Gujarat Technological University

AHMEDABAD INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY

Report
On

SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEM

DESIGN ENGINEERING
B.E. Semester — III
(Computer Engineering)

Submitted by
Group
Sr Name of Student Enrolment No.
1 Rahul Makwana 240023107056
2 KHUMBHANI AYUSH 240023107051
3 Shah Maharshi 240023107098

PROF. SNEHAL AMBULKAR

(Internal Guide)

Dr. Dushyantsinh Rathod

(Head of the Department)
AHMEDABAD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, GOTA, AHMEDABAD
Department of Computer Engineering

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the “Smart irrigation system” has been carried out by Rahul Makwana
(240023107056), Khumbhani Ayush (240023107051),Shah Maharshi (240023107098) under my
guidance in fulfillment of the subject Design Engineering in Computer Branch (3rd Semester) of
Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad during the academic year 2024-2025.

Date:

(Faculty Guide) (HOD)

PROF. SNEHAL AMBULKAR Dr. Dushyantsinh Rathod
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful
completion of this project on Smart Irrigation Systems. First, I would like to thank my
supervisor/mentor PROF. SNEHAL AMBULKAR for their invaluable guidance, continuous support,
and insightful feedback throughout this project.

I am also deeply thankful to [AHMEDABAD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY] for providing the

necessary resources and facilities to carry out the research and development work. Additionally, my
heartfelt thanks go to my colleagues and team members for their collaboration and dedication during
various stages of this project.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the help and support of my family and friends, whose
encouragement and motivation played a crucial role in the successful completion of this project.

Thank you all for making this endeavor a success.

ABSTRACT

A Smart Irrigation System leverages modern technology to optimize water usage in

agricultural practices, ensuring efficient irrigation based on real-time data. The
system typically includes components such as sensors (moisture, temperature,
humidity), automated valves, and a central control unit. By monitoring
environmental conditions, the system automatically adjusts water distribution to
crops, reducing water waste and improving crop health. Smart irrigation systems
often integrate with IoT (Internet of Things) platforms, enabling remote monitoring
and control through mobile applications or web interfaces. These systems contribute
to sustainable agriculture by conserving water, reducing labor, and enhancing yield
productivity through precise irrigation scheduling.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
smart irrigation system...............................................................

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................... 3
ABSTRACT. .......................................................................................................................... 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................................... 5
LIST OF FIGURES. ................................................................................................................ 6
INTRODUCTION. ................................................................................................................. 7
Design Thinking. ................................................................................................................. 7
Importance of Design Thinking............................................................................................. 8
Introduction to Idea. ............................................................................................................. 9
EVALUATION OF IDEA ...................................................................................................... 11
Observation through AEiOU. ............................................................................................. 11
1. Activity Canvas. ..................................................................................................... 11
2. Environment Canvas. .............................................................................................. 12
3. Interaction Canvas. .................................................................................................. 13
4. Object Canvas ......................................................................................................... 13
5. User Canvas. ........................................................................................................... 14
Mind Mapping Canvas. ...................................................................................................... 15
Empathy Mapping Canvas. ................................................................................................. 15
IDEATION CANVAS. .......................................................................................................... 17
Brainstorming.................................................................................................................... 17
Situation/Context/Location ................................................................................................ 17
Props/Possible Solution...................................................................................................... 18
Activities. .......................................................................................................................... 18
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CANVAS. .............................................................................. 39
Product Experience. ........................................................................................................... 19
Product Functions. ............................................................................................................. 19
Product Features. ............................................................................................................... 19
Components. ..................................................................................................................... 20
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES. .................................................................................................................... 21
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE FIGURE NAME PAGE

NO. NO
1 Block Diagram of Smart irrigation system 9

2 Diagram of Smart irrigation system 10

3 AEIOU Canvas for Smart irrigation system 11
4 Mind Map for Smart irrigation system IS
5 Empathv Map for Smart irrigation system 16
6 Ideation Canvas for Smart irrigation system 17
7 Product Development Canvas for Smart irrigation system 19

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 INTRODUCTION
Design Thinking
Design thinking is a user-centred approach to innovation that focuses on solving problems in a
practical, creative, and iterative manner. For the Arduino-powered intelligent home
automation system, the design thinking process can be broken down into five key stages:
Empathize, Define, ideate, Prototype, and Test.

1. Empathize
Understand the needs and challenges faced by farmers, landscapers, and agricultural workers in
water management. Engage with users to explore common problems like water wastage, irregular
irrigation, crop health concerns, labor-intensive processes, and the impact of changing weather
patterns. Empathizing with users will help in identifying their pain points, such as the need for precise
irrigation, cost efficiency, and real-time control.

2. Define
Clearly define the problem based on user insights. For the smart irrigation system, the
problem could be: "Farmers need an efficient, automated, and cost-effective system that
delivers the right amount of water at the right time, while considering varying soil and
weather conditions." This stage focuses on setting a clear goal for the solution, such as
reducing water waste, improving crop yields, and saving labor costs.

3. ideate
Generate a wide range of ideas to solve the problem. Brainstorm potential features for the smart
irrigation system, such as using soil moisture sensors, weather data integration, automated valves,
and IoT-based remote control. Explore ideas like solar-powered systems, mobile app integration,
and advanced data analytics for predicting crop water needs. Consider both technical and practical
aspects to ensure the system is user-friendly and scalable.

4. Prototype
Develop a prototype of the smart irrigation system, including essential components like sensors,
control units, automated valves, and a basic user interface (e.g., mobile app or web dashboard).
The prototype should allow testing of core functionalities like sensor-based irrigation scheduling,
manual/automatic control, and data collection. This phase is about building a working model to
demonstrate how the system can address the defined problem

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 5. Test

the prototype in real-world conditions, such as on a small farm or garden. Gather feedback from
users, focusing on ease of use, reliability, and system performance. Evaluate how well the system
responds to changes in soil moisture or weather and how effectively it reduces water consumption
while maintaining crop health. Use the insights from testing to refine and improve the system,
iterating on design as needed.

Importance of Design Thinking

Design thinking is crucial in developing innovative and user-centred solutions like the Arduino-
powered intelligent home automation svstem. Its structured yet flexible approach provides several
benefits that enhance the overall design and functionality of the project. Here are some key
reasons why design thinking is essential for this project:

1. Focus on User-Centred Solutions

Design thinking emphasizes understanding the user's needs and pain points. For the home
automation system, the primary objective is to make it easier for users to control electrical
appliances while minimizing energy consumption. Voice control and mobile app integration
ensure that the system is tailored to real-world user preferences and enhances daily comfort.
2. Encourages Creative Problem Solving
The ideation phase of design thinking promotes out-of-the-box thinking. It opens up
possibilities for various technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee, which were considered
before selecting the most practical and cost-effective solution (Bluetooth in this case). It leads
to innovative features like integrating voice control into the system to provide hands-free
operation. This creative approach allows the system to stand out by offering more than just
basic device control—it brings added value with efficiencv and ease of use.
3. Promotes Iterative Development
Design thinking fosters an iterative process of prototyping and testing. Rather than building a
final product at once, the home automation system goes through multiple stages of
refinement. By developing a prototype and testing it in real-life scenarios, the design is
continuously improved based on user feedback. This iterative approach ensures that the final
product meets user expectations, functions reliably, and is fine-tuned to address anv issues
encountered during testing.
4. Balances Technology and Human Needs
Design thinking effectively balances the technical capabilities of the Arduino-based system
with human needs. While the system uses cutting-edge technology like Bluetooth and voice
recognition, it doesn't lose sight of the human aspect—ensuring that the system is easv to use,
affordable, and addresses the primary goal of conserving electricity. This balance between
technological advancement and user-friendliness is a key strength of design thinking.

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Introduction to Idea

- Components:

- 1. NodeMCU (ESP8266 or ESP32):

- This is the central microcontroller that controls the entire irrigation system. It connects
to the soil moisture sensor and the relay module, processes the sensor data, and sends
commands to the water pump accordingly. Additionally, NodeMCU can be connected
to the internet for remote monitoring and control via a mobile app or web interface.

- 2. Soil Moisture Sensor:

- This sensor measures the moisture level in the soil. The sensor has two pins that are
inserted into the soil, and based on the resistance between them, it determines the
moisture level. The sensor sends an analog signal to the NodeMCU, which indicates
whether the soil is dry or wet.

- 3. Relay Module:

- The relay module acts as a switch to control high-power devices like the water pump.
It is connected to the NodeMCU, which signals the relay to either turn the pump on or
off depending on the soil moisture levels.

- 4. Water Pump:

- The water pump is responsible for delivering water to the crops or garden. When the
soil moisture sensor detects that the soil is too dry, the NodeMCU activates the relay,
which turns on the water pump to irrigate the field.

- 5. Power Supply:

- The NodeMCU and other components are powered using a 3.3V (3V3) supply. The
water pump and relay module require higher power and may be powered by a separate
source.
-

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- Working of the System:

- Monitoring: The soil moisture sensor is placed in the soil, continuously monitoring the
moisture levels. The sensor’s analog signal is sent to the NodeMCU.

- Decision-Making: The NodeMCU processes the moisture data. If the moisture level
falls below a certain threshold (indicating dry soil), the NodeMCU sends a signal to the
relay module to activate the water pump.

- Irrigation: When the relay is activated, it closes the circuit for the water pump, allowing
water to be pumped to the crops or garden.

- Automatic Shutdown: Once the soil moisture sensor detects sufficient moisture in the
soil (above the threshold), the NodeMCU deactivates the relay, turning off the water
pump.

- Additional Features:

- Remote Monitoring: If the NodeMCU is connected to Wi-Fi, the system can be

monitored remotely via a mobile app or web interface. This allows the user to track
real-time data, like soil moisture levels and water pump status.

- Data Logging: The system can log data over time, providing insights into irrigation
patterns and helping to optimize water usage further.

- Applications:

- Agriculture: Farmers can use this system to automate the irrigation of their fields,
ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water without manual intervention.

- Gardens and Lawns: Homeowners can automate watering systems for their lawns or
gardens, conserving water and maintaining optimal plant health.nce.

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0
 Smart irrigation system

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 EVALUATION OF IDEA

Observation through AEIOU

Figure 3. AEIOU Canvas for Home

Automation

Figure3 The AEIOU Canvas for a smart irrigation system focuses on Activities like efficient
water management, with Environment being agricultural fields. Interactions occur through
remote control, supported by sensors and data-driven insights.

1. Activity Canvas

Site Assessment:
Analyze the topography, soil type, crop type, and climate of the area to determine irrigation
requirements. This involves mapping the land, identifying zones with varying moisture needs,
and assessing potential obstacles to efficient water distribution.

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 Water Source Analysis:
Evaluate the available water sources (such as wells, rivers, or reservoirs) for flow rates,
quality, and reliability. This analysis helps in designing a system that can effectively utilize
the available water without wastage, ensuring sustainable usage.

2. Environment Canvas

• Soil Moisture Sensor:

Monitors soil moisture levels to ensure optimal water use for plants.
• Automated Irrigation Controller:
Automatically waters plants based on real-time soil data, reducing water
waste.
• Soil
Health
Enhances soil quality through organic matter and sustainable practices.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction:
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by adopting eco-friendly practices.
• Water Conservation:
Reduces water usage through efficient irrigation and resource
management techniques

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 3. Interaction Canvas
1. Sensor to Control Interaction
Sensors (like soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors) gather data from the
environment, enabling the system to automatically control irrigation based on real-time
conditions, ensuring efficient water use.
2. User Interface
A digital platform (such as a mobile app or web dashboard) that allows users to monitor sensor
data, set irrigation schedules, and make manual adjustments remotely, providing ease of control
and insights into system performance.

3. Feedback Loops
Continuous data flow from sensors back to the irrigation controller, which adjusts the water output in
response to changing conditions (e.g., rainfall, soil dryness). This loop ensures dynamic, responsive
irrigation for optimal water efficiency.

4. Large-Scale Farms
Smart irrigation systems can scale up to manage vast agricultural areas, automating irrigation across large
fields, reducing labor, and ensuring precise water distribution for high-efficiency farming.

4. Object Canvas

I. reduce labor cost

Smart irrigation systems automate manual tasks like watering and monitoring, significantly
reducing the need for human labor. This cuts operational costs by minimizing the need for
staff to manage irrigation processes.

2. Data driven insights

The system collects and analyzes data from sensors (e.g., soil moisture, weather conditions) to provide
actionable insights. These insights help farmers make informed decisions, optimize water usage, and
improve crop health based on real-time conditions.

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 3. system design

The architecture of the smart irrigation system includes sensors, controllers, communication
networks, and user interfaces. The design must ensure reliability, scalability, and ease of use
for farmers, with seamless integration of hardware and software components..

6. Pilot testing

The Before full-scale deployment, pilot testing is conducted to assess the system's performance in
a real-world setting. This step identifies any issues, validates system efficiency, and ensures that
the system works as expected in various environmental conditions.

S. User Canvas
1. Ease of Use:
Users, typically farmers or agricultural managers, need a simple and intuitive interface (mobile
app or web portal) to easily monitor, control, and adjust irrigation settings without requiring
technical expertise.

2. Remote Access:
The ability to remotely manage irrigation systems through connected devices, allowing users
to check real-time data and adjust irrigation schedules from anywhere, providing convenience
and flexibility.

3. Cost Efficiency:
Users expect the system to reduce operational costs by minimizing labor, water usage, and
energy consumption, providing a clear return on investment through improved farm
productivity.

4. Customizable Settings:
Users want the flexibility to set irrigation parameters based on crop type, soil conditions, and
local climate, ensuring that the system meets the specific needs of different farms or regions.

5. Real-Time Alerts:
Users need timely notifications and alerts about any issues, such as sensor malfunctions, water
shortages, or irregular weather conditions, to ensure proactive management and
prevent crop damage.
Mind Mapping Canvas

Figure 4. Mind Map of smart irrigation system

Figure 4 illustrates a mind map for the Smart irrigation system. This diagram outlines various
benefits, applications, barriers, and costs associated with home automation.

Empathy Mapping Canvas

Figure 5 represents an empathy map for the Smart irrigation system. This map illustrates various
user personas, stakeholders, activities, and storyboarding elements associated with the system.
The empathy map delves into the perspectives of different users, capturing their needs,
motivations, and pain points regarding home automation

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Figure S. Empathy Map for Home Automation
 IDEATION CANVAS

Figure 6. Ideation Canvas for Home Automation

Figure 6 represents the ideation canvas for the Smart irrigation system.

Brainstorming
A smart irrigation system project aims to optimize water usage in agricultural or landscaping
environments by utilizing technology such as sensors, weather data, and automation. These
systems monitor soil moisture levels, temperature, and humidity to provide precise water
delivery, reducing waste and conserving resources. By integrating IoT and data analytics, smart
irrigation systems enhance efficiency, lower costs, and contribute to sustainable water
management, which is crucial in regions facing water scarcity or climate variability. The
system’s adaptability makes it suitable for small gardens to large-scale farms, promoting better
crop yields and resource conservation.
Situation/Context/Location
The smart irrigation system project is implemented in a semi-arid agricultural region where
water resources are limited and efficient water management is critical for sustainable farming.
The area experiences unpredictable rainfall patterns and long dry seasons, making traditional
irrigation methods inefficient and costly. The project focuses on using real-time data from
weather forecasts, soil moisture sensors, and crop needs to optimize water distribution. It aims
to support local farmers by reducing water waste, cutting irrigation costs, and improving crop
yields in this challenging environment, while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

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 Props/Possible Solution

A smart irrigation system uses soil moisture sensors to water crops only when needed, and
weather-based controllers to adjust schedules based on weather. Automated valves control
water flow, while solar power can run the system sustainably. Mobile apps allow remote
control, and combining it with drip irrigation reduces water waste. AI and data analytics
optimize irrigation schedules and predict crop water needs for better results.

Activities
The activities involved in a Smart Irrigation System encompass several critical processes aimed at
optimizing water usage and improving agricultural efficiency. It begins with a thorough site
assessment, where factors like soil type, crop requirements, and topography are analyzed to design
a tailored irrigation plan. Water source analysis follows, ensuring that the system efficiently utilizes
available water while maintaining sustainability. The system continuously tracks performance by
monitoring water usage, soil moisture, and crop health, allowing for adjustments to maximize
efficiency. Real-time monitoring through sensors enables dynamic control of irrigation based on
weather and soil conditions, ensuring precise water delivery. Additionally, ongoing customer
support is provided to maintain system functionality, address issues, and offer guidance
for improved usage..

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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CANVAS

Figure 7. Product Development Canvas for Home Automation

Produa Ex erience
Real time status
update Easy to use
Smart home integration

Product Fun%ons
Monitor & Control via Arduino
Fire alarm trigger on detection
Control fan and LED remotely

Product Features
Energy eficient LED control
Wireless Control
Fire detection with alarm
Adjustable fan speed
 Components
• AC fan 220V
• 220V fan bulb
• 5V 2Amp Power Adaptor
• Socket Switch Board
• 4-Channel 5V module
• Bread Board
« Male to Male Jumper Wire
• Male to Female Jumper Wire

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 CONCLUSION
The Smart Irrigation System represents a significant advancement in agricultural
technology, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to water management. By
integrating sensors, automation, and data analytics, the system optimizes water
usage, reduces labor, and enhances crop health, leading to improved productivity
and resource conservation. The ability to monitor and control irrigation remotely,
combined with real-time data-driven insights, ensures precise irrigation tailored to
specific crop and soil needs. This innovation not only promotes cost-effective
farming practices but also supports global efforts toward water conservation and
environmental sustainability. In conclusion, smart irrigation is a vital tool for
modern agriculture, driving long-term benefits for both farmers and the ecosystem.

REFERENCES
• You-Tube

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