Smart Irrigation System Meaning, Features, Types, Importance
Smart irrigation system is an irrigation system that is driven by artificial intelligence and data monitoring, in order to conserve resources and increase efficiency. This article discusses smart irrigation system meaning, objectives, features, types, methodology, importance, advantages and disadvantages, as outlined below;
-Smart Irrigation System Meaning
-Smart Irrigation System Objectives
-Features of Smart Irrigation System
-Types of Smart Irrigation System
-Methodology of Smart Irrigation System
-Importance of Smart Irrigation System
-Advantages of Smart Irrigation System
-Disadvantages of Smart Irrigation System
Smart Irrigation System Meaning
Smart irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that includes artificial intelligence devices and sensors among other components, and which performs optimized irrigation using environmental data that has been collected and analyzed [1].
The smart irrigation system meaning can alternatively be outlined in terms of components of this system, as follows;
Smart irrigation system is an intelligent system comprised of sensors, actuators, water storage units, and nozzles, that are used to collect weather and soil moisture-data, analyze this data, and control the discharge of irrigation water based on the information derived.
Benefits of smart irrigation systems are mentioned in the alternative smart irrigation system meaning below;
Smart irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that works based on data collection, analysis and utilization; whose benefits include energy conservation, water conservation, improved performance and efficiency, optimal soil heath and plant growth, among others [4].
Lastly, smart irrigation system meaning is given based on the existing types of smart irrigation systems, as follows;
Smart irrigation system is an assemblage of components that control and automate the process of irrigation by using A.I and IoT technologies, and which is classified based on data collection mode, into two main types that include; soil moisture (SM) based and weather or evapotranspiration (ET) based systems [5].
Smart Irrigation System Objectives
The reason why smart irrigation system is used is because it is more efficient and conservative than conventional irrigation systems.
Smart irrigation objectives are;
1). Water conservation
2). Real-time data collection and processing
3). Automation of the irrigation process
4). Efficient areal water distribution
5). Site condition and irrigation-effect monitoring
6). Soil conservation
Features of Smart Irrigation System
Features of smart irrigation system(s) include;
1). Possession of moisture sensors, relay units, actuators, pumps, pipes and nozzles
2). Data collection and analytical capabilities
3). Relatively simple installation
4). Water and energy efficiency
5). Scheduling
Types of Smart Irrigation System
Types of smart irrigation system(s) are; weather-based and soil moisture-based smart irrigation systems.
1). Weather-based Evapotranspiration (ET) System (as one of the Types of Smart Irrigation Systems)
Weather-based smart irrigation systems are those which are designed to make use of data on precipitation, evapotranspiration, temperature and humidity, among other weather-related variables.
They are usually automated, and make use of weather-based irrigation controllers (WBICs) to actuate the irrigation process.
In addition to real-time data handling, weather-based smart irrigation systems are often also equipped to perform weather forecasting [3]. This can be helpful to provide farmers with data that could help protect crops from harsh weather conditions.
2). Soil Moisture-based (SM) System (as one of the Types of Smart Irrigation Systems)
Soil moisture-based (or soil water-based) smart irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that functions based on data collected by soil moisture sensors.
The system is effective because it ensures that over- or under-saturation of soil with irrigation water does not occur, thereby maintaining a balanced moisture content level that is essential for soil health.
Aside actuation of the irrigation process, soil moisture-based systems can be very helpful for monitoring purposes as well.
Methodology of Smart Irrigation System
The methodology of smart irrigation system is as follows;
1). On-site connection of system components
2). Sensing and data acquisition
3). Data relay to controller
4). System actuation and DC pump activation
3). Monitoring
The above may be alternatively referred to as the process model specification for smart irrigation system.
Importance of Smart Irrigation System
The importance of smart irrigation system is linked directly to its sustainability; which includes environmental, social and economic areas of relevance.
Environmental relevance of smart irrigation system arises from its role in mitigating the risk of environmental degradation involving soil; which could be in the form of leaching, erosion or desertification, among others.
As a system of sustainable irrigation, it can also be helpful for mitigating greenhouse emissions, climate change, and air pollution, by conserving energy.
The social relevance of smart irrigation can be traced to its potential role in addressing problems of food insecurity and hunger [2].
In terms of the economy, smart irrigation can help boost agricultural yield. This will increase the availability and quality of raw materials for industrial use, thereby improving the economy.
Advantages of Smart Irrigation System
Advantages of smart irrigation system include;
1). Water savings
2). Time and money savings
3). Energy savings
4). Ecosystem protection
5). Improved productivity
6). Hazard mitigation
7). Long-term sustainability
Disadvantages of Smart Irrigation System
Disadvantages of smart irrigation system include;
1). High capital cost
2). Requirement of technical knowledge and skill
3). Design and installation problems may affect overall performance
4). May not be suitable under many circumstances
Conclusion
Smart irrigation system is an assemblage of sensors, actuators, pumps, water storage units, and water discharge equipment, that work together to automate the irrigation process.
Smart irrigation objectives are; water conservation, real-time data acquisition, process automation, efficient areal distribution, soil conservation, and site monitoring.
Features of smart irrigation system(s) are; sensory capabilities, simple installation, water and energy efficiency, and scheduling.
Types of smart irrigation system(s) are;
1. Weather-based Evapotranspiration (ET) System
2. Soil Moisture-based (SM) System
The methodology of smart irrigation system is made up of; on-site component assembly, sensing and data acquisition, data relay, actuation, and monitoring.
The importance of smart irrigation system is based on its environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Advantages of smart irrigation system are; water savings, time and money savings, energy savings, ecosystem protection, improved productivity, hazard mitigation, and long-term sustainability.
Disadvantages of smart irrigation system are; capital cost, technical knowledge and skill requirement, and limited suitability.
References
1). Favour, A.; Misra, S.; Maskeliunas, R.; Damaševičius, R.; Kazanavicius, E. (2019). “Smart irrigation system for environmental sustainability in Africa: An Internet of Everything (IoE) approach.” Mathematical biosciences and engineering: MBE 16(5):5490-5503. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3934/mbe.2019273. (Accessed 23 December 2022).
2). Pek, E.; Salman, M.; Ahmad, W. (2020). “Smart irrigation – Smart WASH: Solutions in response to the pandemic crisis in Africa.” Food and Agriculture Organization. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4060/cb1306en. (Accessed 23 December 2022).
3). Susmitha, A.; Alakananda, T.; Apoorva, M. L.; Ramesh, T. K. (2017). “Automated Irrigation System using Weather Prediction for Efficient Usage of Water Resources.” IOP Conference Series Materials Science and Engineering 225(1):012232. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/225/1/012232. (Accessed 23 December 2022).
4). Touil, S.; Richa, A.; Fizir, M.; Garcia, J. E. A.; Gómez, A. F. S. (2022). “A review on smart irrigation management strategies and their effect on water savings and crop yield.” Irrigation and Drainage 71(1–21.). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2735. (Accessed 23 December 2022).
5). Velmurugan, S.; Balaji, V.; Bharathi, T. M.; Saravanan, K. (2020). “An IOT based Smart Irrigation System using Soil Moisture and Weather Prediction.” Conference: IJERT – ECLECTIC 2K20At: TJS Engineering CollegeVolume: 8. Available at: https://www.ijert.org/an-iot-based-smart-irrigation-system-using-soil-moisture-and-weather-prediction. (Accessed 23 December 2022).
