Manuscript Title:

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR-POWERED PRECISION IRRIGATION SYSTEM USING INDIGENIZED SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS AND RAINWATER HARVESTING

Author:

AAMIR RAZA, SHERAZ MAQBOOL, SUKHDEEP SINGH, MUHAMMAD TALAL, MUHAMMAD SAFDAR, MUHAMMAD ADNAN SHAHID

DOI Number:

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.15259648

Published : 2025-04-23

About the author(s)

1. AAMIR RAZA - Precision Agriculture Center, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA. Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
2. SHERAZ MAQBOOL - Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
3. SUKHDEEP SINGH - Precision Agriculture Center, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
4. MUHAMMAD TALAL - Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. NCGSA-Agricultural Remote Sensing Lab (ARSL), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
5. MUHAMMAD SAFDAR - Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. NCGSA-Agricultural Remote Sensing Lab (ARSL), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
6. MUHAMMAD ADNAN SHAHID - Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. NCGSA-Agricultural Remote Sensing Lab (ARSL), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative, integrated approach to enhancing water-use efficiency in semi-arid agricultural regions through the design and implementation of a solar-powered precision irrigation system. The system synergistically combines low-cost, indigenously developed soil moisture sensors, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and sustainable solar energy to offer an autonomous and scalable irrigation solution. The soil moisture sensors, engineered for affordability and reliability, demonstrated strong agreement with the oven-drying reference method (R² = 0.89), enabling accurate, real-time monitoring and automated irrigation control. Powered by a 55W solar panel, the system stores harvested rainwater in a 65- liter tank optimized for a 303.95 m² roof catchment area. A hybrid irrigation configuration, integrating both drip and sprinkler systems, was employed to maximize water distribution efficiency while minimizing losses due to evaporation and runoff. Field evaluations revealed a 3–4-fold reduction in water consumption compared to conventional flood irrigation, highlighting the system’s effectiveness in resource conservation. Designed with adaptability and cost-effectiveness in mind, this solution is particularly well-suited for smallholder farmers in water-stressed environments. The research underscores the critical role of integrating renewable energy and precision irrigation technologies to advance sustainable agriculture, improve crop productivity, and strengthen resilience in the face of increasing water scarcity.


Keywords

Solar-Powered Irrigation, Precision Irrigation, Soil Moisture Sensors, Rainwater Harvesting, Sustainable Agriculture, Water-Use Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Water Scarcity.