Prototype of alternate wetting and drying rice cultivation using internet of things for precision agriculture

Abstract

This study introduces a semi-automatic system for alternating wet and dry rice cultivation using internet of things (IoT) technology to enhance precision agriculture and address critical challenges in water resource management. The prototype consists of node and master devices powered by ESP32 microcontrollers integrated with sensors to monitor air temperature, humidity, and water levels. Communication between the devices is achieved through the low-latency, low-power encrypted secure protocol-network over wireless (ESP-NOW) protocol, enabling real-time monitoring and remote control of water pumps. Data collected by the system is displayed on ThinkSpeak servers and Nextion touch screens, aiding efficient irrigation and environmental management for farmers. Performance testing demonstrates that the system achieves reliable communication up to 115 meters with efficient energy consumption, operating for approximately two hours with a 3,000 mAh battery. By optimizing irrigation practices, the system reduces water waste while ensuring adequate crop hydration, promoting sustainable farming practices. This scalable IoT solution not only enhances productivity and resource efficiency but also contributes to broader efforts in agricultural sustainability by supporting precise environmental control and minimizing dependency on manual labor.