Internet of Things (IoT): A Technology for Smart Irrigation and Monitoring

Irrigation is generally done inadequately regardless of the amount of water needed by plants. The discussion is focused on IoT-based automation enabled with an irrigation system that has a function of watering, which is totally dependent on the soil moisture level. Automation of the system was done by the use of various components, viz., microcontroller, relay, soil moisture sensors, and solenoid valve which was linked over the Internet through an IoT platform. IoT is a smart strategy under the smart irrigation and monitoring system, as it is operated from a smartphone in a very easy manner. The system can be operated from remote locations and monitored as well. The developed low-cost smart irrigation device is efficient for vegetable production in hydroponics, semi-vertical gardens, vertical gardens, and urban kitchen gardens. Another important merit of the system is its low cost excluding the cost of drip, smartphone, and Wi-Fi system. The smart irrigation and monitoring system is a boon for urban dwellers having keen interest in gardening. Another similar kinds of system have also been developed elsewhere but most of them have been found working in a very short range up to 5 m. Therefore, the system establishes its merits for small kitchen gardening irrigation, smart irrigation in vegetable production in hydroponics/aeroponics, semi-vertical gardens, and vertical gardens and can be also be upscaled for large farms in rural areas as well as small kitchen gardens in urban areas. IoT is a mechanism for monitoring and controlling everyday parameters using computers or mobile devices. The habit of using automation for minor tasks will improve the quality of our lives. We create sensors that can connect with one another using the IoT concept, which is effective in automation. This prototype’s cost- and safety-saving features are its most significant features. People were first cautious in their upkeep practices when attempting to create plantings and set up their own gardens. Due to a lack of maintenance, plants suffer trauma and stress over time. The approach presented here will assist users in automatically tracking the parameters and ensuring garden upkeep. It performs a crucial function and makes for a nice plant companion. IoT offers answers to a variety of issues and enables remote sensing and control of objects in network infrastructure.