Smart Irrigation System Using IoT Soil Sensors and Treated Wastewater for Agricultural Reuse Applications

Abstract

The increasing scarcity of freshwater resources and the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices have intensified the need for efficient irrigation management systems. This study presents a smart irrigation system integrating Internet of Things (IoT) soil sensors with treated wastewater reuse for sustainable agricultural applications. The proposed system combines real-time soil monitoring, automated irrigation control, and reclaimed water utilization to optimize water consumption and improve crop productivity. IoT-based soil sensors were employed to continuously monitor critical soil parameters, including moisture content, temperature, and nutrient conditions, enabling precise irrigation scheduling based on actual field requirements. Treated wastewater was incorporated as an alternative irrigation source after evaluating its suitability for agricultural reuse through water quality assessment and contaminant analysis. A centralized control framework was developed to process sensor data, regulate irrigation cycles, and minimize excessive water application under varying environmental conditions. Experimental and simulation analyses demonstrated significant reductions in freshwater usage, improved irrigation efficiency, and stable soil moisture maintenance compared to conventional irrigation methods. The integration of treated wastewater further contributed to resource conservation and reduced dependency on groundwater supplies while maintaining acceptable crop growth performance. Additionally, the automated system enhanced operational reliability by enabling remote monitoring and intelligent decision-making for irrigation management.