Design and Construction of an Automatic Sensor Probe for Soil Moisture Monitoring System

Abstract

Soil moisture monitoring system is the combination of devices that can sense soil moisture, read or store data, and transmit data to a computer, which helps organize, visualize and interpret the soil moisture data. The optimum plant growth is basically dependent on the appropriate water level in the soil. In order to maximize the quality of crops and conserve water resources during irrigation, the soil moisture monitoring device is developed to evaluate and control the amount of water required. In this current project, an op-amp based comparator circuit was used coupled with relay units which controlled the water pumps. Results obtained from the measurement have shown that the system performance is quite reliable and accurate. Field experience has also shown that soil moisture sensors are very useful in diagnosing the changes needed and to fine-tune irrigation practices. The use of these easily available components reduces the manufacturing and maintenance costs. This therefore, makes the proposed system to be an economical, appropriate and a low maintenance solution for applications, especially in rural areas and for small scale agriculturist.