Research on electronic information transmission of agricultural irrigation based on Internet of Things

As a result of climate change, rising populations, and limited resources, the agricultural sector essential to human survival is under growing pressure to improve sustainability and productivity. Wasting water, not being very efficient, and not getting the best agricultural yields are common outcomes of using traditional irrigation systems. An innovative and game-changing approach to irrigation management and other agricultural operations has arisen with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) in recent years. To maximise water efficiency, boost crop yields, and guarantee environmentally friendly farming methods, IoT-based irrigation systems use cutting-edge technology. Examining its components, advantages, disadvantages, and future possibilities, this research delves into the electronic information transmission of agricultural irrigation based on the IoT.

Sustainable agriculture relies on efficient irrigation. There is a lot of water lost through evaporation, runoff, and inadequate water distribution when using traditional methods such as flood irrigation (Dhiman et al. 2015). On the other hand, precision irrigation methods, such as sprinkler and drip systems, need precise management and monitoring in order to optimise water usage. The IoT allows for the exact management and real-time monitoring of irrigation operations, which guarantees that plants get the water they need right to their root zones (Jiménez et al. 2022).

The term ‘Internet of Things’ describes a system of linked computing devices that may share information and instructions via the web. A wide range of sensors, actuators, and communication technologies make up the IoT in agriculture, which is used to gather, transmit, and analyse data pertaining to soil moisture, weather, crop health, and other important characteristics (Gu et al. 2020). Farmers may improve the efficacy and efficiency of their farming techniques by using this data-driven strategy to make educated decisions.

IoT-based irrigation systems rely heavily on sensors. To get up-to-the-minute information on soil conditions, soil moisture sensors assess how much water is in the soil. Sensors that measure humidity and temperature keep tabs on factors that influence how much water plants need. The timing of irrigation is affected by the data collected by weather sensors, which include rainfall, wind speed, and sun radiation (Montori et al. 2018). The smooth functioning of irrigation systems that are based on the IoT depends on the efficient transmission of data. Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LR, and cellular networks are only a few examples of the wireless communication technologies that allow sensors to transmit data to centralised servers or cloud platforms (Adeyemi et al. 2017). These innovations provide low-latency, energy-efficient data transmission across great distances.

State-of-the-art algorithms and machine learning approaches are employed to process and analyse the acquired data. Irrigation management can benefit from the actionable insights provided by data analytics tools that combine data from several sources. Using both current and past data, these systems can optimise water consumption, forecast when irrigation will be necessary, and identify any irregularities. The data analysis is carried out by the actuators, whose job it is to carry out the irrigation orders. They make sure the crops get just the right amount of water by controlling the sprinklers, pumps, and irrigation valves. It is possible to program actuators to work independently or to be controlled from afar via web interfaces or mobile apps (Lamsal et al. 2023). Platforms for cloud computing supply the backbone required to store and analyse massive amounts of data produced by IoT devices. Because of the scalability, adaptability, and accessibility of these systems, farmers may have access to data and insights whenever and wherever they need them (Glória et al. 2021).

By directing water flow to specific areas at certain times, irrigation systems powered by the IoT drastically cut down on water wastage. In order to save precious water resources, this precise irrigation reduces runoff, evaporation, and deep percolation to a minimum (Tarjuelo et al. 2015). IoT-based irrigation solutions encourage better plant development and greater harvest yields by precisely watering crops at the correct times. By optimising irrigation schedules using real-time data, these devices guarantee that plants receive sufficient water throughout crucial growth periods (Sharma et al. 2023).

Farmers can enjoy financial benefits from more efficient water usage. Water bills and the energy expenses of pumping and delivering water are both reduced when water use is reduced. Further, by detecting irrigation infrastructure leaks and failures, IoT-based devices can reduce maintenance costs and water loss (Elijah et al. 2018). Reducing the environmental effect of irrigation methods and encouraging responsible water consumption are two ways in which irrigation systems based on the IoT help sustainable agriculture. Precision agriculture, which makes use of these techniques, seeks to maximise efficiency while reducing environmental impacts (Mulozi 2008).

IoT-based irrigation systems have many advantages, but they also have several limits and difficulties:

• Sensors, communication devices, actuators, and data analytics platforms all contribute to the high initial expenses associated with installing an irrigation system that is based on the IoT. The method may not be widely adopted since these expenditures are too high for small-scale farmers (Yazdinejad et al. 2021).

• Internet connectivity is crucial for the smooth functioning of systems that rely on the IoT. Implementing these systems effectively might be challenging in isolated or rural places due to limited or intermittent internet connectivity (Harding 1917).

• There are valid issues regarding the privacy and data security of agricultural data during transmission and storage. Threats of abuse or cyberattacks might result from unauthorised access to confidential information. To protect agricultural data, it is essential to use strong security measures and data encryption techniques.

• Installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems based on the IoT necessitate technical knowledge. Farmers must receive training in order to comprehend and make good use of the technology. It may be difficult to accept and apply due to a lack of technical expertise (Jiménez et al. 2022).

With continuous technological breakthroughs and a growing awareness of sustainable agriculture practices, the future of IoT-based irrigation systems is bright. IoT advances in agricultural irrigation are likely to be influenced by the following trends:

The capabilities of irrigation systems will be enhanced by the integration of AI with IoT. In order to optimise water consumption according to crop-specific demands and environmental circumstances, AI systems can sift through mountains of data, forecast irrigation needs, and more (Pranto et al. 2021). Computing near the network's periphery, or ‘edge’, allows for less latency and bandwidth needs by processing data in close proximity to its source. IoT-based irrigation systems can enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of irrigation management by utilising edge computing to conduct real-time data analysis and decision-making. IoT-based irrigation systems can benefit from blockchain technology's increased security and transparency. Ensuring data integrity and traceability, it can create an immutable record of data transactions that is decentralised. Automated and safe irrigation procedures can also be facilitated by blockchain-based smart contracts (Sudharshan et al. 2019). Improvements in connectivity and data transmission capabilities will result from the expansion of IoT networks, which will involve the deployment of 5G technology. IoT-based irrigation systems will be widely used, especially in underserved and distant places, thanks to improved network infrastructure (Benyezza et al. 2021).

Water conservation, improved crop output, cost savings, and sustainability are just a few of the many advantages offered by irrigation systems that are IoT based. Sensors, data analytics, and cloud computing are some of the cutting-edge technology that these systems use to make irrigation control more accurate and efficient. In order to guarantee the broad adoption and effective implementation of irrigation systems based on the IoT, some obstacles must be overcome. These include high initial costs, connectivity constraints, data security concerns, and technological complexity. The IoT has great potential in agricultural irrigation, which might lead to a more efficient and environmentally friendly farming industry in the future, thanks to rising sustainability consciousness and continuous technical development.

To provide a fresh model that improves upon existing solutions in the intelligent monitoring and irrigation domains, it is crucial to do literature research. This will help to understand the current situation and the obstacles encountered in earlier efforts. Presented here are the solutions put into place in this domain: Additionally, the prototype (Tiglao et al. 2020) switches off the engine to conserve energy when it starts to rain. Some more sensors, such as pH sensor, could make this system even better. It created a smart irrigation system that uses power from a solar panel, an Arduino, and sensors to measure soil moisture, temperature, and humidity (Goap et al. 2018). Farmers can see the temperature, wetness, and soil moisture levels thanks to sensor data relayed to the cloud. An infrared motion sensor (PIR sensor), for instance, could be a useful addition to this system for keeping animals out of the field. With the help of Raspberry Pi, sensors for soil moisture, temperature, and overall humidity were able to implement an IoT-zoned irrigation system that improved plant growth while decreasing water usage (Shufian et al. 2021). There is room for improvement in this system's energy autonomy; a solar board may provide power and artificial intelligence procedures could optimise water use. As part of their IoT prototype, Raspberry Pi, an irrigation system, and sensors for soil temperature, wetness, and moisture were used to help farmers make smart choices and get the best harvests possible (Sun et al. 2024).

Switching from the power-hungry Raspberry Pi and Wi-Fi to the more efficient ESP32 and LR can significantly reduce the system's electrical power consumption. An innovative, completely autonomous irrigation system was created using an IoT model that incorporates open-source technologies, temperature, soil moisture sensors, Raspberry Pi, and Raspberry Pi Zero to forecast when a field will require irrigation (Shukla et al. 2022). By incorporating agricultural monitoring sensors, such as pH sensor, into this system, more and better agricultural products are within our reach. Using a combination of the Arduino Uno's features and sensors for soil temperature, humidity, and wetness, as well as cloud computing, were able to execute a control system through an IoT platform (Zare & Iqbal 2020). On low soil moisture levels, the prototype automatically waters the fields. Including a solar panel allows this device to function independently across expansive agricultural areas.

A method is used for monitoring agricultural fields through the IoT (Zourmand et al. 2019). This system would use a Raspberry Pi camera, an infrared motion detector, and a soil moisture sensor to automatically water fields. Because it uses less power than the Raspberry Pi, the ESP32 is a good choice for optimising this system's electrical consumption. To predict the weather using an open API, a model was developed (Citoni et al. 2019) that utilises NodeMCU technology, soil moisture sensors, temperature, and ThingSpeak cloud architecture. The optimisation of irrigation can be achieved with these parameters. Agricultural field monitoring devices, such as pH sensor, and solar panels can make this system work better across expansive fields. An Arduino Uno, solar panel, fast charger, and battery were the components of the prototype devised (Lei et al. 2022). The Arduino Uno acts as the controller, while the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module regulates online monitoring and receives sensor data. By using the PIR sensor, this system can enhance the protection of agricultural fields from animal incursion. For irrigation and decision-making, a hybrid model that makes use of Raspberry Pi and other parameter observations was suggested. Using several characteristics (Gorjian et al. 2021), K-nearest neighbours (KNN) compiles data on the nearest detections, allowing for precise water management and energy savings through irrigation. Including a solar panel and energy-efficient technologies, such as ESP32 and LR, allows this system to function autonomously and adapt to big agricultural areas. The IoT system was developed (Lee et al. 2020) to make use of an Arduino Uno in conjunction with a YL-69 soil moisture sensor to provide data of soil's dampness level and the necessity of watering. To comprehend the Moringa plant's development behaviour under different climate circumstances, the data are analysed by the Arduino chip, which also runs the complete mission. Applying AI procedures that maximise water efficiency in expansive farming fields can enhance this approach.

When it comes to the IoT, agriculture is one of the leading fields. When soil moisture levels drop, there are several systems that can water plants automatically; however, these solutions are not practical for huge agricultural fields due to their energy restrictions. This is because some parts of these fields do not have electricity or internet, so the existing systems in these areas cannot fix the problem. Additionally, these systems suggest solutions that rely on batteries or wires to power their equipment, disregarding the security of agricultural areas. This is problematic for several reasons, including the large size of agricultural fields and the high cost of installing energy-intensive technological solutions.

The following part will present a new system that aims to adapt to the challenges of huge agricultural fields, increase efficiency, decrease energy consumption, and safeguard our agricultural area from encroachment. These challenges include restricted electricity and internet availability.

Several essential techniques are involved in the efficient and sustainable use of water in agriculture, which is an essential part of the world's food production. About 70% of the world's freshwater withdrawals go towards irrigation, the principal use of water in agriculture. To enhance agricultural development, this method entails supplying water to crops in addition to what the earth naturally receives. Several irrigation techniques are used, such as sprinkler systems, drip irrigation, and surface irrigation. Although it is the most traditional approach, surface irrigation frequently results in lower yields than other methods because of the high rates of water loss to evaporation and runoff. On the other side, drip irrigation greatly improves water consumption efficiency by delivering water straight to the root zones of plants. As a result of climate change and severe water shortages, efficient water usage in farming is becoming more critical. To better manage water resources, more and more people are turning to precision agriculture and technological soil moisture monitoring tools. The goal of precision agriculture is to increase agricultural yields while decreasing water, fertiliser, and pesticide waste via the use of data and technology. To prevent overwatering, farmers may now use real-time data on soil conditions provided by soil moisture monitors and remote sensing technologies. This stops problems like nutrient leaching and soil salinisation from happening, and it also saves water (Citoni et al. 2019).

Integrating water-saving and soil-health-enhancing activities is another component of sustainable water management in agriculture. Soil structure, water infiltration, and evaporation may all be improved by conservation tillage, cover crops, and crop rotation. The demand for irrigation can be further diminished by choosing crop types that are resistant to drought. Sustainable use of water resources is dependent on policymaking and infrastructure development, including the building of efficient irrigation systems and water storage facilities (Gorjian et al. 2021). To better manage water resources, increase resilience to climatic unpredictability, and guarantee food security, the agricultural industry may combine technology advancements with conventional water conservation measures.

One of the most important parts of sustainable farming is efficient water usage, and the IoT has made a huge difference in this area. By connecting sensors and controlled irrigation systems, technologies enabled by the IoT allow for the real-time monitoring and control of water supplies. Plant water needs, weather forecasts, and soil moisture levels are all tracked by these sensors placed in bodies of water and on land. By sending this information to cloud-based systems, it can be analysed to determine the best times and amounts to water crops, guaranteeing that they get just the correct quantity of water at just the right moment. In addition to reducing water waste, this kind of precise irrigation improves crop quality and output by avoiding water stress (Lee et al. 2020).

Additionally, irregularities in irrigation systems may be detected and future water demands can be predicted with the use of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms that can be integrated with IoT technology. For instance, farmers might use predictive analytics to plan and modify their water management practices in response to impending drought or heavy rains. Immediate detection and correction of irrigation system anomalies like leaks or blockages may significantly cut down on water waste and maintenance expenses. The IoT offers a data-driven strategy that may help farmers make better decisions that are in line with sustainable water management techniques, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of farming (Ojha et al. 2015).

The IoT not only helps farms maximise their water use, but also makes larger-scale water resource management more efficient. The IoT allows for the creation of extensive networks that can track water use across various areas, farms, or even whole water basins. Efficient and sustainable water allocation across various agricultural zones is made possible by this networked strategy, which also allows for communal control of water resources. The IoT can aid in the fight against climate change and growing water shortages by offering a comprehensive picture of water use and availability, which in turn can inform the implementation of laws and practices that encourage water conservation (Kim et al. 2008). Therefore, the impact of the IoT on water usage in agriculture goes beyond specific farms and helps with larger initiatives to achieve water sustainability.

The ESP32 is a highly versatile and powerful microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems, widely used in IoT applications due to its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. With dual-core processing, it supports various connectivity options and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it ideal for complex projects. The ESP32 is designed for low power consumption, allowing it to operate efficiently in battery-powered devices. In agricultural applications, the ESP32 can be employed in sensor networks to monitor environmental conditions, control irrigation systems, and collect data from remote locations. Its programmability and compatibility with various development platforms, such as Arduino and MicroPython, enable developers to create customised solutions tailored to specific agricultural needs. By utilising the ESP32, farmers can enhance their operational efficiency, improve resource management, and implement smart farming techniques that contribute to sustainable practices and increased productivity.

Long-range (LR) technology, developed by Cycleo and acquired by Semtech, revolutionises wireless data transport by enabling efficient communication over vast distances with low power consumption. In agriculture, this technology facilitates the use of IoT systems to transmit crucial data about soil moisture and environmental conditions across large fields (Kim et al. 2008). By sending short messages multiple times daily, farmers can make timely, informed decisions on irrigation and resource management. The reduced need for infrastructure and energy consumption enhances operational efficiency, ultimately leading to increased crop yields and promoting sustainable farming practices, all while preserving electricity and minimising environmental impact.

Two parts make up our novel autonomous agricultural system, which is detailed in this article. The initial component is designed to assess terrain factors such as temperature, soil moisture, pH value, and wetness to detect conditions in real-time. To keep an eye on things in the agricultural area, we have sensors that measure things like soil pH, soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, we have a PIR sensor that keeps an eye out for any animal invasions. To maximise water irrigation efficiency on expansive farmland, the ESP32 microcontroller is used to treat soil moisture.

Central to the Blynk ecosystem is the Blynk cloud, which facilitates communication between devices and the mobile app. In its role as a server, it allows the mobile app and linked devices to communicate with each other in both directions. Users can connect securely to their devices from anywhere thanks to this cloud infrastructure. For the mobile app and other devices to transfer data securely and efficiently, it is essential, guaranteeing a pleasant experience for the user.

Command buttons, alerts, and display styles are just a few of the many pre-built widgets available in the vast Blynk collection of software components. You may customise the display formats to make data clearer and aesthetically pleasing, and there are command buttons to instruct gadgets. You can also receive alerts in real-time with these widgets. Dashboards can be customised with a wide variety of widgets, empowering consumers to create personalised user interfaces for IoT and home automation apps.

In the second unit, we will use cloud computing and our ESP32 microcontroller (2) to process and send the user all the data that was acquired from the sensors in the first unit. Thanks to this flawless connectivity, users may access and control data in real-time, providing customers with the ability to remotely oversee and control crucial factors for farming activities. Additionally, our ESP32 microcontroller (2) ensures dependable and secure data exchange by acting as the interface between the user and the cloud infrastructure. Through its straightforward design and user-friendly features, the mobile app gives users easy access to the collected data, allows them to get notifications, and empowers them to make educated decisions about irrigation and other agricultural activities. Our approach helps make farming more effective and sustainable by taking use of cloud computing's scalability, accessibility, and data-driven insights. By taking a holistic view, we can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and provide farmers with the data they need to maximise their harvests.

We put our new technology through its paces in places without power or internet. With the help of LR networks and our solar panels, our system operates effectively according to the on-field evaluation. By utilising LR for long-range communication between system units, our technology has proven to be effective in places with limited access to energy and the internet. Using a solar panel also guarantees a constant source of power, which is essential for systems that are in remote areas. The results of these field tests demonstrate that our technology is reliable and can be used to optimise agricultural irrigation in places without power or grid infrastructure in a sustainable and effective manner.

The new IoT architecture has many benefits over older systems in this sector, particularly in more remote agricultural areas. It utilises several components, including solar panels, ESP32, LR module, rain, soil moisture, humidity, and PIR. To begin with, these sensors, when used together, permit exact and thorough environmental monitoring. Several sensors are used by our model to gather data on motion, rain, soil moisture, pH, and ambient humidity, which is compared to other systems. Together, these sensors allow farmers a bird's-eye view of their surroundings, letting them optimise their agricultural techniques and make better judgements.

Furthermore, dependable LR connectivity is provided by the ESP32 and LR module. Even in remote places with spotty internet service, our model still enables farmers to remotely access sensory information and work structures. Farmers in the countryside depend on present information for making important choices; therefore, it is quite advantageous to be able to converse well even in areas with poor connectivity. Our model is also unique in that it has a solar panel to provide electricity. Reducing operational expenses and environmental effect, our technology utilises renewable energy instead of existing systems that rely on external power sources. This ensures a constant supply of power even in remote areas and gives energy independence to farmers in rural areas, who would otherwise have to rely on the grid. By integrating vital sensors, LR connectivity, and renewable solar power, our IoT architecture provides a more complete and integrated solution than competing solutions. With this one-of-a-kind combination, farmers in rural areas can have access to cutting-edge technology, which in turn increases agricultural output while decreasing operational costs and facilitating better management of available resources. Table 1 summarises research findings on electronic information transmission for agricultural irrigation based on the IoT. This table highlights key aspects such as the type of communication technology used, efficiency improvements, energy consumption, and benefits observed in various studies.

Lastly, compared to previous systems in the agricultural industry, our new IoT model offers substantial advantages. Our system satisfies the unique requirements of rural farmers by giving them access to precise data, effective communication, and energy independence via thorough monitoring, dependable connectivity, and renewable solar power. Integrating edge computing capabilities is a suggested future upgrade for our system. Reduced latency and improved response time would result from processing and analysing data in real-time at the sensor nodes. Optimised resource management and proactive decision-making in agricultural operations could be achieved using predictive analytics made possible by deploying machine learning algorithms on the edge.

This research on electronic data transfer in agricultural irrigation utilising the IoT presents an innovative approach to modern farming. The proposed system, featuring solar-powered, low-energy components such as the ESP32 microcontroller and LR data communication protocol, enables efficient and sustainable management of large agricultural fields. By employing various sensors to monitor soil moisture, pH levels, temperature, and humidity, the system collects vital real-time data that is crucial for optimising irrigation practices. Additionally, the integration of a PIR sensor for intruder detection enhances security. Data transmission over extensive farmlands to a cloud server, facilitated by LR technology, allows for remote monitoring through mobile applications. This seamless integration of IoT technology demonstrates significant improvements over traditional irrigation systems, enhancing precision in water consumption, promoting resource conservation, and boosting agricultural yields. Field testing results underscore these benefits, showcasing how IoT-based systems improve water conservation and crop productivity. Overall, this technology has the potential to revolutionise agricultural irrigation techniques, offering an autonomous and energy-efficient solution that is particularly valuable for farmers in rural areas lacking reliable power or internet connectivity. This work lays a solid foundation for future research and implementation in sustainable agriculture.

All relevant data are included in the paper or its Supplementary Information.

The authors declare there is no conflict.