Design of a smart sprinkler system

This paper describes the design and implementation of a smart sprinkler system, utilizing a mesh capable wireless sensor network for monitoring and controlling field irrigation systems. Soil types and their characteristics with regards to water retention were investigated. The hardware and software for the sensor and sink nodes were implemented using the core of the WSN communication Xbee Series II Zigbee modules. A user interface to monitor the sprinkler system and change control parameters was developed. The system was tested for accuracy by comparing sensory field data with comparable data from alternative sensors from agricultural field test laboratories. It was successful in controlling the soil moisture levels in the test field by keeping the moisture levels between the desired thresholds. A relatively inexpensive way to automate water irrigation was established using low cost components for small scale irrigation applications.