Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture technology, Internet of Things (IoT), precision farming, environment monitoring, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that addresses key challenges in agriculture, particularly around water use, by providing a smart, automated, and efficient way to manage irrigation. It combines IoT technology, data analytics, and real-time monitoring to ensure that water is used optimally, improving crop health and sustainability while reducing labor and costs for farmers.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[003] The background of the "Intelligent IoT-Based Irrigation System for Precision Agriculture" stems from several challenges that modern farmers face, especially when it comes to water management and optimizing crop yields.
- Water Scarcity and Inefficient Use of Water: Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of water worldwide. However, traditional irrigation methods, like manually watering crops or using fixed schedules, often lead to water wastage. Water is either overused, causing runoff and soil erosion, or underused, leading to dry, unhealthy crops.
- Unpredictable Weather Conditions: With climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, it’s difficult for farmers to predict when and how much water their crops need. Relying on manual observation often results in poor timing of irrigation, either watering during rain or not watering when necessary.
- Time and Labor-Intensive Practices: Traditional irrigation systems require farmers to be physically present to monitor soil conditions and water their crops. For large farms, this can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Lack of Precision in Traditional Irrigation: Conventional irrigation methods lack the precision required to address varying moisture needs in different parts of a farm. Some areas may need more water than others, but most irrigation systems cannot adjust accordingly.
[004] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[006] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture.
[007] An object of the present invention is to provide the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that solves the problem of water wastage by using sensors that monitor soil moisture, weather, and temperature in real-time. This ensures that crops are only watered when they need it. If the soil is already moist or if rain is expected, the system is automatically adjust to prevent overwatering.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that adjusts irrigation based on the specific needs of different areas of the farm. It helps in delivering just the right amount of water to different zones, ensuring that crops are neither under watered nor overwatered.
[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that is controlled remotely using a smartphone or computer. This eliminates the need for farmers to be present on the farm to manage irrigation. It not only saves time and labor but also ensures that crops are cared for even when the farmer is away.
[010] Another object of the present invention is to provide the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that collects and stores data over time, allowing farmers to analyze water usage patterns, weather trends, and crop performance. This data helps farmers make better-informed decisions about irrigation schedules and resource allocation, ultimately increasing efficiency and reducing water waste.
[011] Another object of the present invention is to provide the IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that adjusts its irrigation plan based on upcoming weather patterns. If rain is expected, it will delay irrigation to conserve water, and if hot, dry conditions are forecasted, it will irrigate more to protect the crops.
[012] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[013] The present invention provides an IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture addresses key challenges in agriculture, particularly around water use, by providing a smart, automated, and efficient way to manage irrigation. It combines IoT technology, data analytics, and real-time monitoring to ensure that water is used optimally, improving crop health and sustainability while reducing labor and costs for farmers.
[014] The "Intelligent IoT-Based Irrigation System for Precision Agriculture" is a smart solution designed to help farmers use water more efficiently and increase crop yields. In simple terms, this invention uses small sensors placed in the soil and around the farm to monitor things like soil moisture, temperature, and weather conditions. These sensors are connected to the internet, so they can send real-time data to the farmer’s phone or computer.
[015] Imagine a farmer who wants to water their crops. Instead of manually checking if the soil is dry or wet, the system does it automatically. The sensors in the soil measure how much moisture is present. If the soil is too dry, the system can automatically turn on the irrigation to water the crops, and once the soil has enough water, the system will stop the irrigation. This way, the plants get just the right amount of water they need without wasting any.
[016] For example, if it rained last night, the system would detect that the soil is already wet, so it won’t turn on the irrigation in the morning. Similarly, if the weather forecast shows that rain is expected later in the day, the system can delay watering until it is sure the crops still need it.
[017] This smart irrigation system helps farmers save water, reduce costs, and improve the health of their crops. The farmer doesn't need to be physically present to water their crops —they can check everything remotely using their phone or computer. Over time, the system also learns from the data it collects, helping farmers make better decisions about when and how much to water their crops in the future.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[019] Figure 1 shows a flowchart for IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[020] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[021] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[022] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[023] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[024] The present invention provides IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture that allows farmers to manage water usage more effectively and efficiently:
[025] Real-Time Decision Making: Unlike traditional irrigation systems that follow a fixed schedule, this system uses real-time data from sensors to decide exactly when and how much water crops need. For example, if the soil moisture is low, the system will automatically water the plants. If rain is expected, it will hold off on watering. This ability to adjust irrigation in real time based on current conditions is a significant improvement over older system.
[026] Smart, Automated Control: Many existing irrigation systems require farmers to manually turn them on and off, or they operate on a fixed timer. This invention automates the entire process, meaning the farmer doesn’t have to intervene manually. The system takes care of everything, from monitoring soil moisture to controlling the irrigation, which saves time and effort.
[027] Integration with Weather Forecasts: While some existing systems use soil moisture sensors, this invention goes a step further by integrating weather forecasts. By knowing when it’s likely to rain or when a dry spell is coming, the system can plan irrigation accordingly, which ensures the crops get exactly what they need without wasting water. This predictive feature makes the system smarter and more efficient than conventional methods.
[028] Precision in Watering Different Areas: The system is capable of recognizing that different areas of a farm may have different water needs. It adjusts water distribution accordingly, ensuring that areas needing more water get it, while areas that are already moist receive less or no water. This precision saves water and ensures that crops across the entire farm are well cared for.
[029] Data Collection and Analysis for Long-Term Benefits: One of the most novel aspects is the system’s ability to collect data over time. It not only helps with immediate irrigation decisions but also allows farmers to analyze water usage trends, crop health, and soil conditions over the long term. This data-driven approach helps farmers make better decisions for future planting seasons, leading to improved yields and resource management.
[030] The Intelligent IoT-Based Irrigation System for Precision Agriculture is designed to optimize water usage in agricultural fields by using sensors, weather data, and automation. This system continuously monitors soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and crop requirements to decide when and how much water to apply. This intelligent system reduces water waste, increases crop yields, and minimizes the need for manual intervention by farmers.
System Components:
[031] Soil Moisture Sensors: These sensors are placed in the soil across the farm to monitor the moisture levels. Each sensor detects the amount of water available in the soil and sends this data to the control unit. The placement of sensors can vary depending on the farm size and the type of crop, but they generally need to be spread across different zones to monitor varying soil conditions.
[032] Weather Station: A local weather station collects real-time data on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall forecasts. The weather station is crucial for predicting upcoming weather events (like rain) and making informed decisions on irrigation timing.
[033] Central Control Unit: The control unit is the brain of the system. It processes all the data received from soil sensors and the weather station. It also integrates cloud-based data analytics to store long-term information and make predictive decisions based on historical trends. The control unit can be connected to the internet, allowing farmers to monitor and control the system remotely via mobile devices or computers.
[034] Water Sprinklers/Drip Irrigation: Sprinklers or drip irrigation systems are the output devices that deliver water to the crops. These are connected to the control unit and are activated based on the real-time data from the sensors and weather station. The system ensures that water is delivered only when needed and in the right quantity for each zone.
[035] Cloud Storage and Data Analytics: The data from the soil sensors, weather stations, and irrigation schedules are stored in cloud-based systems for long-term analysis. This data can be used to observe patterns in water usage, soil health, and crop growth, enabling farmers to optimize their irrigation strategies over time.
System Workflow:
- Step 1: Sensor Data Collection: Soil moisture sensors continuously monitor the moisture levels in different zones of the farm and send this data to the control unit.
- Step 2: Weather Monitoring: The weather station collects real-time environmental data and sends weather forecasts to the control unit.
- Step 3: Data Processing: The control unit processes both the soil data and the weather forecasts. If the soil moisture levels are below a certain threshold, and no rain is expected, the system decides to irrigate the crops.
- Step 4: Irrigation Control: Based on the decision from the control unit, water sprinklers or drip irrigation systems are activated in specific areas that need water. The irrigation process is automatically turned off once the soil moisture reaches the desired level.
- Step 5: Remote Monitoring: Farmers can monitor and control the system remotely using a smartphone or computer. They can also make manual adjustments or set specific schedules if needed.
- Step 6: Data Storage and Analysis: The data collected from the farm is stored in the cloud, allowing for long-term analysis and helping farmers refine their irrigation practices over time.
Example Use Case:
[036] Consider a large farm with different types of crops spread across multiple zones. The soil in one zone dries faster than in others. The soil moisture sensors in that zone detect low moisture levels, and the weather station shows no rain forecast for the next few days. The system automatically triggers the water sprinklers in that zone to restore moisture levels. Meanwhile, in other zones where the soil is still moist, no irrigation is triggered, saving water.
[037] The attached diagram Figure 1 illustrates the different components of the system, including the soil moisture sensors, weather station, control unit, water sprinklers, and cloud storage. The data flow between the components is also shown, with sensors feeding data to the control unit, which then controls the sprinklers based on the data and weather forecasts. The diagram also highlights the remote monitoring feature, where farmers can view the data and control irrigation remotely. This innovative system is designed to solve the problem of inefficient water usage in agriculture, providing a real-time, automated solution for irrigation management. By leveraging IoT, cloud storage, and data analytics, this system offers a smart and sustainable way to improve agricultural productivity and conserve water resources.
[038] The "Intelligent IoT-Based Irrigation System for Precision Agriculture" offers several advantages over existing irrigation technologies:
1. Real-Time Data-Driven Irrigation:
[039] Existing Technologies: Many conventional systems operate on fixed schedules or require manual activation, often leading to overwatering or under watering due to unpredictable weather or inconsistent soil conditions.
[040] Current Invention: This system uses real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather stations to adjust irrigation dynamically. It ensures that water is applied only when needed, optimizing water use and preventing wastage.
2. Precision Irrigation for Different Zones:
[041] Existing Technologies: Traditional systems apply the same amount of water uniformly across the entire field, even though different areas may have different water needs.
[042] Current Invention: This system monitors various zones in the field and adjusts water delivery based on each zone's specific moisture levels. This precision prevents over-irrigation in already moist areas and delivers the right amount of water where it’s needed, improving crop health and yield.
3. Automation and Remote Monitoring:
[043] Existing Technologies: Manual irrigation systems require farmers to be physically present, while automated systems often lack the flexibility to be controlled remotely.
[044] Current Invention: Farmers can monitor and control the irrigation system remotely using smartphones or computers. They can adjust settings, view real-time data, and control the system from anywhere, reducing the need for manual labor and allowing greater flexibility.
4. Integration with Weather Forecasts:
[045] Existing Technologies: Traditional systems do not integrate weather forecasts, meaning irrigation often continues regardless of upcoming rain or dry periods.
[046] Current Invention: The system integrates real-time weather data, allowing it to anticipate rainfall and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. This prevents unnecessary watering before rain and ensures adequate irrigation during dry periods.
5. Water Conservation:
[047] Existing Technologies: Fixed-schedule irrigation systems often result in overuse of water, especially in regions where water scarcity is a problem.
[048] Current Invention: By irrigating only when soil moisture drops below a threshold and taking weather conditions into account, this system significantly reduces water consumption, making it ideal for water-scarce regions or drought-prone areas.
6. Improved Crop Health and Yield:
[049] Existing Technologies: Inconsistent or inefficient watering can lead to poor crop growth, soil erosion, or plant diseases.
[050] Current Invention: The precise control of water delivery ensures that crops receive consistent and adequate moisture, leading to healthier plants and potentially higher yields. The system also helps prevent overwatering, which can lead to root diseases and nutrient leaching.
7. Reduced Labor and Time:
[051] Existing Technologies: Manual irrigation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly on large farms.
[052] Current Invention: The automated system reduces the need for manual intervention, allowing farmers to save time and labor. It also allows them to focus on other important tasks while the system handles irrigation autonomously.
8. Data Collection and Analysis:
[053] Existing Technologies: Traditional systems don’t offer data storage or analysis, limiting the farmer’s ability to make informed decisions for the future.
[054] Current Invention: The system collects and stores data on water usage, soil moisture trends, and weather conditions. This data can be analyzed over time to optimize future irrigation strategies, improving long-term farm productivity.
9. Cost Efficiency:
[055] Existing Technologies: Overuse of water, energy, and labor can make traditional irrigation methods costly in the long run.
[056] Current Invention: By reducing water and energy consumption and minimizing labor costs, the system helps farmers save money. The long-term benefits of better crop health and yield also contribute to overall cost efficiency.
10. Scalability and Flexibility:
[057] Existing Technologies: Traditional systems can be difficult to scale for large farms or adapt to changing farm layouts.
[058] Current Invention: This system is scalable and flexible, allowing it to be adapted to farms of different sizes and layouts. Additional sensors and zones can easily be added as needed.
[059] Intelligent IoT-Based Irrigation System for Precision Agriculture can be applied in a wide range of agricultural settings and related fields, particularly where efficient water management and crop health are critical. Below are various use cases and contexts where this system can be utilized:
1. Agricultural Farms (Small to Large Scale)
- Use Case: The system can be used on farms of all sizes, from small family-owned plots to large commercial operations. By monitoring soil moisture, weather conditions, and other environmental factors, the system optimizes irrigation schedules for different crops, reducing water waste and ensuring the health of the plants.
- Example: A large farm growing multiple crops such as wheat, rice, and vegetables can use this system to deliver water precisely where and when needed, improving crop yield while minimizing water consumption.
2. Greenhouses
- Use Case: In controlled environments like greenhouses, where irrigation needs are specific and consistent, the system can regulate water based on temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. It ensures plants receive just the right amount of water, promoting growth without over-saturating the soil.
- Example: A greenhouse cultivating delicate crops like tomatoes or flowers can use the system to ensure consistent moisture levels without manual intervention, while also integrating temperature and humidity data to adjust water distribution.
3. Urban and Vertical Farming
- Use Case: With the rise of urban and vertical farming, especially in areas with limited space, water efficiency is crucial. This system can be used to optimize irrigation in vertical farms, which are often located in urban settings and use limited resources.
- Example: A vertical farm growing leafy greens in an urban warehouse can use IoT sensors to monitor the growing beds and provide water precisely, avoiding waste and ensuring consistent plant growth.
4. Drought-Prone or Water-Scarce Regions
- Use Case: In areas where water is a scarce resource, such as arid regions, the system can help farmers manage limited water supplies effectively. By using real-time data from sensors and weather stations, it ensures that crops receive the necessary amount of water without overuse.
- Example: Farmers in a drought-prone region could implement the system to maximize water use efficiency, ensuring that each drop of water is used where it is most needed, reducing the risk of crop failure due to water shortages.
5. Horticulture and Landscaping
- Use Case: The system can also be applied in horticulture, nurseries, or large landscaping projects, where maintaining the health of plants, flowers, or lawns is critical. By automating irrigation based on real-time moisture levels, the system helps ensure the plants thrive.
- Example: A commercial landscaping company managing a large park or garden could use the system to automatically water different areas based on soil conditions, keeping the landscape healthy without overwatering.
6. Golf Courses and Sports Fields
- Use Case: Golf courses and sports fields require consistent irrigation to maintain their turf. This system can monitor soil moisture across large fields and adjust irrigation to prevent overwatering, ensuring that the turf remains in optimal condition.
- Example: A golf course can divide its landscape into different zones and use the system to monitor moisture levels and automate sprinklers, preventing over-irrigation and maintaining consistent grass quality.
7. Agricultural Research and Experimental Farms
- Use Case: Agricultural research institutions can use the system for experimentation, data collection, and studying the effects of various irrigation patterns on different crops. The precise control over water usage and the data collected through sensors make it ideal for research environments.
- Example: A research farm testing different irrigation techniques on experimental crops can use the system to collect data on moisture levels, crop responses, and water usage, providing valuable insights into sustainable farming practices.
8. Government Programs for Sustainable Agriculture
- Use Case: Governments and agricultural bodies promoting water conservation can implement this system as part of larger programs aimed at improving agricultural sustainability. The system can be introduced to farmers as a tool for reducing water consumption and promoting efficient farming.
- Example: A government-sponsored project in a water-scarce region could introduce this system to local farmers to improve their water use efficiency and crop yields, helping to ensure food security while conserving water.
9. Remote or Hard-to-Reach Farms
- Use Case: For farms located in remote or hard-to-reach areas, where regular manual irrigation is difficult, the system can provide automatic, remote-controlled irrigation, ensuring crops are maintained without the need for constant human presence.
- Example: A farm located in a mountainous or rural area with limited access to labor can benefit from the system's remote control feature, allowing farmers to monitor and manage irrigation from their phones or computers.
10. High-Value Crops (Vineyards, Orchards, etc.)
- Use Case: High-value crops such as vineyards, orchards, or coffee plantations require precise and careful irrigation. This system helps ensure these crops receive the correct amount of water, improving both yield and product quality.
- Example: A vineyard can use the system to ensure the grapevines receive the right amount of water during critical growing periods, improving the quality and quantity of the harvest.
11. Integration with Sustainable Farming Practices
- Use Case: The system can be integrated into farms that use sustainable or organic farming practices, where water conservation and environmental impact are important. It complements methods like rainwater harvesting or using renewable energy for irrigation.
- Example: An organic farm can use the system to manage its water usage efficiently while reducing its environmental footprint, furthering its sustainability goals.
12. Fertigation Systems
- Use Case: The system can be integrated with fertigation systems, which combine irrigation with the application of fertilizers. By synchronizing the application of water and nutrients, the system ensures efficient resource usage.
- Example: A farm growing crops like tomatoes or peppers can combine irrigation and fertilization, ensuring plants receive both water and nutrients at the optimal times.
[060] 13. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Use Case: As climate change increases weather unpredictability, the system can help farmers adapt by providing real-time data and adjusting irrigation schedules based on changing conditions.
- Example: Farmers in regions facing changing rainfall patterns can use the system to monitor weather forecasts and soil conditions, adapting irrigation practices to new climate realities.
[061] The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[062] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:1) An IoT-based irrigation system for precision agriculture, the system comprises:
? soil moisture sensors placed in the soil zones across the farm to monitor moisture levels;
? a local weather station that collects real-time data on environmental conditions comprising: temperature, humidity, and rainfall forecasts, and predicts upcoming weather events and makes informed decisions on irrigation timing;
? a control unit that processes all the data received from soil sensors and the weather station;
? a cloud-based data analytics that stores long-term information and makes predictive decisions based on historical trends; and
? sprinklers or drip irrigation that delivers water to the crops when activated by the control unit;
? wherein the control unit is connected to the internet, allowing farmers to monitor and control the system remotely via mobile devices or computers.
2) A method for precision agriculture using the system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the method comprises following steps:
? Step 1: continuously monitoring the moisture levels in different zones of the farm and sending data to the control unit;
? Step 2: collecting real-time environmental data and sending weather forecasts to the control unit;
? Step 3: processing the soil data and the weather forecasts; wherein if the soil moisture levels are below a certain threshold, and no rain is expected, irrigating the crops;
? Step 4: irrigation Control: Based on the decision from the control unit, activating the water sprinklers or drip irrigation systems in specific zones that need water; wherein the irrigation process is automatically turned off once the soil moisture reaches the desired level;
? Step 5: allowing farmers to monitor and control the system remotely using a smartphone or computer and allowing to make manual adjustments or set specific schedules if needed; and
? Step 6: storing the data collected from the farm.