Model Irrigation System For Green Houses

This simple project explains how to build an Arduino based model irrigation system for green houses with message unit for informing low soil moisture conditions.

The objective is to supply water automatically to recover the moisture level in the soil and monitor the soil moisture condition remotely, even if the user is away from the green house.

A Soil Moisture Sensor with comparator module is used to measure moisture level in the soil.

When the soil moisture level reduces to a predefined limit(Can change in the code), the solenoid valve which controls the water flow will operate and pump line will be open.

Water is now supplied through the nozzle.

A SMS message will be sent to a predefined number indicating that the moisture level is low. Hence the user is now aware of the situation.

Considering the water flow rate, if required water volume is supplied to the soil for increasing the moisture level back to normal, the solenoid will be deactivated.

Now the system will be on normal operating condition untill the moisture level is reduced to the given limit again.

This is a merely a model system.This project can be developed to use in green houses commercially at large scale.

To use this effectively in multiple areas and monitor the soil condition remotely, increase the number of soil moisture sensors & control the water flow to each area using multiple solenoid valves.

Tools & Components

1 X Arduino Nano

1 X SIM900A GSM Module

1 X Soil Moisture Sensor with Comparator Module

1 X 5VDC Solenoid Valve

1 X Water Supply Pipeline With Suitable Nozzle Arrangement

1 X 5VDC/ 2A Power Supply

Connecting wires

Breadboard

Connecting Components

Soil Moisture Sensor signal in         - Arduino Pin A0

Solenoid Valve (+) Pin     - Arduino Pin D12

GSM Module 5VT Pin                     - Arduino Pin D04

GSM Module 5VR Pin                    - Arduino Pin D03

Note that the GSM module draws higher current when communicating.Hence if the power source must be capable of supplying 2A or more. Otherwise the GSM Module will not function properly.

The two sensing rods in the soil moisture sensor must be in contact with the soil properly to get a correct reading.

There is a 3 PSI minimum pressure requirement on the inlet of the solenoid valve,otherwise the valve will not shut off.Hence be sure to reduce the water pressure by some method before connecting the solenoid valve.

Arduino Code

//www.craftybin.blogspot.com
//Author : Chathura H.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial mySerial(4, 3);
int inputvalue;

void setup(){
pinMode(A0,INPUT);
pinMode(12,OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
mySerial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("Green House Irrigation System");
Serial.println("Initializing System");
delay(100);
}

void loop(){
inputvalue = analogRead(A0);

if (inputvalue <= 300){

mySerial.println("AT");
updateSerial();
mySerial.println("AT+CMGF=1");
updateSerial();
mySerial.println("AT+CMGS=\"+YYxxxxxxxxx\"");//change YY with country code and xxxxxxxxxxx with phone number to sms
updateSerial();
mySerial.print("Alert : Low Soil Moisture Level Detected(Area 01) || Water Supply unit Activated(Pumpline -01)");
updateSerial();
mySerial.write(26);

digitalWrite(12,HIGH);
delay(10000);
}

else if(inputvalue > 300){
digitalWrite(12,LOW);
}
}

void updateSerial()
{
delay(500);
while (Serial.available())
{
mySerial.write(Serial.read());
}
while(mySerial.available())
{
Serial.write(mySerial.read());
}
}

Note : According to the code, there is a 10 Seconds delay before the solenoid valve shut off after it is activated.Change the delay to increase/decrease watering time.

Safety First !

Always Connect the power supply if you are absolutely sure that the components are connected correctly without changing polarity and short circuited the wiring.

Even if it seems nothing is wrong : DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING !!

Be Cautious with Hot Water!!

Handle the Flask bottle carefully.It is very fragile!

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Please Leave a comment about how you feel about this project.