Claims:1. A moisture sensor for detecting moisture content in a medium comprising:
an electrode matrix comprising in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, said electrode matrix enclosed within a housing; and
at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, said emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium;
wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into said electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding said moisture sensor.
2. The moisture sensor of claim 1, wherein the hydrate of calcium sulphate is Plaster-of-Paris (POP).
3. The moisture sensor of claim 1, wherein the electrode matrix comprises quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
4. A system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system comprising:
a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, said microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more moisture sensors, wherein each of the one or more moisture sensors comprises:
an electrode matrix comprising in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, said electrode matrix enclosed within a housing; and
at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, said emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium;
wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into said electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding said moisture sensor; and
wherein when moisture content detected by the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes crosses a pre-defined threshold value, at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensor generates a signal and transmits the signal, through a communication unit, to the microcontroller to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein a signal conditioning unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the signal conditioning unit comprises any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the electrode matrix comprises quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein the communication unit comprises any or a combination of Radiofrequency and GSM modules to allow transmission of the signal from the at least one moisture sensor to the microcontroller.
9. A method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method comprising the steps of:
detecting, by one or more moisture sensors, moisture content in the medium;
generating, by at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensors, a signal when moisture content in the medium crosses a pre-defined threshold value;
transmitting, by a communication unit, the signal to a microcontroller; and
controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising a step of modulating, by a signal conditioning unit, the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sensing devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to systems and methods utilizing a moisture sensor to detecting moisture content in different types of soils in order to regulate flow of water from a water dispensing unit, such as, water pumps, tube wells etc.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] India is the land of agriculture with almost 70% of its population engaged in agriculture and farming activities as their primary occupation. Even though India is blessed with natural resources like water, land, minerals etc., farmers are still facing issues related to crop quality as they are unaware of water proportion required to grow different crops.
[0004] Demand for water in irrigation systems in India has been relentless. Increasing demand for water has forced us to replace grass and vegetation with concrete, brick and rock. Wet land farming is being substituted for dry land farming, and conservation of all kinds has been encouraged to help replenish water supplies and underground springs. Technology which is capable of conserving water is constantly being sought, but there has been very little improvement, even with the advent of sophisticated new electronics.
[0005] Various control systems have been developed in the past to address problems related to agriculture that tend to solve soil water content issues in order to increase crop productivity and quality by using artificial/manmade moisture sensors. While such control devices have had limited success in detecting water content, some have had difficulty in accurately deciphering moisture contents in soils having varying degrees of salinity.
[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) based artificial/manmade moisture content detection sensor capable of sensing water percentage in different types of soils in order to assess amount of water required for farming on the soils. Further, there exists a need to provide for a control system and method that utilizes the proposed moisture content detection sensor to analyse and control the requirement of water on different types of soils.
[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a moisture sensor capable of detecting water percentage in different types of soils.
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a moisture sensor that assists regulation of amount of water required during farming of crops.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a moisture sensor that improves crop productivity.
[0014] Yet object of the present disclosure is to provide a moisture sensor that is cost-effective.
[0015] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system method to analyse and control flow of water during farming of crops on different types of soils.

SUMMARY
[0016] The present disclosure relates to a moisture sensor capable of detecting moisture content in a medium, such as, soil, water, wood and the likes. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a moisture sensor for detecting moisture content in a medium. The disclosed moisture sensor includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor.
[0017] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is Plaster-of-Paris (POP).
[0018] In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system including a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, the microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more moisture sensors, wherein each of the one or more moisture sensors includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor, and wherein when moisture content detected by the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes crosses a pre-defined threshold value, at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensor generates a signal and transmits the signal, through a communication unit, to the microcontroller to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit.
[0020] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0021] In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit includes any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
[0022] In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0023] In an embodiment, the communication unit includes any or a combination of Radiofrequency and GSM modules to allow transmission of the signal from the at least one moisture sensor to the microcontroller.
[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method including the steps of detecting, by one or more moisture sensors, moisture content in the medium, generating, by at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensors, a signal when moisture content in the medium crosses a pre-defined threshold value, transmitting, by a communication unit, the signal to a microcontroller, and controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium.
[0025] In an embodiment, the method further includes a step of modulating, by a signal conditioning unit, the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0026] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed moisture sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system utilizing the proposed moisture sensor to control requirement of water over a medium based on the moisture content of the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representation of electronic circuitry involved in the proposed system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of a method utilizing the proposed moisture sensor to control requirement of water over the medium based on the moisture content of the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0033] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0035] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0036] Embodiment explained herein relates to a moisture sensor capable of detecting moisture content in a medium, such as, soil, water, wood and the likes.
[0037] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a moisture sensor for detecting moisture content in a medium. The disclosed moisture sensor includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor.
[0038] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate is Plaster-of-Paris (POP).
[0039] In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0040] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the system including a microcontroller for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit, the microcontroller receiving a signal from one or more moisture sensors, wherein each of the one or more moisture sensors includes an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor, and wherein when moisture content detected by the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes crosses a pre-defined threshold value, at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensor generates a signal and transmits the signal, through a communication unit, to the microcontroller to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit.
[0041] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit modulates the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0042] In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit includes any or a combination of an operational amplifier and an AC-to-DC converter.
[0043] In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0044] In an embodiment, the communication unit includes any or a combination of Radiofrequency and GSM modules to allow transmission of the signal from the at least one moisture sensor to the microcontroller.
[0045] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for controlling dispensing of water from a water dispensing unit over a medium, the method including the steps of detecting, by one or more moisture sensors, moisture content in the medium, generating, by at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensors, a signal when moisture content in the medium crosses a pre-defined threshold value, transmitting, by a communication unit, the signal to a microcontroller, and controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium.
[0046] In an embodiment, the method further includes a step of modulating, by a signal conditioning unit, the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller.
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed moisture sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed moisture sensor 100 can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium. The electrode matrix can be enclosed within a housing 102.
[0048] In an embodiment, the hydrate of calcium sulphate can be any of gypsum and POP.
[0049] In an embodiment, the electrode matrix can include quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0050] In an aspect, the moisture sensor 100 can further include at least two electrically conductive electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 (also collectively referred to as electrodes 104 or individually referred to as electrode 104), one end of each electrode 104 embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing 102. The emanating ends of the at least two electrodes 104 can be embedded at least partially in the medium, such as, but not limited to, soil, water, wood and a fluid.
[0051] In an embodiment, the sampling medium can include the same material/substance as that of the medium. For instance, the sampling medium can be any of soil, water, wood, a fluid and the like substances. In another embodiment, composition the sampling medium can be different than composition of the medium.
[0052] In an aspect, moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode 104-1 into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode 104-2, and a resistance measured between the first electrode 104-1 and the second electrode 104-2 is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor 100.
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system utilizing the proposed moisture sensor to control requirement of water over a medium based on the moisture content of the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed system 100 for controlling requirement of water over the medium can include a microcontroller 206 for controlling flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212. The microcontroller 206 can receive a signal from at least one moisture sensor 100.
[0054] In an aspect, when moisture content detected by the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes 104 of a moisture sensor 100 crosses a pre-defined threshold value, the moisture sensor 100 can generate a signal and transmits the signal, through a communication unit (not shown), to the microcontroller 206 to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212.
[0055] In an aspect, each moisture sensor 100 can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor. In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0056] In an embodiment, a signal conditioning unit 202 can modulate the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor 100 prior to its transmission to the microcontroller 206. In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit 202 can include any or a combination of an operational amplifier (OPAMP) and an AC-to-DC converter (ADC) to effectively condition the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor 100. The signal conditioning unit 202 can then transmit the modulated/conditioned signal to the microcontroller 206.
[0057] In an embodiment, transmission of the signal from the moisture sensors 100 to the signal conditioning unit 202 and from the signal conditioning unit 202 to the microcontroller 206 can be governed by a communication unit (not shown) that can include any or a combination of Radiofrequency (RF) and GSM modules based on 2G/3G/4G communication networks to allow transmission of the signal from to and from the moisture sensors 100, the signal conditioning unit 202, and the microcontroller 206.
[0058] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 206 can control a relay unit 210 of the water dispensing unit 212 such that the relay unit 210 allows the microcontroller 206 to switch ON, switch OFF and modulate switching of the water dispensing unit 212 based on moisture content of the medium detected by the moisture sensors 100.
[0059] In an embodiment, a display unit 208 can be configured to display the instantaneous moisture content of the medium on a display screen. The display unit 208 can include one or more display screens to indicate/illustrates various parameters related to the medium including the moisture content on the display screen. The microcontroller 206 can control the display unit 208 in order to regulate displaying of the moisture content of the medium on the display screen.
[0060] In an embodiment, any or a combination of the signal conditioning unit 202, the microcontroller 204 and the display unit 206 can be powered by a power supply unit 204 that can include a power source capable of powering the signal conditioning unit 202, the microcontroller 204 and the display unit 206. The power supply unit 204 can include a power generator or a standby power source such as, a battery, an ultra-capacitor and the likes.
[0061] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices to assist water dispensation over the medium in order to reduce wastage of water and improve efficient utilization of water over the medium based on moisture content of the medium.
[0062] In an implementation, the system 200 can improve crop productivity and reduce wastage of water. A plurality of moisture sensors 100 can be buried/embedded into the medium, for instance, soil, such that moisture content of the soil can pass through the first electrode 104-1 to the electrode matrix that includes the timber, the POP and the sampling soil, and then to the second electrode 104-2 of each of the moisture sensors 100. This can effect a change in resistance between the first electrode 104-1 and the second electrode 104-2 of a moisture sensor 100. When this change in resistance crosses a pre-defined threshold value, the system 200 can allow regulation of flow of water from the water dispensing unit 212 over the medium.
[0063] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representation of electronic circuitry involved in the proposed system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, transmission of the signal from the moisture sensor 100 to the signal conditioning unit 202 can be facilitated by an electrical circuitry. In an embodiment, the first and the second electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 of the moisture sensor 100 can detect moisture content in the medium due to change in resistance between the first and the second electrodes 104-1 and 104-2. Once the moisture sensor 100 detects the available moisture content in the medium, it generates a signal pertaining to the amount of water required to be dispensed over the medium. The signal is transmitted, through the communication unit, to a signal conditional unit 202 that modulates the signal as to transmit the modulated signal to the microcontroller 204. The electrical circuitry can assist modulation of the signal prior to its transmission to the signal conditioning unit 202.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the electrical circuitry can include a transistor 302 to receive the signal indicative of change in resistance of the electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 of the moisture sensor 100. The change in resistance of the electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 can trigger base circuit of the transistor 302 as first electrode 104-1 of the moisture sensor 100 is connected to higher logic than second electrode 104-2 of the moisture sensor 100. This inturn generates a control signal across a resistor 304. This control signal generated across the resistor 304 can be fed to the microcontroller 204 via the signal conditioning unit 202 for appropriate control of the relay unit 210 of the water dispensing unit 212. In an embodiment, base circuit of the transistor 302 is controlled by the moisture sensor 100.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the electrical circuitry can include a transistor 352 to receive the signal indicative of change in resistance of the electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 of the moisture sensor 100. Base circuit of the transistor 352 can be directly fed through high logic continuously. The electrodes 104-1 and 104-2 of the moisture sensor 100 can be connected at output side of the base circuit of the transistor 302. This inturn generates a control signal across a resistor 354 having a fixed minimum resistance that is a pre-defined value for the microcontroller 204. This control signal generated across the resistor 354 can be fed to the microcontroller 204 via the signal conditioning unit 202 for appropriate control of the relay unit 210 of the water dispensing unit 212. In an embodiment, output o the transistor 352 is controlled by the moisture sensor 100 and a minimum resistance value of the resistor 354 is fixed that is a pre-defined value for the microcontroller 204.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of a method utilizing the proposed moisture sensor to control requirement of water over the medium based on the moisture content of the medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed method 400 for controlling flow of water from a water dispensing unit, such as, water pumps, tube wells and the like over a medium can include at step 402, detecting, by one or more moisture sensors, moisture content in the medium, such as soil, water, wood, a fluid and the likes.
[0067] In an embodiment, each of the one or more moisture sensors can include an electrode matrix including in combination essentially of timber, a hydrate of calcium sulphate and a pre-defined quantity of sampling medium, the electrode matrix enclosed within a housing, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, one end of each electrode embedded into the electrode matrix and other end emanating outwards from the housing, the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes embedded at least partially in the medium, wherein moisture content in the medium passes through a first electrode of the at least two electrodes into the electrode matrix and then to a second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and wherein a resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode is indicative of moisture content in the medium surrounding the moisture sensor. In an embodiment, the electrode matrix includes quantity of the timber, the hydrate of calcium sulphate and the sampling medium in a ratio of 2:1:1.
[0068] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include at step 404, generating, by at least one moisture sensor of the one or more moisture sensors, a signal when moisture content in the medium crosses a pre-defined threshold value. When moisture content detected by the emanating ends of the at least two electrodes of the moisture sensor crosses a pre-defined threshold value, the moisture sensor can generate a signal.
[0069] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include at step 406, transmitting, by a communication unit, the signal to a microcontroller. In an embodiment, transmission of the signal from the moisture sensors to the signal conditioning unit and from the signal conditioning unit to the microcontroller can be governed by a communication unit that can include any or a combination of Radiofrequency (RF) and GSM modules to allow transmission of the signal from to and from the moisture sensors, the signal conditioning unit, and the microcontroller.
[0070] In an aspect, the method 400 can further include at step 408, controlling, by the microcontroller, flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium. The microcontroller can receive a signal from at least one moisture sensor in order to regulate flow of water from the water dispensing unit over the medium.
[0071] In an embodiment, the method can include a step of modulating, by a signal conditioning unit, the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor prior to its transmission to the microcontroller. In an embodiment, the signal conditioning unit can include any or a combination of an operational amplifier (OPAMP) and an AC-to-DC converter (ADC) to effectively condition the signal generated by the at least one moisture sensor. The signal conditioning unit can then transmit the conditioned signal to the microcontroller.
[0072] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal 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 spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0073] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0074] The present disclosure provides a moisture sensor capable of detecting water percentage in different types of soils.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a moisture sensor that assists regulation of amount of water required during farming of crops.
[0076] The present disclosure provides a moisture sensor that improves crop productivity.
[0077] The present disclosure provides a moisture sensor that is cost-effective.
[0078] The present disclosure provides a control system and method to analyse and control flow of water during farming of crops on different types of soils.