This project is based on moisture sensor used to measure humidity content in the soil. The design portion involves mainly a global system for mobile communication and a control circuitry with a microcontroller. This project used some of the softwares like basic language for programming the application software to the microcontroller and visual basic for interfacing the hardware and mobile phone. Protel or workbench schematic software is used for designing the circuit diagram for this project and express prefabricated circuit board (PCB) software is used for designing. Since PCB making is a big process and involves a number of machineries which are expensive and was therefore outsourced. Using DTMF 8870 IC will act as an interface between the user and the system as it is a receiver which links the GSM network, the microcontroller pic16f73 contains the software which states the conditions of the system which can be displayed in a liquid crystal display and transmitted via mobile phone to the dual tone multiple frequency receiver which is part of the control system in the farm. New technologies help in increasing productivity with use of less manpower as well as conservation of water in the process.
Table of Contents
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0.1 JUSTIFICATION
1.0.2 RESEARCH QUESTION
1.0.3 OBJECTIVE
1.0.4 SCOPE
1.0.5 PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.0.6 SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROJECT
1.0.7 AIM
1.0.8 ASSUMPTIONS
2.0.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.0.1 CASE STUDY
2.0.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0.2 PROJECT DESIGN
2.0.3 PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN DESIGNING THE SYSTEM
2.0.4 IDENTIFICATION OF MEASURABLE VARIABLES
2.0.5 IDENTIFICATION OF THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
2.0.6 Moisture preset levels
2.0.7 OVERVIEW OF TANA RIVER REGION
2.0.8 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
2.0.9 INTERVIEW ANALYSIS
2.0.10 OBSERVATION (SITE VISITS)
2.1.0 DATA QUALITY
2.1.1 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
2.1.2 ANALYSIS OF QUALITATIVE DATA
2.1.3 DESIGN MODEL
2.1.6 COMPONENT EVALUATIONS
2.1.7 CONCLUSION
3.0.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
3.0.1 Sensors
3.0.2 Solenoid valve
3.0.3 Microcontroller
3.0.4 GSM technology
3.0.5 COMPONENTS THEORY
3.0.6 Raised tank Water level Sensor
3.0.7 Comparator unit
3.0.8 Ideal op-amp
3.0.9 Switching Circuit
3.1.0 Dual tone multiple frequency
3.1.1 Liquid crystal display
3.1.2 Microcontroller PIC16F73
3.1.3 Microcontroller Circuitry
4.0.0 DESIGN, FABRICATION AND TESTING
4.0.1 Program code
4.0.2 Circuit operation
5.0.0 RESULTS ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
5.0.1 RESULTS
5.0.2 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
6.0.1 CONCLUSSION
6.0.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
7.0.0 COST ANALYSIS
7.0.1 Project Timeline
7.0.2 Bill of materials
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this project is to design, construct, and test an automatic irrigation control system that optimizes water usage and minimizes the need for manual operator presence. The research addresses the challenges of food production and water scarcity in Kenya by integrating sensor-based monitoring with remote control capabilities via mobile phone and DTMF technology.
- Development of a sensor-based, automated irrigation control system.
- Implementation of remote management and monitoring using GSM and DTMF technologies.
- Evaluation of soil moisture sensing methods to ensure efficient water usage.
- Reduction of labor requirements and human error in irrigation management.
- Cost-effective system design utilizing microcontrollers and common electronic components.
Excerpt from the Book
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION
Irrigation systems are grouped into two major categories namely pressure and gravitational. Pressure system involves the use of drip irrigation and sprinklers but in gravitational system furrows and canals are utilized. It is observed that this methods when used in an irrigation system consume a lot of water and therefore contributes to wastage of this precious resource which mankind cannot survive without it, automation of irrigation offers control of water which leads to utilization of small quantities of water without affecting the overall yield of production in a farm, it’s major aim is to optimize and efficiently manage water going to an irrigation field. This eliminates the need of continual presence of an operator to control water during irrigation period and thus eliminates human errors to a minimum level. All decisions will be made by the microcontroller depending on the conditions obtained from the moisture sensor
Food supply and demand is challenge to the government of Kenya this is due to ever increasing population which is directly proportional to it’s food production, this implies that water which is the main ingredient in crop production will continue to diminish according to FAO to maintain food stability for the next three decades it is advisable to increase acreage of irrigated lands by 34% in all developing countries and also channeling 14% water should be extracted for farming.
Kenya is classified as a water deficit country according to the World Bank (2007), Institute of Economic Affairs, (2006), Clark and King (2004). By 2009 the Kenya population was 37 million according to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2009) and it was growing annually by almost a million which means by the year 2014 the population of Kenya is anticipated to be around 43 million . Kenya is endowed with a water resource of 595 cubic per metres squared which away far from the global annual poverty line of 1000 per cubic metre . According to NEMA (2003) the future of this very important resource may recede down to a further 250 cubic per metres in the next twelve years when compared to other changes occurring in sub-saharan Africa.
Summary of Chapters
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces irrigation systems, highlighting the need for automation to improve water efficiency and address food security challenges in Kenya.
2.0.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This section details the research design, including case studies, literature reviews, and project design processes used to develop the automated system.
3.0.0 LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews existing technologies related to irrigation control, sensors, microcontrollers, and communication standards like GSM.
4.0.0 DESIGN, FABRICATION AND TESTING: This chapter outlines the practical implementation of the hardware and software components, including circuit design, programming, and system testing.
5.0.0 RESULTS ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter presents the experimental findings, specifically evaluating the performance of the soil moisture sensor and the overall system behavior.
6.0.1 CONCLUSSION: This chapter summarizes the project's success in providing an effective method for water control in irrigation while acknowledging the limitations encountered.
6.0.2 RECOMMENDATIONS: This section suggests future research areas, such as enhancing sensor precision and integrating fertigation facilities.
7.0.0 COST ANALYSIS: This chapter breaks down the financial requirements for the design and development of the system prototype.
Keywords
Network, Microcontroller, Conservation, Global system for mobile communication, Irrigation, Sensors, DTMF, Automation, Water Management, PIC16F73, PCB, Moisture Sensor, Soil Analysis, Telecommunication, Productivity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this project?
The project aims to develop an automatic irrigation control system using sensors and microcontrollers to optimize water usage in agricultural settings and reduce labor requirements.
What are the primary technical themes of the work?
The work focuses on embedded system design, sensor technology for soil moisture measurement, GSM/DTMF-based remote communication, and efficient irrigation hardware implementation.
What is the main research question?
The research explores modern methods to determine water savings, effective techniques for remote irrigation control, and strategies for reducing costs in agricultural irrigation systems.
Which scientific methodology was used?
The project employed a qualitative research concept consisting of a literature review, case studies from the Tana River region, and a structured project design process.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the theoretical framework, specific component selection (sensors, microcontrollers, transistors), design and fabrication of the circuitry, and experimental results and discussions.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The most important keywords include Network, Microcontroller, Conservation, GSM, Irrigation, Sensors, DTMF, Automation, and Water Management.
How is the irrigation system triggered remotely?
The system uses a DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) receiver linked to the GSM network, allowing the user to trigger commands via a mobile phone to turn the irrigation system ON or OFF.
Why was a moisture sensor integrated?
The moisture sensor is used to provide real-time feedback on soil humidity, allowing the microcontroller to make intelligent decisions about whether to irrigate or not, thus preventing water wastage.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephen Kipkebut (Autor:in), 2014, Automatic irrigation control system, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/286712
