Design and testing of an autonomous irrigation controller for precision water management of greenhouse crops

Hak-Jin Kim; Dong Hoon Lee; Sung Wook Ahn; Won Kyung Kim; Seung Oh Hur; Jin Yong Choi; Sun-Ok Chung

doi:10.1016/j.eaef.2015.03.001

Hak-Jin Kim , Dong Hoon Lee, Sung Wook Ahn, Won Kyung Kim, Seung Oh Hur, Jin Yong Choi, Sun-Ok Chung

Author information

Hak-Jin Kim Corresponding author
Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University [Korea, Republic of]
Dong Hoon Lee
Department of Biosystems Engineering, ChungBuk National University [Korea, Republic of]
Sung Wook Ahn
Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University [Korea, Republic of]
Won Kyung Kim
Department of Biosystems and Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University [Korea, Republic of]
Seung Oh Hur
Department of Agricultural Environment, National Academy of Agricultural Science [Korea, Republic of]
Jin Yong Choi
Department of Landscape and Regional Systems Engineering, Seoul National University [Korea, Republic of]
Sun-Ok Chung
Department of Biosystems Machinery Engineering, Chungnam National University [Korea, Republic of]

Keywords: Irrigation controller, Soil tension, Greenhouse, Water control logic, Keep and pause method, Required water calculation method

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2015 Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 228-234

DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eaef.2015.03.001

Details

Abstract

The automation of irrigation systems based on sensor technology has the potential to maximize the efficiency of water use. A prototype of an autonomous irrigation controller consisting of an 8-bit MCU and a 12-bit AD converter was developed and tested in tomato greenhouses. Two algorithms for water control, i.e. a variable keepepause method and a required water calculation method, were programmed. The irrigation controller showed the ability to measure soil tensions in real-time and to properly trigger irrigation at a set value. The system performance for maintaining soil tensions based on the keepepause method was strongly affected by sunlight, whereas the water calculation method provided a simple irrigation operation without frequent irrigation, while supplying the amount of water needed during each irrigation period.

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