Implementation of a wireless sensor network for irrigation management in drip irrigation systems

Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices pose significant challenges to modern agriculture, particularly in semi-arid regions. Traditional irrigation methods often lead to excessive water consumption and uneven water distribution, reducing overall efficiency and sustainability. Effective water management in irrigated agriculture is crucial for maintaining high crop productivity and alleviating water scarcity. To improve water management techniques, the integration of drip irrigation systems with wireless sensor networks (WSNs) was investigated herein. In the proposed system, valve control and soil moisture monitoring nodes were added to obtain real-time data on irrigation water volume (IWV), flowrate, pipe inlet pressure, and soil moisture within the WSN. The hardware and software designs of the soil moisture monitoring and valve control nodes were created, including the selection of components, specific functionalities of software algorithms, and communication protocols used for data transmission. A field test was performed in an olive orchard to assess the performance of the proposed system during the irrigation season. The results showed that soil moisture content varied between 42.0% and 24.4%, 44.6% and 25.9%, and 46.7% and 30.2% at different depths, validating the system's capability to optimize irrigation scheduling. The system's automated valve control capability enabled the precise application of irrigation water volume of 2,209 m³ throughout the irrigation season. Flowrate stabilization at approximately 2.8 m³/h and real-time pressure monitoring enabled early detection of anomalies such as clogging or low water supply, enhancing irrigation efficiency. The results of this study highlight the potential of WSNs in improving water management practices for irrigation. By providing real-time data and remote-control capabilities, the integrated system offers a tool for optimizing water usage and conserving water resources.