Self Optimizing Drip Irrigation System Using Data Acquisition and Virtual Instrumentation to Enhance the Usage of Irrigation Water

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the major issues that make the farmers to spend more for the efficient irrigation for their farmlands. The government needs to pay compensation cost in millions to the farmers during drought season. Utmost care should be taken for the effective utilization of the available water source in present situation. The effective way of irrigation that had been introduced in near decade is the Drip Irrigation System (DIS). The wastage of water to irrigate crops and plants in the agricultural fields are reduced to 60–70% at the maximum but, there is approximately 30–40% of water being not properly utilized. Further, an idea is needed to maximize the utilization and to reduce the wastage of water in drip irrigation. The Actual water flow through drip irrigation is 4 gph. The proposed idea consists of Earth Electrodes, NI-DAQ 6009, Relay Module, Solenoid valve and aims to reduce the water wastage which is approximately 2 gph while irrigating plants in existing drip irrigation system. So, the optimization made in this proposal idea will help the farmers in water conservation and effective utilization of water.