DIGITAL AGRICULTURE AND IOT-ENABLED SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WATER-EFFICIENT FARMING

Abstract

 New irrigation techniques are required due to the fact that fresh water sources are becoming depleted at a rapid rate and agriculture is required to generate greater food output with reduced water.  This paper investigates how smart irrigation systems can be used to enhance water-use efficiency as an aspect of digital agriculture through IoT-enabled systems.  Mixed-methods experimental design was employed to combine the quantitative field trials with qualitative response of the farmers.  On test plots, we installed internet of things sensors of soil moisture, temperature, and flow. These sensors were relaying real time data to cloud-based solutions where mathematical equations of scheduling and machine learning were to make the most optimal irrigation choices.  The findings revealed that intelligent irrigation systems reduced water consumption by as much as 30 percent and crop yields remained or even improved. This was demonstrated in increased ratios of water-use efficiency as compared to traditional approaches.  Statistical analysis revealed significant variation across treatments, and crop growth observation supported the positive response of the physiological to precision irrigation.  Also, the farmers interviewed reported increased usability, reduced labour needs and increased trust in automated systems.  The qualitative and quantitative outcomes combined indicate that IoT-based irrigation is a major aspect of climate-smart agriculture. It could render the farming more resilient, sustainable, and productive.