Wireless sensor networks for automating irrigation in Rwanda

Abstract

The irrigated area in Rwanda is Over 27 000 Ha and has been tremendously increasing. The irrigation facilities that supply agricultural water are distributed at low density across areas, these facilities experience higher water demand and require efficient maintenance operations. Traditional irrigation systems encounter numerous critical limitations, such as dependence on human presence, inaccurate water distribution, time consuming and inconsistency irrigation timing, this system is very difficult due to the scarcity of water which is primarily caused by rapid growth of population and climate. Internet of Things (IoT) is a new Technique to support the modernization of agriculture. Since through automation IoT can make agriculture and all farming processes more efficient by reducing the need for human interventions and required irrigation to field. So, due to this, it is proposed wireless sensor network for automation irrigation system using IoT devices to save water wastage and time. In this methodology it is planned to use the soil moisture sensors to measure the parameters of the soil based on the value of soil moisture automatically make the microcontroller to relay a signal to a distant location where the pumping and well system for irrigation system located to turn on or off the water pump. The soil moisture level will be displayed on a web application and the system sends a short message (SMS) to the farmer’s mobile phone regarding the level of water required for crops vary by type, climate, growth stage, soil, and method of irrigation. Cereals like maize, wheat, rice, and need 450-2000 mm of water; vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes, require 300-1200 mm; fruits like apples and oranges need 500-1200 mm; legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are require 300-500 mm. Dry climates and sandy soils increase water required, while cool, humid climates and clay soils reduce them. Efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, can lower water usage. Soil moisture monitoring and weather forecasts help enhancing irrigation schedules and water use efficiency. This study therefore presents a prototype for an Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve the technology in agriculture production and thus increase the productivity by using the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to collect data in real time, storing the data into the cloud, monitoring the status of crops according to the climate changes in the light. Finaly, the result showed that this technology performed best with an accuracy of 91.7% and the famers are satisfied with this method