Automation Module for Precision Irrigation Systems

In this paper is presented an improved design for an automation module which is dedicated for applications in irrigation systems used in precision agriculture. The architecture of the automation module relies on Arduino Uno development board containing the microcontroller ATmega328P which performs the majority of the control tasks required in the operation of the proposed system. The long-distance data transmission and remote monitoring of the important parameters of the system is realized with the connectivity ensured by SIM800L quad-band GSM/GPRS module. Also, the local connection between the automation module and a PC running a software control application is realized with the CH340G USB to USART converter which is integrated on the Arduino board. The automation module controls a precision irrigation system containing a set of sprinklers, a humidity sensor, a flow meter and a variable speed pump. By using a modern implementation approach, based on versatile ATmega328P microcontroller, together with the communication capabilities offered by the GSM/GPRS module SIM800L, the proposed design represents an efficient and cost-effective solution for implementing smart irrigation systems for modern agriculture industry.