10-04-2017, 09:30 PM
Automatic Irrigation System
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Introduction:
The Automated Irrigation Control System is a system that monitors and controls the soil moisture content of a blueberry fields. The block diagram that the signal from soil moisture sensor will be conditioned and amplified by operational amplifier before it reaches microcontroller s analog-to digital converter. According to this input information, the microcontroller will decide when to turn on the water pump and how long to keep it on. The operator can also communicate with the microcontroller through the keypad and a LCD display to change settings, such as on time and off time.
Working of project:
The area which is to be irrigated will be divided into a plurality of discrete zones of possible different soil conditions, where each zone includes at least one sprinkler head, soaker hose or other water dispensing device and a solenoid valve having an "on" state and an "off" state for controlling the flow of water to such device for that zone and which comprises a moisture sensor disposed in the soil in each of the zones and, when interrogated, produces an electrical signal proportional to the level of moisture in the soil proximate that sensor- A microcontroller is coupled in controlling relationship to the solenoid valves in each of the plural zones and is effective to periodically transmit the interrogation signals to each of the moisture sensors. The moisture sensors then respond by transmitting the aforementioned electrical signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller includes circuitry and software for selectively actuating the solenoid valves in the plurality of zones to an "on" state at predetermined times during a weekly period, unless the moisture sensor for that given zone indicates a predetermined sufficient level of moisture present.
Advantages:
1 .Are relatively simple to design and install
2. This is very useful to all climatic conditions any it is economic friendly
3. This makes increase in productivity and reduces water consumption
4. Here we are micro controllers so there is error free
5. This is safest and no manpower is required. Permit other yard and garden work to continue when irrigation is taking place, as only the immediate plant areas are wet .6. Reduce soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
7. Reduce the chance of plant disease by keeping foliage dry.
8. May be concealed to maintain the beauty of the landscape, and to reduce vandalism and liability when installed in public areas.
9. Require smaller water sources, for example, less than half of the water needed for a sprinkler system.
Application:
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.
Additionally, irrigation also has a few other uses in crop production, which include protecting plants against frost, suppressing weed growing in grain fields and helping in preventing soil consolidation.
In contrast, agriculture that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-fed or dry land farming. Irrigation systems are also used for dust suppression, disposal of sewage, and in mining.
Irrigation is often studied together with drainage, which is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from a given area.
Future scope:-
To reduce the length of wiring in the farm, bus or ring structure to transfer data to each valve (with decoding circuit) may be used. Thus only 2 wires exist through out the farm.
To eliminate the wires in the farm, data can be transmitted using radio frequency signals where each valve is provided with radio receiver and decoding circuit. Here data (code to distinguish each valve) are broadcast and received by every valve and decoded and only the valve having same code is turned ON.
To increase the performance acknowledgment from each valve to system must be obtained so that in case of any error in data or malfunction in valve, it can be detected and can be informed to the farmer.
The device can display the calendar so that farmer can select particular date and time to start irrigation from the calendar.
To provide power for each valve re-chargeable batteries connected to solar panels can be provided.
The system is provided with the predefined table containing water level requiring for each type of crop so by just selecting the crop and type of soil the system can take care of irrigation throughout the season effectively.