Soil infiltration rate as a parameter for soil moisture and temperature based Irrigation System

Abstract

Irrigation systems are frequently used in farm to provide efficient and effective cultivation of plants and vegetables. Low to high end irrigation systems requires electricity to increase its efficiency. Irrigation systems usually obtain their source of water deep underground or to rivers nearby. Providing such resource with the use of pumps without controlling the duration of irrigation require high electricity, thus having high power consumption. An Irrigation System Automated by using sensors and automated valve is designed so that there is a control in irrigation, which also reduce the system's power consumption. The use of sensors for the moisture and temperature of the soil is used to determine when to trigger the irrigation. Another parameter, which is the soil infiltration rate, is determined to control the flow rate of the irrigator depending on the current infiltration rate of the soil. An improvised automated infiltrometer is created, tested, and used for the actual irrigation. Results showed reduced overall power consumption.