Internet of things-based smart irrigation system using soil moisture and weather data

Abstract

Water wastage in agriculture remains a significant challenge due to irrigation practices that often rely on fixed schedules rather than actual field conditions. This study presents an internet of things (IoT)-based smart irrigation system designed to improve water-use efficiency through real-time monitoring and automated irrigation control. The system integrates a capacitive soil moisture sensor with weather information obtained from an online application programming interface (API), while all data processing is performed locally on a Raspberry Pi edge device. A rule-based decision mechanism is used to classify soil conditions into dry, optimal, and wet categories and to determine appropriate irrigation actions based on soil moisture levels and rainfall forecasts. The system was implemented using low-cost and readily available components and tested under controlled conditions with soil moisture levels ranging from approximately 0% to above 85%. Experimental results showed consistent classification of critical dry, optimal, and critical wet conditions, enabling appropriate irrigation responses under different scenarios. In addition, email notifications were generated only during critical conditions, while no alerts were triggered under optimal moisture levels, demonstrating stable and reliable operation. The proposed system provides a practical and cost-effective solution for supporting efficient irrigation management and sustainable agricultural practices.