Full Report

Visvesvaraya Technological University
Belagavi, Karnataka-590 018
A Project Report
on
“Smart Irrigation System”
Submitted on partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree
of
Bachelor of Engineering
in
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Submitted by:
MANOJ KUMAR HC 4AD12EE023

NEHAL H 4AD12EE025
SANDESH M 4AD12EE035
SREEHARI S 4AD12EE042
Under the guidance of:

Dr. Parthasarathy L
Head of the Department
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

ATME College of Engineering
13 KM Stone, Mysuru-Kanakapura-Bengaluru Road,
Mysuru-570028
2015-16
ATME College of Engineering, Mysuru-570028
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project report titled “Smart Irrigation System”
is a bonafide work carried out by MANOJ KUMAR HC: 4AD12EE023, NEHAL H:
4AD12EE025, SANDESH M: 4AD12EE035, SREEHARI S: 4AD12EE042, in partial
fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi -590 018 during
the year 2015-2016. It is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated during the
Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the report and is deposited in the
departmental library. The project report has been approved as it satisfies the academic
requirements in respect of work prescribed for the said degree.
Dr. Parthasarathy L Dr. L Basavaraj

Head of the Department and Guide Principal
External Examiners
Name of the Examiner Signature with Date
1.
2.
DECLARATION
We, MANOJ KUMAR H C : 4AD12EE023, NEHAL H :4AD12EE025,

SANDESH M : 4AD12EE035 & SREEHARI S :4AD12EE042, students of VIII
semester, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATME College
of Engineering, Mysore-570028 declare that the Project work titled “Smart
Irrigation System” has been successfully completed. This work is submitted to
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi-590018, in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical
and Electronics Engineering during the academic year 2015-2016. Further the matter
embodied in the Project report has not been submitted previously by anybody for the
award of any degree to any university.
Name USN Signature with date

NEHAL H 4AD12EE025
ABSTRACT
Agriculture is a source of livelihood of majority Indians and has great impact on the economy of
the country. In a country like India, where climatic conditions vary substantially and irrigation
facilities are poor. Water pumps are crucial in agriculture where electricity is indeed. The farmers
working in the farm lands are solely dependent on the rains and bore wells for irrigation for the
land. Even if the farm land has a water pump, manual intervention by farmers is required to turn
the pump on/off whenever needed. As the main parameter is to monitor the flow of water in the
field by using pumping motor, water has to be pumped automatically depending upon the amount
of water content present in the soil. The aim of our project is to conserve Water used by the farmer
for its effective use Automated irrigation system will serve the following purposes As there is
planned usage of water, a lot of water is saved from being wasted. The irrigation is needed only
when there is not enough moisture in the soil and the sensors decide when the pump should be
turned on/off, which saves a lot of time for the farmers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The satisfaction and euphoria that accompanies successful completion of the project
work would be incomplete without the people who made it possible with their guidance and
blessing whose constant encouragement crowned all our efforts with success.
We are thankful to Prof. Dr. L Basavaraj, Principal, ATME College of Engineering,

Mysuru, for having supported us in our academic endeavors.
We take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude and deep regards to our
Project Guide Dr.Parthasarathy L, Head, Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, ATME College of Engineering, Mysuru, for permitting us to undertake this
work. His exemplary guidance, monitoring, continuous encouragement and inspiration
throughout the progress of this project work.
We take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude and deep regards to our
Project Co-ordinator, Ms. Lakshmi K, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and
Electronics Engineering, ATME College of Engineering, Mysuru for his exemplary
guidance, monitoring, continuous encouragement and inspiration throughout the progress of this
project work.
We are obliged to all teaching and technical staff members of the department for the
valuable information provided by them in their respective fields .We are grateful for their co-
operation during the period of our assignment.
Lastly we thank almighty, our parents and friends for their constant encouragement
without which this assignment would not be possible.
NEHAL H 4AD12EE025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures i
List of Tables ii
1 Introduction
1.1 General introduction 1
1.2 Motivation of the project 2
1.3 Problem Definition 2
1.4 Objective 4
1.5 System Methodology 5
1.6 Organization of Report 6
2 Literature Review
2.1 Water and plant growth 7
2.2 Amount of rainfall 11
2.3 Drip irrigation system 13
3 Design Of Hardware And Technical Specification

3.1 Copper sensor 16
3.2 IC LM324 16
3.3 555 Timer IC 17
3.4 IN4007 Diode 18
3.5 SPDT Relay 18
3.6 LED 18
3.7 Resistor 19
3.8 Variable resistor 19
3.9 Capacitor 20
3.10 Un polarized/Ceramic capacitors 20
3.11 Water pump 20
3.12 Circuit diagram and operation 22

4 Results And Discussion
4.1 Case 1 25
4.2 Case 2 27
4.3 Case 3 28
4.4 Case 4 31
4.5 Case 5 32
5 Project Conclusion And Future Scope Of Improvement

5.1 Conclusion 34
5.2 Future scope of smart irrigation system 35
APPENDICES
APPENDIX: LM 324 Data sheet
APPENDIX: NE555 Timer Data sheet
APPENDIX: NE555 Timer Electrical characteristics

LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. No. Particulars Page No.
1.1 Irrigation system 5
1.2 System methodology of smart 5

irrigation system
2.1 Effect of water on plant growth 9
2.2 An open container to collect rainwater 11
2.3 Container placed in the field 11
2.4 10mm rainwater collected in the 12
container
2.5 10mm rainfall on the field 12
2.7 Drip layout 14
3.1 Copper sensor 16
3.2 LM 324 17
3.3 Timer IC 555 17
3.4 Diode IN4007 18
3.5 Circuit symbol of relay 18
3.6 Water pump 21
3.7 15W Water pump 22
3.8 Circuit diagram 22
3.9 Sensor circuit diagram 23
3.10 Relay circuit diagram 23
4.1 Smart irrigation system developments 25

on breadboard and on PCB
4.2 Values of variable resistor 26
4.3 Pump motor 27
4.5 Graph of Sensor dimensions 30
4.6 A pictorial representation of the drip 32

irrigation system
i
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Particulars Page No.

2.1 Water and plant growth 8
2.2 Effect on crop evapotranspiration 10
3.1 Components 15
4.1 Sensor dimension v/s time 30
4.2 Calculation of on/off time of motor 31
5.1 Problem with suggested solutions 35
ii
Smart Irrigation System 2015-16
Chapter 1
Introduction
In the fast paced world human beings require everything to be automated. Our life style demands
everything to be remote controlled. Apart from few things man has made his life automated. In
the world of advance electronics, life of human beings should be simpler hence to make life
simpler and convenient, we have made “SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEM”. A model of
controlling irrigation facilities to help millions of people.
1.1 General Introduction
To make better use of our limited freshwater resources, growers need to have not only an
efficient method of delivering the water to the plants, but also an efficient watering schedule,
so that the plants are getting watered with the right amounts at the right time. And because a
large percentage of the use of both surface and ground water is for agricultural irrigation,
conserving water at the point-of-use, through efficiency efforts and optimal irrigation
scheduling, can have a big effect on the rest of the water systems.
Our project, called Smart irrigation system may be a sign of things to come in "smart"
irrigation, incorporating copper sensors that can be monitored and administered, letting water
managers and farmers optimize their water use.
Irrigation is the key to a successful garden. Long gone are the days of manual watering or
relying on a friend to water when you are on vacation or away on business. The Project
presented here waters your plants regularly when you are out for vacation. The circuit
comprises sensor parts built using op-amp IC LM324. Op-amp is configured here as a
comparator. Two stiff copper wires are inserted in the soil to sense the whether the Soil is wet
or dry. The comparator monitors the sensors and when sensors sense the dry condition then the
project will switch on the motor and it will switch off the motor when the sensors are in wet.
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 1
1.2 Motivation of The Project
The increasing demand of the food supplies requires a rapid improvement in food production
technology. In many countries where agriculture plays an important part in shaping up the
economy and the climatic conditions are isotropic, but still we are not able to make full use
of agricultural resources. One of the main reasons is the lack of rains & scarcity of land
reservoir water. Extraction of water at regular intervals from earth is reducing the water level
as a result of which the zones of un-irrigated land are gradually increasing.
Also, the unplanned use of water inadvertently results in wastage of water. In an Automated
Irrigation System, the most significant advantage is that water is supplied only when the
moisture in soil goes below a pre-set threshold value. This saves us a lot of water. In recent
times, the farmers have been using irrigation technique through the manual control in which
the farmers irrigate the land at regular intervals by turning the water-pump on/off when
required. This process sometimes consumes more water and sometimes the water supply to
the land is delayed due to which the crops dry out. Water deficiency deteriorates plants
growth before visible wilting occurs. In addition to this slowed growth rate, lighter weight
fruit follows water deficiency.
This problem can be perfectly rectified if we use Automated Irrigation System in which the
irrigation will take place only when there will be intense requirement of water, as suggested
by the moisture in the soil [9]
1.3 Problem Definition
There are millions of people all over the world, who don’t have access to water, or, if they have
access, the water is unable to be used. About 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water
and 3% of it is fresh water, that is fit for human consumption. Around 2/3rd of it is tugged in
frozen glaciers and unavailable for our use. Clean portable water is scarce and there are

millions of people across the globe who spend their entire day searching for it. Yet, people who
have access to save, portable water take it for granted and don’t use it wisely. Water scarcity
involves water crisis, water shortage, water deficit or water stress. Water scarcity can be due to
physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity.[9]
Case 1:
In our present society there is scarcity of water for both drinking & irrigation. Water plays a
major role in human life and life cannot be sustained without water. Watering the plants in
gardens & agricultural fields leads to unavoidable wastage of water. Due to over flow of water,
growth of the plant is also slow. As the roots of the plant do not get enough supply of oxygen,
which leads to slower growth.
Case 2:
Apart from wastage of water, the next problem we would like to concentrate is on saving time
while watering the plants. It is evident that both in gardens and in agricultural fields, a person
has to take care of turning on/off the water pump. This activity consumes a lot of time of the
farmers and also leads to wastage of water. One alternative is to use a microcontroller based
controller, but the cost of such controllers cannot be affordable by most of the farmers
Case 1 Solution:
To overcome this problem, we have designed copper sensors which are of low cost. These
sensors are connected to the SIS which has an indicator. The indicator shows the status of water
seeped into the soil as one of the sensors is kept at an appropriate depth. The person watering
the plants is now aware that sufficient water has been supplied to the plant and turns off the
water supply.
Case 2 Solution:

As per the problem discussed in case 2, we have automated the SIS so that the water supply is
automatically turned on/off depending upon the status of the moisture content in the soil
provided by the sensors. This helps the person in charge of watering the plants to utilize his time
in other activities, which is especially most eminent to the farmers. It also overcomes the
wastage of water. Unlike the embedded system based controllers, the SIS is of low cost.
1.4 Project Objective
To Design smart irrigation system for gardens in domestic application & for agricultural
applications. The main objective of the project is to conserve water. For better
agricultural applications the module is set to work with sensors of different dimensions.
To design the entire module which is of low cost and has a reliable circuit. System is
designed for complete elimination of man power in operating condition and it should be
able to switched into manual mode whenever required. A comparison between drip
irrigation system and experimental confirmation on better capability of smart irrigation
system to conserve water.

Figure no. 1.1 shows an outlay of an agricultural field with functioning irrigation system.
Fig. 1.1 Irrigation system

1.5 SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Fig. 1.2 System methodology of Smart Irrigation System

The system methodology of working of SIS is pictorially represented in the block diagram shown in
Fig. 1.2. The moisture content in soil is detected by the copper sensors via the LM324 IC. The
sensor IC sends a signal to 555 timer IC which in turn triggers the relay to turn off the motor. The
process repeats and the motor is switched on when the soil becomes dry.
1.6. Organization of Report
The problem definition, project objective, hardware description of the project have
Been compiled into several chapters as discussed here under.
 Chapter 1 is an introduction chapter with general introduction, problem definition,
objectives of work carried out during the project.
 Chapter 2 involves the Literature survey of the project for the practical
implementation.
 Chapter 3 involves the description of the hardware design .The chapter comprises of
general operation and the use of components in the circuit. Also involves the circuit
diagram and working principle of the project, application.
 Chapter 4 involves the Results and discussion of the project.
 Chapter 5 concludes the report with suggestions for Future improvements. The list of
references is provided in the report.

Chapter 2
Literature Review
In this section, we have an overview of the necessary information which played a vital role in
designing and implementing the smart irrigation system.
The automatic system was tested for 136 days and save 90% compared with traditional irrigation
system. Three replicas of the automated system have been used successfully in other places for
18 months. Because of its energy autonomy and low cost, the system has the potential to be
useful in water limited geographically isolated area.
In this paper, soil moisture content has been detected using acoustic based technique was
developed. The main propose of this technique is development for measure soil moisture in real
time method. The technique based on relationship between two quantities i.e. speed of sound and
the degree of saturation with water in soils. This experiment found that the speed of sound
decreases with the moisture content following, depending on the kind of soil.
In the paper, automatic irrigation technique irrigated using wireless sensor network.The idea was
developed for improve irrigation system and reduced cost of irrigation water. Sensors are placed
in farm and sense continuously and collect the information. Using this information system was
control automatically using copper sensors.[7]
2.1 Water and Plant Growth

Water sustains life, and is therefore important to all living organisms on our planet. These
include plants, which will wilt, become dry and die in the absence water.
The actual amount of water needed by a plant to grow will depend on the type of soil used, the
size of the pot, the species of the plant and the age of the plant. A soil’s water retention
properties will determine the amount of watering required. Soil that is poor in retaining water

will require more frequent watering, whereas soil that has good water retention properties will
require less frequent watering. The size of the pot is also important, as it determines the amount
of water that can be added to maintain the required soil moisture.
The size and number of leaves, together with the size of a plant’s stem, will give us an estimate
on the appropriate amount of water that a plant needs. Young plants tend to require more
frequent watering to maintain the moisture near the surface of the soil, as its roots have not
grown deep enough and will therefore only be near the surface of soil. On the other hand, an
older plant will require less frequent watering.[2]
Experimental verification
1. The independent variable in this experiment is the amount of water used every day–
20ml, 40ml, 60ml, 80ml and 100ml once a day or twice a day. The dependent variable is
the height of the mung bean sprouts, which is determined by measuring the average
height of the plants in each test group. The constants (control variables) are the
environment that the plants are kept in (temperature, humidity, light, etc.), the species of
plant used, the size of the pot and the type of soil.
2. Fill the ten pots with the same amount of soil, and place ten mung beans in each pot.
(More than ten mung beans seeds can be placed in each pot to act as backup in case
some of the beans do not germinate. Remove any unwanted plants once germination has
occurred).
3. Use the marker to label the ten pots as “once” or “twice”, followed by one of the
following measurement: 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml, 80 ml or 100ml.
4. Water the pots labeled “once” once a day, and the pots labeled “twice” two times a day,
using the amount of water indicated on the pot. Repeat this procedure for the next ten
days.

5. Measure the heights of the plants on the 10th day. Calculate the average height of the
radish plants in each pot by totaling the heights and dividing it by the number of
plants. Record the average height in the table given below.[5]
Table No. 2.1 Water and plant growth
Heig Amount of water used

ht of
plant 10ml 20ml 30ml 40ml 50ml 60ml 70ml 80ml 90ml 100ml
(mm) 1 398 420 465 455 445 431 352 241 115 52
2 410 435 452 463 436 422 298 156 129 76
3 385 425 448 471 458 415 330 138 111 55
Fig. 2.1 Effect of water on plant growth
The experimental data and analyzed results support the hypothesis that plants require a
sufficient amount of water is shown in above Fig.2.1, but over-watering plants will
result in slower growth. All plants need water to grow, and any deprivation of water
will eventually lead to its death. However, providing plants with too much water can also
be detrimental. If the soil is always wet and the roots are constantly covered with water,
the plant will not receive enough oxygen, which will cause the roots to rot and kill the

plant. Plants need both oxygen and water to grow. The type and quantity of soil used will
also affect the amount of water required by the plant. The best time to water plants is in
the mornings and afternoons, when it's warmer. This helps prevent them from wilting due
to heat. Although it is quite difficult to determine the optimum amount of water that a
plant requires, the easiest and most commonly used method is to touch the soil to see if it
is still moist .This experiment can be repeated by placing the plants in different
environments such as under the sun, in a shaded area or indoor.[5]
Factors influencing crop evapotranspiration

Many factors influence the evapotranspiration of the crop. The main ones and their
effects are shown in the following Table 2.2.
Table no. 2.2 Effect on crop evapotranspiration
Effect on crop evapotranspiration
Factor high low

hot cool
dry wet
Climate
windy no wind
no clouds cloudy
mid/late season initial or ripening
Crop
dense plant spacing wide plant spacing
Soil moist dry
moisture

2.2 Amount of Rainfall

Imagine an open square container, 1 m wide, 1 m long and 0.5 m high is shown in Fig.2.2.
Fig. 2.2 An open container to collect rainwater
This container is placed horizontally on an open area in a field.
Fig. 2.3 Container placed in the field

During a rain shower, the container collects the water is shown in above Fig.2.3.
Suppose that when the rain stops, the depth of water contained in the pan is10 mm shown in Fig.2.4.
Fig. 2.4 10 mm rainwater collected in the container
The volume of water collected in the pan is:
V (m3) = l (m) x w (m) x d (m) = 1 m x 1 m x 0.010 m = 0.01 m3 or 10 liters
It can be assumed that the surrounding field has also received a uniform water depth of 10 mm
shown in Fig.2.5.
Fig. 2.5 10 mm rainfall on the field

In terms of volume, with a rainfall of 10 mm, every square meter of the field receives 0.01 m, or
10 liters, of rain water. With a rainfall of 1 mm, every square meter receives 1 liter of rain water.
A rainfall of 1 mm supplies 0.001 m3, or 1 liter of water to each square meter of the field.[8]
2.3 Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation shown in Fig.2.6 is sometimes called trickle irrigation and involves dripping
water onto the soil at very low rates (2-20 liters/hour) from a system of small diameter plastic
pipes fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers. Water is applied close to plants so that only
part of the soil in which the roots grow is wetted, unlike surface and sprinkler irrigation, which
involves wetting the whole soil profile. With drip irrigation water, applications are more
frequent (usually every 1-3 days) than with other methods and this provides a very favorable
high moisture level in the soil in which plants can flourish.
Fig. 2.6 Drip irrigation system
Drip irrigation is most suitable for row crops (vegetables, soft fruit), tree and vine crops where
one or more emitters can be provided for each plant. Generally only high value crops are
considered because of the high capital costs of installing a drip system.

Drip irrigation is adaptable to any farmable slope. Normally the crop would be planted along
contour lines and the water supply pipes (laterals) would be laid along the contour also. This
Done to minimize changes in emitter discharge as a result of land elevation changes.[9]

Suitable soils
Drip irrigation is suitable for most soils. On clay soils water must be applied slowly to avoid
surface water pond and runoff. On sandy soils higher emitter discharge rates will be needed to
ensure adequate lateral wetting of the soil shown in Fig.2.7.
Suitable irrigation water
One of the main problems with drip irrigation is blockage of the emitters. All emitters have
very small waterways ranging from 0.2-2.0 mm in diameter and these can become blocked if
the water is not clean. Thus it is essential for irrigation water to be free of sediments. If this is
not so then filtration of the irrigation water will be needed.
Blockage may also occur if the water contains algae, fertilizer deposits and dissolved chemicals
which precipitate such as calcium and iron. Filtration may remove some of the materials but the
problem may be complex to solve and requires an experienced engineer or consultation with
the equipment dealer.
Drip irrigation is particularly suitable for water of poor quality (saline water). Dripping water to
individual plants also means that the method can be very efficient in water use. For this reason
it is most suitable when water is scarce.[10]
Fig. 2.7 Drip layout

Chapter 3
Design of Hardware and Technical Specification
The components used in the design of hardware are listed below:
 Copper sensor
 IC LM 324
 IC NE555
 IN4007 Diode
 SPDT Relay
 LED
 Resistors 220Ω
 100kΩVariable Resistor
 Capacitors
 15W Water pump
0.1µ,100µF,16V
 Connecting wires

3.1 Copper sensor:
The type of sensor we are building in this module is a resistive sensor. The resistive type of
moisture sensor is the most crude. It uses the two probes to pass current through the soil, and then
we read that resistance to get the moisture level. More water makes the soil conduct electricity
more easily (less resistance), while dry soil conducts electricity more poorly (more
resistance).copper sensor have been shown in Fig. 3.1
Fig. 3.1 copper sensor
We are developing a copper sensor because it is cheapest & most effective sensor. We
are developing sensors in different sizes. As the size of the conductor is goes on
increasing, the amount of time taken by a plant is goes on decreasing, it will be shown in
a graph below.[4]
3.2 IC LM324
LM324 is a 14pin IC consisting of four independent operational amplifiers (op-amps)
compensated in a single package. Op-amps are high gain electronic voltage amplifier with
differential input and, usually, a single-ended output. The output voltage is many times higher than
the voltage difference between input terminals of an op-amp is shown in Fig. 3.2.These op-amps
are operated by a single power supply LM324 and need for a dual supply is eliminated. They can
be used as amplifiers, comparators, oscillators, rectifiers etc. The conventional op-amp
applications can be more easily implemented with LM324.[4]

Fig. 3.2 LM 324
3.3 555 Timer IC

IC 555 timer is a well-known component in the electronic circles but what is not known to most
of the people is the internal circuitry of the IC and the function of various pins present there in
the IC. Let me tell you a fact about why 555 timer is called so, the timer got its name from the
three 5 kilo-ohm resistor in series employed in the internal circuit of the IC as shown in Fig. 3.3.
Fig. 3.3 Timer IC 555

3.4 IN4007 Diode
Fig. 3.4 Diode IN4007
Diodes are used to convert AC into DC these are used as half wave rectifier or full wave rectifier.
The 1N4007 series (or 1N4000 series) is a family of popular 1.0 amp general purpose silicon
rectifier diodes commonly used in AC adapters for common household appliances. Blocking
voltage varies from 50 to 1000 volts. This diode is made in an axial-lead DO-41 plastic package is
shown in Fig 3.4. [4]
3.5 SPDT Relay

“A relay is an electrically controllable switch widely used in industrial controls, automobiles
and appliances.”
The relay allows the isolation of two separate sections of a system with two different voltage
sources i.e., a small amount of voltage/current on one side can handle a large amount of
voltage/current on the other side but there is no chance that these two voltages mix up.it is
shown in Fig. 3.5.[4]
Fig. 3.5 Circuit symbol of Relay
3.6 LED
LEDs are semiconductor devices. Like transistors, and other diodes, LEDs are made out of
silicon. What makes an LED give off light are the small amounts of chemical impurities that are

added to the silicon, such as gallium, arsenide, indium, and nitride. When
current passes through the LED, it emits photons as a byproduct. Normal light bulbs produce
light by heating a metal filament until its white hot. Because LEDs produce photons directly
and not via heat, they are far more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Not long ago
LEDs were only bright enough to be used as indicators on dashboards or electronic equipment.
But recent advances have made LEDs bright enough to rival traditional lighting technologies.
Modern LEDs can replace incandescent bulbs in almost any application.[3]
3.7 Resistor
A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in an
electronic circuit.
Resistors are extremely common place in most electronic equipment. Practical resistors can be
made of various compounds and films, as well as resistance wire (wire made of a high-
resistivity alloy, such as nickel/chrome).
The primary characteristics of resistors are their resistance and the power they can dissipate.
Other characteristics include temperature coefficient, noise, and inductance. Less well-known is
critical resistance, the value below which power dissipation limits the maximum permitted
current flow, and above which the limit is applied voltage.[3]
3.8 Variable Resistor

The resistor whose electrical resistance value can be adjusted as per requirement by adjustable
component attached to it is called variable resistor.
It is an electronic component. It is applied in an electronic circuit for adjusting circuit resistance to control
voltage or current of that circuit or part of that circuit. The electrical resistance is varied by sliding a wiper
contact along a resistance track. Sometimes the resistance is adjusted at preset value as required at
the time of circuit building by adjusting screw attached to it and sometimes resistance can be
adjusted as when required by controlling knob connected to it. The active resistance value of the
variable resistor depends upon the position of the slider contact on the Resistance track.[3]

3.9 Capacitor
A capacitor or condenser is a passive electronic component consisting of a pair of conductors
separated by a dielectric. When a voltage potential difference exists between the conductors, an
electric field is present in the dielectric. This field stores energy and produces a mechanical force
between the plates. The effect is greatest between wide, flat, parallel, narrowly separated
conductors.
An ideal capacitor is characterized by a single constant value, capacitance, which is
measured in farads. This is the ratio of the electric charge on each conductor to the potential
difference between them. In practice, the dielectric between the plates passes a small amount of
leakage current. The conductors and leads introduce an equivalent series resistance and the
dielectric has an electric field strength limit resulting in a breakdown voltage.[4]
3.10 Unpolarised / Ceramic Capacitors
A non-polarized ("non polar") capacitor is a type of capacitor that has no implicit

polarity -- it can be connected either way in a circuit. Ceramic, mica and some
electrolytic capacitors are non- polarized. You'll also sometimes hear people call
them "bipolar" capacitors.[3]
3.11 Water pump
Pumps, including power heads, serve two major functions: creating currents and aerating, and moving water
through various peripherals like sumps, filters, skimmers, etc. They are also used as wave makers in reef
tanks. Water pump is shown in Fig. 3.6 .[1]
Water Movement
Moving water creates aeration by constantly mixing the surface with the rest of the water.
Pumps move much more water than air stones can, and thus they provide greater aeration,

despite the fact that no bubbles may be produced.

Many species of fish will not thrive without proper current in the tank. In addition, currents
prevent detritus from accumulating.
Fig. 3.6 Water pump

Plumbing
When devices are located outside the aquarium, one or more pumps are needed to move
the water through a circuit that goes from the tank to the peripherals and back. Gravity
can be used for part of the circuit, but at least one pump is needed.
In power filters the integral water pump usually pumps water from the tank into the filter,
from which it returns by gravity, while in canisters the water normally drains by gravity
into the canister, from which it is pumped back to the tank.[1]
Choosing a Pump
The first factor in determining what pump you need is the volume of water you need moved. If you
are running a filter or skimmer, it will be rated for a certain volume of water per hour. Generally a
turnover of about 6 gallons per hour is recommended for most filtration; thus, if you have a 40-gallon
tank, use a pump that moves about 240 gallons per hour.
Remember to take the head into account. This is the height the water has to be pumped against gravity.
While minimal for hang-on filters, it can be considerable for a canister system often several feet from
the floor to the top rim of the aquarium. Output volume drops off extremely quickly as head increases,
and only the most powerful units can handle more than a few feet at reasonable flow rates.

Because it is much more corrosive, salt water requires that all pump parts in contact with water be
highly corrosion-resistant. A pump as shown in Fig. 3.7 rated for salt water can be used for fresh, but the
reverse is not true.[1]
Fig. 3.7 15W Water Pump
3.12 Circuit Diagram And Operation
Fig. 3.8 Circuit diagram of SIS

Sensor Circuit
Fig.3.9 sensor circuit diagram

Figure 3.9 shows the Sensor circuit diagram, A&B are the sensors, Sensor will conduct only when the
soil is dry, the resistance will be low, that will be sent to a LM324, In turn it will send a signal to a
NE555 Timer So that the Relay will trip, Water pump is Switched-on as soon as the soil is wet the
Sensor is going to sense that, again it will give the signal, Relay will be tripped, Water pump will be
Switched off.[6]
Relay Circuit
Fig. 3.10 Relay circuit diagram

 We are all well aware that the plants will die due to lack of water in the soil .Soil will
have high resistance when it is dry and it will have very low resistance when soil is
wet. We use this simple logic to water the plants and make the circuit work.
 Two copper plates which are connected to the circuit are placed in to the soil. The
two probes will conduct only when soil is dry (resistance is low) and they cannot
conduct when soil is wet due to high resistance. The voltage is given to the copper
plates to conduct from the battery connected to the circuit.
 LED indicates the status of the motor.
 When the soil is dry it will produce large voltage drop due to high resistance. This is
sensed by LM 324 comparator and makes the first pin of 555 timer trigger the output of
NE555 timer will a switch on the relay.
 When the water content in the soil is increased, the resistance in the soil will get
decreased and conduction of the copper plates will get increased which will be sensed
by a LM324 IC. This output is given to relay which gets tripped and the motor turns
off.

Chapter 4
Results and Discussion
Now that the hardware has been designed on bread board and transferred to PCB, we proceed
towards testing the Smart Irrigation System for better optimization and carrying out the desired
practical experiments on it as shown in Fig.4.1.
Fig. 4.1 SIS developments on breadboard and on PCB
So far, we have successfully accomplished our goal of building the SIS in an affordable cost
which gives a very tough competition to other MC based irrigation system. For the sake of
simplicity the chapter of results and discussion has been taken in a lateral approach with
different cases for different tests concerned with various practical applications. Though various
experiments from simple to complex ones have been performed on and with the SIS prototype,
we concentrate on the tests which played a vital role in the designing and optimization of SIS for
real time applications.
4.1 Case 1:
In the beginning stages of the modeling of SIS and debugging of errors on bread board, the first
eminent test we had to perform is the identification of variable resistor values for the sensor IC
LM324 to detect the difference in voltage and sense the moisture condition.

First we concentrate on setting absolute values in the variable resistors of the SIS by the method
of trial and error. This process was further simplified with the fact that one variable resistor
should be set at a greater value compared to the other, ensuring a proper voltage difference being
fed into the IC. Variable resistor values have been shown in Fig. 4.2
Fig. 4.2 Values of variable resistors
One sensor was kept at a certain depth in the soil and the other was kept at a surface, connected
to the SIS. After this arrangement, the SIS was turned on and the variable resistor values were
varied.
The variable resistor 1 (VR1) which is in series with the sensors was kept at a higher value (say
90kΩ) and the variable resistor 2 (VR 2) in series with the capacitor was set at a lower value
(say 0Ω). The VR1 was continuously decreased and VR2 was continuously increased.
After several tests it was found that the most suitable values of the variable resistors for real time
applications are 2.8kΩ and 300Ω for the variable resistors VR1 and VR2 respectively.

4.2 Case 2:
The variable resistor values were now known and the next task was to select a suitable motor to
pump water.
A 5W motor was used initially for experimental purposes, but now the necessity was to pump
water into a relatively larger field so that the obtained values could be proportionately extended
to acres of farming area. Hence a 15W (220-240V, 50Hz AC) water pump was used as shown in
Fig.4.3.
Fig. 4.3 pump motor

As our SIS is majorly concerned with conservation of water, experiments with respect to the
water statistics related to the water pump were carried and the following results were obtained.
Time taken by the motor to pump 1liter of water = 25sec
Therefore, the Q value obtained = 1 liter/25sec or Q = 0.04 liter/sec

4.3 Case 3:
Before the SIS could be involved on the field, we decided to do an indoor analysis by taking an
acrylic box. As this box was transparent it was useful in understanding the different positioning
of the sensors.
The dimensions of the acrylic box are as follows:

Length 0.36m
Breadth 0.29m
Depth 0.16m
The dimensions of the pipe used to pump water are,
Circumference = 3.3 cm
WKT, Circumference, C = 2πr
Where, r is the radius of the pipe.
Therefore, r = C/2π
r = 3.3/2π
r = 0.5254 cm
The diameter of the pipe, d = 1.050 cm

Fig.4.4 Drip irrigation system
Apart from the physical parameters of the apparatus used, it was necessary to conduct tests on
sensors with different dimensions.
This was carried out on a field with dimensions of the box. The test was conducted to
determine a relation between the dimensions of the sensors and time taken by the sensor to
detect the moisture content.
The sensors of different dimensions such as 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 sq. cm were taken and the sensing
time taken by the sensors was tabulated.

Table 4.1: Sensor dimensions v/s Time
Dimensions (cm) Time (secs)
2
112
6 46
10 7
A graph shown in Fig. 4.5 of the above tabulations was plotted i.e. sensor dimensions v\s
time. The curve was found to be almost linear in nature.
Graph: Sensor dimensions v/s Time
Fig. 4.5 Graph of Sensor dimensions

v/s Time

4.4 Case 4:
Calculation Of On/Off Time Required By The Motor To Pump The Water
As we know for the initial stages the motor should be ON for particular duration, to
keep the water level of about two inches (To make sure that the soil is wet).So the
calculation for the time required by the motor to pump water for different cases
assumed is shown below
Table 4.2: Calculation of ON/OFF time of motor
Motor rating Motor Discharge Discharge Assumed Assumed Assumed Time Time
in rating Q in Q in water water water required required by
KW in HP liter/sec liter/min height height height by motor motor to
In inches In feet In meter to pump pump water
for 1 acre for 1 for 1 acre water in in Hour
acre Minutes
0.37 0.496 3.162 189.72 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 1083.59 18.05 Hr

min
0.75 1.005 6.406 384.36 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 534.86 min 08.91 Hr
1.1 1.475 9.403 564.18 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 364.38 min 06.73 Hr
1.5 2 12.75 765 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 268.72 min 04.47Hr
2.2 3 19.125 1147.5 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 179.14min 02.98Hr
3.7 4.9 31.23 1873 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 109.74min 01.82Hr
5.5 7.37 47.01 2820.6 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 72.88min 01.21 Hr
7.5 10 63.75 3825 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 53.74 min 0.89 Hr
9.3 12.47 76.5 4590 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 44.78 min 0.74 Hr
11 14.75 94.03 5641.8 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 36.42 min 0.6 Hr
15 20.11 128.20 7692 2 Inch 0.1666Ft 0.0508m 26.72min 0.44 Hr

Note:
1) Assumed land=1 Acre with 2 Inch water
2) Assumed water head (H)=10m
3) 1 Kw = 1.341 HP
4) 2 Inch = 0.1666Ft
5) 2 Inch = 0.0508 m
4.4 Case 5:
We are aware of the fact that to conserve water, one of the primitive methods used is the drip
irrigation system. Now we aim towards obtaining a result which shows that the SIS has an upper
hand over the drip irrigation system. A pictorial representation of the drip irrigation system is
shown below in Fig. 4.6
Fig. 4.6 A pictorial representation of the drip irrigation system

A drip irrigation system’s simulation was done in the laboratory with suitable apparatus.
For this we conducted an experiment which involved a box of the following dimensions -
Length – 0.256m
Breadth – 0.17m
Depth – 0.06m
Obtained results –
 Time taken by the drip irrigation system to flow 200ml of water = 156 sec.
 Time taken by the smart irrigation system to flow 200ml of water = 18 sec.

Chapter 5
Project Conclusion and Future Scope of Improvement
5.1 Conclusion
As per the results obtained in the previous section, we conclude the following:
The most suitable values of the variable resistors for real time applications are 2.8kΩ and 300Ω
for the variable resistors VR1 and VR2 respectively. The 15W motor was found to be more
feasible for experimental purposes in the laboratory and on field. The time taken by the motor to
pump water and other related statistics were calculated. The sensors of different dimensions such
as 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 sq. cm were taken and the sensing time taken by the sensors was tabulated.
From the obtained graph we conclude that as the dimensions of the sensors increases, the time
taken to sense the moisture content in the soil decreases .i.e. the dimensions of the sensors and
the sensing time are inversely proportional to each other. A theoretical tabulation of the values
of motors with different ratings and the amount of water pumped by it into the field is shown.
This data is vital in selecting different types of motor depending upon the field selected and
other agricultural parameters. A comparison between drip irrigation system and smart irrigation
system was carried. From the obtained results, we conclude that the SIS takes less time to pump
and detect the amount of water content required by the plant compared to the drip irrigation
system. Hence SIS is more feasible. Compared to other conventional methods, the smart
irrigation system shows excellent performance with its reliable digital technology and it is
cheaper and durable. The smart irrigation system is a promising system in terms of system
response in water level control with respect to the non-linearity introduced by pumps, valves and
sensors. Thus the smart irrigation system is a big boon as concerned with the agricultural sector
as well as other water saving purposes including industries and house hold applications. Based
on the survey result, it is found that the smart irrigation system has a rising demand and it is a
good asset from the electronics perspective.

5.2 Future Scope Of Smart Irrigation System

As a whole the group felt that they achieved the objectives that they set forth for themselves
at the beginning of this design process. After completing the designed prototype the group
suggests the following improvements
Table 5.1: Problem with Suggested Solution
Design Suggested Solution or Improvement
Motor selection In our project we have assumed one acre of

land so we are using 15w motor. Motor of
higher rating should be used for cultivating
field of larger area.
Un level surface of cultivating field Sensors at different stages can be used

in case of un level surface.
Regular power cuts The supply to agriculture is limited to few

fixed hours throughout the day. In such cases
Standby power systems like solar panels can
be used.
The farmers have to be on their guard all the GSM technology can be used where motor’s
time due to the unpredictable nature of supply status is sent as a message to the farmer’s cell
of electrical energy. And the farmers have to phone.
switch on their motor after electricity supply
resumes.

5.3 SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION CHART
Month Work Status
January Literature survey and components Completed

availability
February Site visit (Botanical Garden, VC Completed

Farm, Begur Farm)
March Phase 1 – Prototype testing Completed
April Phase 2 – Soil testing and plant Completed

growth statistics
May Phase 3 – Implementation of SIS to Completed

agricultural field and report drafting

REFERENCE
1. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/indoor/how-to-water-a-plant.html
2. http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-water-plants.html
3. http://www.nskelectronics.com/motor_control_.html
4. http://www.electronicshub.org/automatic-plant-irrigation-system/
5. https://www.edgefx.in/automatic-plant-irrigation-system-circuit-and-its-
working/
6. http://www.homemade-circuits.com/2014/03/simple-automatic-plant-
watering-circui.html
7. http://www.ijaict.com/issue9/ijaict%202015010901.pdf
8. http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/general-questions-
answers/38553-cost-fencing.html
9. http://farmnest.com/forum/farm-equipment/solar-fencing-cost/
10. http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/forestry/solar_fence_index.html
11. http://3.imimg.com/data3/LW/DC/MY-7798928/agricultural-solar-
fencing-system-500x500.jpeg

APPENDIX
LM 324 DATA SHEET

APPENDIX
NE555 Timer DATA SHEET

APPENDIX
NE555 Timer Electrical characteristics


Smart Irrigation System
2015-16

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Visvesvaraya Technological University

Belagavi, Karnataka-590 018

MANOJ KUMAR HC 4AD12EE023

Under the guidance of:

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Dr. Parthasarathy L Dr. L Basavaraj

Name of the Examiner Signature with Date

We, MANOJ KUMAR H C : 4AD12EE023, NEHAL H :4AD12EE025,

Name USN Signature with date

We are thankful to Prof. Dr. L Basavaraj, Principal, ATME College of Engineering,

MANOJ KUMAR HC 4AD12EE023

2.3 Drip irrigation system 13

3 Design Of Hardware And Technical Specification

3.4 IN4007 Diode 18

3.5 SPDT Relay 18

3.8 Variable resistor 19

3.10 Un polarized/Ceramic capacitors 20

3.11 Water pump 20

3.12 Circuit diagram and operation 22

5 Project Conclusion And Future Scope Of Improvement

5.2 Future scope of smart irrigation system 35

APPENDIX: NE555 Timer Electrical characteristics

1.1 Irrigation system 5

1.2 System methodology of smart 5

3.3 Timer IC 555 17

3.4 Diode IN4007 18

3.5 Circuit symbol of relay 18

3.6 Water pump 21

3.7 15W Water pump 22

3.8 Circuit diagram 22

3.9 Sensor circuit diagram 23

3.10 Relay circuit diagram 23

4.1 Smart irrigation system developments 25

4.3 Pump motor 27

4.4 Drip irrigation system 29

4.5 Graph of Sensor dimensions 30

4.6 A pictorial representation of the drip 32

Table No. Particulars Page No.

2.2 Effect on crop evapotranspiration 10

4.1 Sensor dimension v/s time 30

4.2 Calculation of on/off time of motor 31

5.1 Problem with suggested solutions 35

1.1 General Introduction

1.2 Motivation of The Project

1.3 Problem Definition

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 2

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 3

1.4 Project Objective

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 4

Fig. 1.1 Irrigation system

Fig. 1.2 System methodology of Smart Irrigation System

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 5

1.6. Organization of Report

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 6

2.1 Water and Plant Growth

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 7

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 8

Table No. 2.1 Water and plant growth

Heig Amount of water used

Fig. 2.1 Effect of water on plant growth

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ATMECE, Mysuru Page 9

Factors influencing crop evapotranspiration

Table no. 2.2 Effect on crop evapotranspiration

Effect on crop evapotranspiration