Fuzzy Logic-Based Sprinkler Controller for a Precision Irrigation System: A Case Study of Semi-Arid Regions in India

A sophisticated precision irrigation system was created to precisely determine the water requirements of crops and implement effective irrigation control strategies for automated, real-time, and targeted crop irrigation in the semi-arid regions of India. This system incorporates ZigBee technology, wireless sensor networks, and fuzzy logic-based control methodologies. This system discussed by the author actively gathers data for the most prominent parameters of the targeted area, such as soil water potential and meteorological conditions, encompassing ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. These data obtained from the sensors then processed with the fuzzy logic-based algorithms is utilized to transmit precise irrigation control instructions to the system. Moreover, this proposed system employs the Priestley and Taylor model (PTM) so as to calculate farmland evapotranspiration (ET). This algorithm has been chosen instead of the Penman & Monteith model (PMM) because of its better accuracy and simple calculations. Both field evapotranspiration and soil water potential serve as crucial inputs for the suggested fuzzy controller-based system. A comprehensive multi-factor control rule library is established, facilitating the implementation of fuzzy control mechanisms for regulating crop irrigation water requirements with enhanced performance. The testing results obtained from this proposed system demonstrate the system’s economic viability and practicality, underscoring its reliability in communication, high control accuracy, and suitability for precision irrigation in semi-arid regions in India that, in turn, enhances the crop yield.