a prototype of Irrigation System using
the Arduino to run the water pumper and opening
valves with six sensors is developed. Several issues
were confronting, for example, as the tables used to
be a basis for this prototype were larger size required.
As over 10 Arduino devices were linked, access to
the wires was complicated. The system scenario
sequence was not easy to decide to function, and a
direct power supply has been used. The Arduino
controllers were quite challenging because a single
mistake can damage any electrical part. Future work
include developing this prototype to a higher
readiness level for actual implementation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author gratefully acknowledges the supported
facilities and funds provided by Management and
Science University (MSU).
REFERENCES
[1] D. P. Loucks and E. Van Beek, Water resource systems
planning and management: An introduction to methods,
models, and applications. Springer, 2017.
[2] J. Cuevas, I. N. Daliakopoulos, F. del Moral, J. J. Hueso,
and I. K. Tsanis, "A review of soil-improving cropping
systems for soil salinization," Agronomy, vol. 9, no. 6, p.
295, 2019.
[3] A. C. Landon, G. T. Kyle, and R. A. Kaiser, "Predicting
compliance with an information-based residential outdoor
water conservation program," Journal of hydrology, vol.
536, pp. 26-36, 2016.
[4] L. Di Matteo, S. Casadei, F. Peppoloni, and F. De Giorgi,
"The VISTA Project: a test site to investigate the impact of
traditional and precision irrigation on groundwater (San
Gemini basin, Central Italy)," in FLOWPATH 2019–
NATIONAL MEETING ON HYDROGEOLOGY, 2019:
Ledizioni, p. 30.
[5] C. A. Steele, M. T. Nicoletti, and M. K. Kolb,
"Refurbishing Carousel Irrigation System," 2019.
 [6] G. Frisvold, C. Sanchez, N. Gollehon, S. Megdal, and P.
Brown, "Evaluating gravity-flow irrigation with lessons
from Yuma, Arizona, USA," Sustainability, vol. 10, no. 5,
p. 1548, 2018.
[7] P. Nakawuka, S. Langan, P. Schmitter, and J. Barron, "A
review of trends, constraints and opportunities of
smallholder irrigation in East Africa," Global food
security, vol. 17, pp. 196-212, 2018.
[8] J. G. Morillo, J. A. R. Díaz, E. Camacho, and P.
Montesinos, "Linking water footprint accounting with
irrigation management in high value crops," Journal of
cleaner production, vol. 87, pp. 594-602, 2015.
[9] L. Mateos, "Irrigation Systems," in Principles of
Agronomy for Sustainable Agriculture: Springer, 2016,
pp. 255-267.
[10] A. A. Perry, H. E. Navarro, T. J. Clark, and Z. Cruz-Diaz,
"A Business Plan to Implement Procedures and Operations
of Snail Farming for Higher Ground Farm," 2017.
[11] L. D. Solomon, "Technology Commercialization by the
Private Sector Increases Water Supplies and Facilitates
Conservation," in America's Water and Wastewater Crisis:
Routledge, 2017, pp. 79-112.
[12] H. Chawla and P. Kumar, "Arduino Based Automatic
Water Planting System Using Soil Moisture Sensor,"
Available at SSRN 3403930, 2019.
[13] H. Chawla and P. Kumar, "Arduino Based Automatic
Water Planting System Using Soil Moisture Sensor," in
International Conference on Advances in Engineering
Science Management & Technology (ICAESMT)-2019,
Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India, 2019.
[14] M. E. Toriman and M. Mokhtar, "Irrigation: Types,
sources and problems in Malaysia," Irrigation systems and
practices in challenging environments, pp. 361-370, 2012.
[15] S. Angal and R. Mali, "Raspberry pi and arduino based
automated irrigation system," International Journal of
Science and Research (IJSR), vol. 5, no. 7, pp. 1145-1148,
2016.
[16] M. Hasan, "Real-time and low-cost IoT based farming
using raspberry Pi," Indonesian Journal of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science, vol. 17, no. 1, pp.
197-204, 2020.
[17] S. N. S. Al-Humairi, P. Manimaran, M. I. Abdullah, and
J. Daud, "A Smart Automated Greenhouse: Soil Moisture,
Temperature Monitoring and Automatic Water Supply
System (Peaty, Loam and Silty)," in 2019 IEEE
Conference on Sustainable Utilization and Development in
Engineering and Technologies (CSUDET), 2019: IEEE,
pp. 111-115.
[18] A. A. Hapsari, A. I. Hajamydeen, D. J. Vresdian, M.
Manfaluthy, L. Prameswono, and E. Yusuf, "Real Time
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System Based on IoT using
MQTT and Wireless Sensor Network," in 2019 IEEE 6th
International Conference on Engineering Technologies
and Applied Sciences (ICETAS), 2019: IEEE, pp. 1-7.
[19] H. Razalli, M. H. Alkawaz, and A. S. Suhemi, "Smart
IOT Surveillance Multi-Camera Monitoring System," in
2019 IEEE 7th Conference on Systems, Process and
Control (ICSPC), 2019: IEEE, pp. 167-171.

260

Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Prince Edward Island. Downloaded on July 03,2021 at 11:58:49 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.