Optimizing Lettuce Crop Irrigation: A Microcontroller-Based Automatic Drip System Using Soil Moisture Sensing

Limachi B.A.C.; Barra M.A.Q.; Yeresi E.C.M.; Condori S.M.; Ponce G.R.V. · Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (2025) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-92651-8_22

Resumen

Manual irrigation methods, such as ditches and hoses, require substantial time, labor, and water resources, often resulting in suboptimal soil moisture levels. This study presents an automated irrigation system optimized for lettuce crop cultivation, aiming to enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce labor demands. The system, driven by an Arduino microcontroller, reads soil moisture sensors and a submersible electric pump activated by a electric relay to maintain ideal moisture levels. Data collected by the sensors is processed to monitor and regulate soil moisture, with an established threshold of 60% for automated activation. Findings indicate that while traditional irrigation methods yield an average soil moisture level of 41%, the proposed automated system sustains a significantly higher moisture level of 65%, better aligning with the crops’ needs and promoting healthier growth. This low-cost solution shows the effectiveness of automated systems in achieving consistent soil moisture levels, offering a great alternative to conventional irrigation practices in small-scale agricultural settings. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano