Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9680-9413
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
The Automatic Plant Watering System was created to simplify plant care and the work needed to maintain plant health by automating irrigation based on soil moisture level. Using an Arduino Uno microcontroller as the nucleus for the system, this project integrates a soil moisture sensor, a relay module, and a miniature water pump to monitor soil conditions and supply water when needed. The system was constructed using available components from an online-purchased kit and Arduino code found online.
The primary objective was to create a cost-effective and easily assembled solution to reduce the need for human intervention in irrigation and prevent under or over-irrigation. By analyzing soil moisture in real-time, the system activates the water pump only when necessary, ensuring optimal water usage. During development, challenges such as sensor calibration, pump control, and circuit design were addressed through trial and error, as well as additional online guides. The results demonstrated that the system could operate reliably, responding accurately to varying moisture conditions. Potential improvements would include a system that would replace the need to be plugged into a computer. Overall, this system shows itself to be a valuable tool.
Recommended Citation
McGehee, Chandler G., "Automatic Plant Watering System" (2024). Engineering – Undergraduate Research Projects.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk-enginunder/6