IoT and Cloud Based Sustainable Smart Irrigation System

. This paper addresses the concerns in irrigation mechanisms and employs a Sensors and cloud-based platform to monitor and control an irrigation system. In order to monitor the soil's moisture level in real time, moisture sensors are placed in the field. These sensors wirelessly provide data to the NodeMCU, which processes and relays the information. The NodeMCU gathers the sensor data and processes it, considering standard deviations and crop-specific parameters. Using this information, the system starts the water pump and opens the solenoid valves to begin the irrigation operation. The NodeMCU coordinates with these valve-opening devices via wireless communication. In addition, the system uses online weather prediction data to provide more precise watering schedule optimisation. The system dynamically modifies the irrigation schedule based on analysis of weather patterns, evapotranspiration rates, and crop water needs to save water during times of rain or high humidity. The solution makes use of cloud-based platforms to improve scalability and accessibility. The gathered sensor data and command instructions are safely transferred to the cloud server. This allows farmers to remotely check on and adjust the irrigation system by means of the web or mobile apps. In addition, data analytics methods may be used to infer information and provide suggestions for improved methods of water management and crop care. In conclusion, the Internet of Things (IoT) NodeMCU smart irrigation system provides an automated and intelligent approach to water management in agriculture. Water is saved, crop yields are boosted, and sustainability is enhanced thanks to the capacity to irrigate precisely based on real-time soil moisture data, weather predictions, and crop needs.


Overview 1.1 Introduction
A smart irrigation system that makes use of the Internet of Things is a cutting-edge piece of technology that facilitates effective water management in rural and urban settings.Multiple sensors are included in the system to monitor local weather and air quality.When this information is collected, it is sent to a cloud service where machine learning algorithms may be used.The study informs the system's decision to either increase or decrease the water flow rate or the irrigation schedule, respectively, to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into smart irrigation systems may boost agricultural output, cut water usage, and optimize water use [4].
An automated method of watering plants or crops, a smart irrigation system utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor and adjust water use.It integrates sensing, controlling, and networking technologies to monitor things like soil moisture, climate, and plant requirements in real-time [5].The system may then use this information to make calculated judgments about when and how much water to release, resulting in the more effective use of available water resources and less waste.
Improvements in technology in recent years have allowed novel approaches in several arenas.As IoT development has accelerated, so have the opportunities for automating hitherto inaccessible facets of human life.An example is the smart irrigation system, which uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for precise management and control of watering plants and crops [6].The inefficiency and wastefulness of conventional irrigation techniques are welldocumented.However, a smart irrigation system can track and adjust water distribution in response to real-time data collected through the Internet of Things and sensors.This not only improves plant health and crop yields by minimizing wasteful water use, but it also maximizes efficiency by delivering water precisely when it is needed [7].
IoT-enabled smart irrigation systems provide a cutting-edge answer to the traditional problems farmers have always had with water management.These systems optimize water use, preserve resources, and boost agricultural output by combining sensor data, meteorological information, and sophisticated control algorithms [8,9].As science and engineering progress, smart irrigation systems will become more important in promoting ecologically responsible agricultural methods.

Objective
Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology and data-driven decision-making, a smart irrigation system seeks to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the irrigation process.The primary goals of an intelligent irrigation system are as follows: The fundamental goal of a smart irrigation system is water conservation via efficient use.Technology is able to minimize overwatering and reduce water waste by keeping track of environmental conditions, soil moisture levels, and plant water needs and delivering water only when and where it is required.
Smart irrigation systems try to fully mechanism the watering process so that no human assistance is required at any point.The system may gather data, do analysis, and initiate irrigation events according to user-defined thresholds and algorithms by using sensors, actuators, and Internet of Things connection.This technology makes it easier for farmers and gardeners to control irrigation [10].
The purpose of an intelligent irrigation system is to provide the best possible development and health of the plants.The technology aids in preventing plant stress, illness, and decreased production due to under-or over-watering by delivering the appropriate quantity of water at the appropriate time.Plants and harvests benefit from consistent, ideal soil moisture levels.
By targeting the root zone specifically, as smart irrigation systems do, we may achieve what is known as "precision watering."The system may adjust the frequency and duration of watering based on the soil moisture and plant water demands data it receives from sensors.This kind of precise irrigation reduces wasteful runoff while increasing the amount of water that is absorbed by plants [11].
The ability to remotely monitor and adjust the irrigation system is another desired outcome of a "smart" irrigation system.Users may access real-time data, get messages and warnings, and make remote adjustments to irrigation settings [12] by linking with cloud platforms and mobile apps.The ability to control the irrigation system from afar allows for more ease and mobility.
Smart irrigation systems are also concerned with minimizing power use.Sensor data and smart algorithms allow the system to activate water pumps, valves, and irrigation systems just when they are needed, drastically cutting down on energy costs.This goal is consistent with ecofriendly methods and savings for the end user.

Motivation
Water supplies are under severe strain due to the increased need for food production to meet the needs of a rising global population.More effective and long-lasting irrigation methods are required since water shortage is becoming a serious problem in the agricultural sector.
Internet of Things (IoT) enabled smart irrigation systems might be the answer to this problem [13].These systems enhance water efficiency and agricultural productivity by monitoring and optimizing water consumption in crops via the use of sensors, communication networks, and algorithms.Using the Internet of Things to create a smart irrigation system might help farmers save water, enhance output, and save expenses [14].Therefore, it is essential to maintain research and development on these systems to guarantee agricultural and food production's long-term viability.
Improving agricultural and landscape water management is a primary motivator for adopting Internet of Things (IoT) based smart irrigation systems [15].Wasted water, higher utility bills, and environmental problems are all consequences of traditional irrigation practices.Several advantages may be gained by using IoT in irrigation systems.
Firstly, water savings via the use of sensors, meteorological data, and soil moisture sensors to ascertain the precise amount of water that each plant needs.This data is used in the automation of irrigation programs to ensure that just the required quantity of water is applied at the appropriate times.Second, smart irrigation systems assist in saving money by reducing water costs by maximizing efficiency in water use.IoT-based solutions save money on labor since they can automate scheduling and monitoring functions.
Thirdly, water conservation is a key aspect of smart irrigation systems' impact on environmental sustainability [16].Efficient irrigation practices assist in alleviating the problem of water shortage, which is a serious issue in many areas.Water conservation also lessens the strain on regional ecologies and cuts down on the amount of power needed to pump and treat water.
The fourth point is that sensors enabled by the Internet of Things provide real-time information on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions, enhancing plant health and production.Using this information, farmers can fine-tune their watering schedules and give their plants just what they need to flourish.If you want healthier plants and higher yields from your crops, you need to prevent overwatering and underwatering.
Fifth, IoT-based smart irrigation systems allow for remote monitoring and control through mobile apps or online interfaces.This allows farmers and gardeners the freedom and convenience of remotely monitoring and controlling their irrigation systems [17].They can fine-tune the system, be notified of any problems, and base their judgment on accurate, up-tothe-moment information.
Insights gleaned from data: Smart irrigation systems record information about water use, soil quality, and other environmental parameters.This information may be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to pattern recognition, irrigation strategy improvement, and water demand forecasting [18].This data gives farmers and landscapers the ability to make better choices, allocate resources more effectively, and increase productivity.The goal of an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart irrigation system is to increase plant health and production while simultaneously decreasing water use and operating expenses.

Literature Survey
[1] Kavitha and Kumar's (2020) research on Smart irrigation systems using IoT Technology examined the process of creating such a system.The technology used soil moisture sensors, which sent measurements of soil moisture to a server in the cloud.After compiling the information, the system advised users on when to water, how much water to apply, and for how long.A preliminary analysis of the system's efficacy suggests it may save as much as 40% of water while maintaining the same level of crop output.
[2] Soil moisture levels and irrigation schedules may be predicted with the use of a smart irrigation system, as presented by Li et al. (2021) in their work titled "Smart irrigation system using IoT and Machine Learning Algorithms".The system integrated information from several channels to provide reliable forecasts, such as meteorological models, ground sensors, and satellite imaging.According to the research, the technology may increase crop output by up to 30% while cutting water use by up to 50%.Zaman et al.'s (2020) review paper "Smart irrigation system" presented an overview of many types of smart irrigation systems and their components (see [3]).Soil moisture sensors and weather sensors were two examples of the sorts of sensors described in this article (see also [3]).Controllers like programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and Micro-controllers, used for automating irrigation, were also covered.According to the article's findings, smart irrigation systems might significantly enhance agriculture's efficiency in its water-use practices [19].It has been shown that smart irrigation systems may significantly cut water use without negatively impacting crop output.Depending on the soil's moisture content, the weather forecast, and the rate at which plants are growing, these systems may adjust the amount of water they consume to get the best possible results.For these technologies to be extensively implemented in agriculture, additional study is required to develop them.

Implementation
Hardware components for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing watering are essential in an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart irrigation system.A NodeMCU, a DHT11 sensor, and soil moisture sensors are the brains of a smart irrigation system.The monitoring of environmental conditions, analysis of data, intelligent judgements, and automation of the watering process are all possible thanks to the hardware components that make up a smart irrigation system.Effective water management made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) enables optimal plant development, less water waste, and increased sustainability in agricultural practices.

Block Diagram
A smart irrigation system that makes use of the Internet of Things comprises of hardware components that combine to gather data, analyze that data, and then regulate the irrigation process in real time.Together, the Internet of Things and other pieces of hardware allow for better water management, higher agricultural yields, and environmentally friendly farming.

Fig 1. Block diagram of Smart irrigation system using IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is shown in Figure 1 as a block schematic of a smart irrigation system.The following are some of the parts of the system.
Sensors: sensors are used to gather information in the field.Temperature and humidity sensors, as well as soil moisture sensors, might fall within this category.Real-time data on soil and weather conditions is provided, allowing for more precise irrigation scheduling.
IoT Gateway: the Internet of Things gateway connects the sensors in the field to the cloud or command hub.It takes readings from the sensors and sends them over to a remote server or control hub for examination.
Cloud or Central Control System: the cloud or centralized control system, receives data from the IoT gateway and processes, analyses, and makes decisions based on that data.The data it collects may be stored and processed using cloud-based platforms or dedicated servers [20].The cloud or control system must use smart algorithms to fine-tune watering times and distribution rates.
Overall, the block diagram of a smart irrigation system using IoT illustrates the flow of data and control between the sensors in the field, the IoT gateway, the cloud or control system, the communication network, the user interface, and the actuators.This interconnected system enables real-time monitoring, data analysis, and intelligent irrigation management for efficient water usage and sustainable agriculture practice.The schematic diagram of the system is shown in Figure 2. A smart irrigation system using IoT (Internet of Things) typically consists of several components and sensors working together to efficiently manage and automate the process of watering plants or crops.Here's a description of a typical schematic diagram for such a system: Water Source: The system begins with a water source, such as a well, municipal water supply, or rainwater harvesting system.This source provides the water required for irrigation.

Schematic Diagram
Water Pump: A water pump is used to draw water from the source and provide the necessary pressure for distribution throughout the irrigation system.A motor or solenoid valve is usually used to operate it.Soil Moisture Sensor: This sensor is embedded in the soil and measures the moisture content.It helps determine if irrigation is required or not.DHT11 Sensor: The DHT11 sensor is a data logger that records environmental conditions.This data is utilized to make climate-appropriate adjustments to the watering schedule.
Microcontroller/Control Unit: The system's central processing unit (CPU) is a microcontroller such an Arduino, NodeMCU, or Raspberry Pi.It takes sensor input, processes it, and then uses that information to command the system's different parts.In most cases, the microcontroller will need to be online to communicate information with other devices.IoT Gateway: The IoT gateway enables communication between the microcontroller and the cloud server.It may use protocols like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular networks to connect to the internet.
Cloud Server: The cloud server is responsible for storing and processing the data received from the microcontroller.It performs data analytics, weather forecasting, and manages the irrigation schedule based on the collected information.It also enables remote access and control of the irrigation system.
User Interface: The user interface can be a web or mobile application that allows the user to monitor and control the irrigation system remotely.It provides real-time data, historical analysis, and the ability to adjust settings and irrigation schedules.Solenoid Valves: These valves control the flow of water to different irrigation zones.The microcontroller activates or deactivates the valves based on the desired irrigation schedule and sensor inputs.
Drip/Sprinkler System: The irrigation system may consist of drip lines or sprinklers strategically placed in the field or garden to distribute water evenly to the plants.
Overall, this schematic diagram demonstrates the integration of sensors, microcontrollers, IoT connectivity, cloud servers, and user interfaces to create a smart irrigation system.The system aims to optimize water usage, reduce manual intervention, and ensure efficient irrigation based on real-time data and environmental factors.

Working
The Soil Moisture sensor (YL-69) is inserted into the soil which senses the moisture level of the soil.The DHT11 sensor senses the surrounding humidity and temperature.The Motor Driver (L298N) controls the water pump.The above-mentioned components are connected to the NodeMCU which is a microcontroller unit.This NodeMCU is connected to the cloud environment to store the data.An app is developed which helps in controlling and monitoring the respective parameter values of moisture, temperature, and humidity.Based on the soil moisture level the pump turns ON or OFF automatically.These parameters are finally displayed in a dashboard on the device screen.

3.Results
The implementation of an efficient smart irrigation system using IoT technology can yield several positive outcomes.Here are some potential results: Water conservation: The smart irrigation system optimizes water usage by delivering precise amounts of water when and where it's needed.This leads to significant water conservation by avoiding overwatering and reducing water waste.As a result, water resources are preserved, and the environmental impact of excessive irrigation is minimized.
Cost savings: By reducing water consumption and eliminating manual irrigation processes, the smart irrigation system helps users save on water bills.Optimized water usage leads to cost savings over time, making the system economically beneficial for homeowners, businesses, and farmers.
Improved plant health and yield: The smart irrigation system ensures that plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, promoting healthier plant growth and improved crop yields.By preventing under or overwatering, the system minimizes plant stress, disease susceptibility, and stunted growth, resulting in better-quality produce and more abundant harvests.
Time efficiency: Automation features of the smart irrigation system eliminate the need for manual intervention in irrigation processes.Users can schedule watering routines based on plant requirements and environmental factors, and the system will automatically execute the irrigation tasks accordingly.This saves time and effort for users, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.
Environmental sustainability: By optimizing water usage and minimizing water waste, the smart irrigation system contributes to environmental sustainability.It reduces the strain on water resources and helps combat water scarcity issues.Additionally, by promoting healthier plant growth, the system can contribute to increased carbon sequestration and improved air quality.
Data-driven insights and precision agriculture: The smart irrigation system collects and analyzes data on various environmental factors, enabling users to gain valuable insights into plant water requirements, soil conditions, and weather patterns.This data-driven approach allows for more precise and informed decision-making regarding irrigation strategies, crop selection, and resource management.It supports precision agriculture practices, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices.
Overall, an efficient smart irrigation system using IoT technology can result in water conservation, cost savings, improved plant health and yield, time efficiency, environmental sustainability, and data-driven precision agriculture.These outcomes demonstrate the potential of IoT enabled irrigation systems to revolutionize water management practices and promote sustainable agriculture and landscaping.The complete hardware setup and cloud platform are shown in Figures 4 and 5

Conclusion
In conclusion, a smart irrigation system using IoT technology brings significant advantages to water management in agricultural, residential, and commercial settings.By leveraging realtime data, automation, and remote-control capabilities, these systems optimize water usage, conserve resources, and enhance plant health and productivity.
The integration of IoT sensors and weather data enables precise monitoring of soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and plant water requirements.This information allows for the delivery of the right amount of water at the right time, avoiding overwatering and preventing plant stress or diseases caused by underwatering.
The benefits of a smart irrigation system extend beyond water conservation.Users can remotely control and monitor the system through mobile apps or web interfaces, providing convenience and flexibility.The automation features save time and effort by eliminating manual irrigation tasks.
Financially, the efficient use of water leads to cost savings, making the system economically attractive for homeowners, businesses, and farmers.Additionally, the data-driven insights provided by the system enable better decision-making regarding irrigation strategies, crop selection, and resource management.
Ultimately, a smart irrigation system using IoT technology promotes sustainable water management practices, contributes to environmental conservation, and enhances agricultural productivity.It is a promising solution for addressing water scarcity challenges, reducing water waste, and promoting the efficient use of resources in a variety of settings.

Fig. 4 .
Fig. 4. Hardware Setup of the system