Sensor-Based Variable Rate Technology (VRT) as a Tool to Determine Water Saturation of Various

Engr. Olawale Ogunyinka, MNSE & Favour Olalekan Aina , Volume 5 Issue 2, December 2024 Pages 42-48, Published: 2024-09-25

Abstract

Food sustainability is vital to a nation’s food security. Sustained food production is a pointer to development through increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on food exportation. However, to achieve food security, farming must be aided by technology that can ensure farming at all seasons and without ceasing. Over the years, irrigation farming has proven to be a veritable technology that can be used to meet the food needs of a nation. However, irrigation has opened up a great concern about water shortages due to the amount of world fresh water that goes into irrigation, hence, there is a need to introduce techniques that will optimize and conserve water in irrigation while guaranteeing adequate food production. This research explores the use of sensor-based variable rate technology to vary dispensed irrigation water based on varying soil types and water retention capacities. In this research, 5 grams of Sandy, Loamy and Clay Soils were used with Soil Moisture Sensors (SMS) in each soil sample. In addition, 12V DC pumps and relay were used with a microcontroller to develop the control box for the irrigation system. Software (Firmware) was designed to control the sensors, microcontroller and other gadgets in the research. The research shows that it takes less than 5 seconds for the sandy soil to reach the upper threshold value of the SMS which implies its water saturation point and 7.6 secs and 13.2 secs for the loamy and clay soils, respectively. The system shows good potential for preventing water run-off which is a major challenge in an uncontrolled irrigation system