Design and Evaluation of AGRISHELCRO-STRHASIS: A Solar-Powered IoT-Based Smart Irrigation and Shading System for Small-Scale Farming

Global environmental challenges, particularly climate change, are significantly impacting agricultural productivity and sustainability, posing risks to food and nutrition security. In response, various technological innovations, such as automated shading, irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and solar tracking, have been developed to mitigate these effects and improve resource efficiency. This study developed an integrated agricultural shelter system, AGRISHELCRO–STRHASIS, which combines these technologies into a single functional unit. The system is designed to monitor environmental conditions and respond accordingly through automated mechanisms. Specifically, it regulates plant exposure to excessive heat through automated shading, monitors soil moisture to optimize irrigation, utilizes solar tracking to maximize energy efficiency, and incorporates rainwater harvesting to ensure sustainable water use. Results from system testing and user evaluation indicate that the system effectively responds to environmental changes by regulating temperature exposure, maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, conserving energy through solar power utilization, and efficiently collecting and using rainwater. Consequently, the system contributed to maintaining plant growth, yield, and overall health. These findings suggest that AGRISHELCRO–STRHASIS offers a viable and sustainable solution to address climate-related agricultural challenges through integrated smart technologies.