STEP 1:

Methodology

The soil moisture sensor is continually detecting whether moisture is present in the soil. 

If moisture is not present, the water pump will be activated and water will be supplied to the soil till the soil sensor detects sufficient moisture. 

STEP 2:

Circuit Diagram

The Arduino UNO is connected to the soil sensor. The water pump is connected to a relay and a power source.

STEP 3:

Selection of Components

Soil Sensor

Arduino UNO

Submersible Water Pump

6V Solar Panels

STEP 4:

Novelty in Project

Making a soil sensor from scratch

Using solar panels

Incorporating rainwater harvesting

Safe scarecrow for crop pests

STEP 5:

Prototype Testing

A pot full of black soil was used to conduct the tests. The water pump was able to pump water to the pot through a transparent pipe when the soil was dry.

STEP 6:

Backyard Implementation

The project was implemented in the backyard shown in the figure above. The implementation consisted of using multiple Arduinos, soil sensors and water pumps to cover the entire area of the plants. The values of the soil moisture sensors were adjusted in accordance with the type of plant we were dealing with.

STEP 7:

Rainwater Harvesting

In the backyard implementation, this particular pipe carried overflowing water from water tanks and excess water from the terrace. We made a makeshift pipe for the water to collect in a bucket. The submersible water pumps were then placed in the bucket and used as a water source.

STEP 8:

Own Soil Sensor

Soil moisture sensors which were available in the market had an issue, the corrosive nature of the prongs which were in contact with the soil. Due to this the soil sensor readings became inaccurate. To solve this problem, we made our own soil moisture sensor. It works independently and can be powered with a 3.3 V lithium battery or a solar panel of the same voltage.  

Red LED 

Glows: No moisture

Stops Glowing: Moisture Detected

STEP 9:

Solar Panels

We have demonstrated the use of solar panels to power the self-made soil sensor with the help of an artificial light source.

STEP 10:

Scarecrow Fan

The fan can be used as a scarecrow for birds and insects and can be used to cool temperature for sensitive plants in a greenhouse environment if needed.

STEP 11:

Use Cases

• Household gardens/ Kitchen gardens

• Decorative gardens in restaurants and hotels

• Small scale:

  • Nurseries

  • Farms

  • Greenhouses

STEP 12:

Conclusion

Prototype of a smart urban farming system using various IoT concepts.