Intelligent system for automated soil moisture monitoring

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Abstract
Water application to cultivated soil is often done without careful consideration in irrigated agriculture, leading to inefficient or suboptimal water usage. In many instances, the intricate relationship between soil, water, and plants, as well as the potential and limitations of irrigation systems, is overlooked. Sustainable irrigated agriculture necessitates the development of a soil moisture monitoring system that curtails water loss and enhances overall efficiency. This study aimed to develop and assess the efficiency of an intelligent system for monitoring soil moisture. The system comprises two stations: the first collects data on apparent soil moisture parameters using sensors, while the second transmits this data to a central processing station. The system precisely determines current soil moisture values, enabling estimation of the required irrigation water volume to meet the crop’s water demand based on field capacity. Results from the calibration curve of the sensors indicate that the system can measure current soil moisture precisely, aiding in irrigation management. For irrigated areas under unsaturated soil conditions, it is recommended to use tensiometers due to their higher reliability between field capacity and permanent wilting point, ensuring more accurate irrigation practices.

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