Real-Time IoT-Based Smart Fertigation System for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture

Abstract:

Inadequate agricultural practices and indiscriminate fertilizer application, especially in parts of Oyo State, Nigeria, have led to reduced crop productivity and worsening environmental conditions, including those related to deforestation-induced climate change. This study presents the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based automated fertigation system aimed at addressing these challenges through data-driven, sustainable soil management. The proposed system integrates real-time soil moisture and nitrogen sensors with a NodeMCU microcontroller, interfaced via the Arduino IDE and controlled through the Blynk IoT platform. The architecture supports remote monitoring, cloud-based data visualization, and precision actuation using solenoid and peristaltic pumps. Experimental validation demonstrated a responsive and efficient feedback mechanism: during a targeted fertigation event at approximately 05:00 a.m., soil nitrogen levels increased from 14.6 mg/kg to 29.4 mg/kg, and moisture content rose from 25.3% to 46.8%, with automated valve deactivation at predefined thresholds. Previous trials similarly recorded a rise in moisture from 29.2% to 40.1% and nitrogen from 18.8 mg/kg to 30.1 mg/kg. Post-fertigation analysis showed a natural decline in both parameters, reinforcing the system's alignment with biological absorption rates and supporting predictive irrigation scheduling. The closed-loop control logic, combined with real-time analytics and an intuitive user interface, enhances operational efficiency and reduces input waste. Furthermore, the system’s modularity and ease of use make it adaptable for broader agricultural deployment, especially among farmers with limited technical backgrounds. This work affirms the potential of IoT-based fertigation for improving agricultural output, promoting environmental sustainability, and enabling precision farming in resource-constrained contexts.

Keywords: Smart Agriculture, Fertigation, IoT, Soil Moisture Sensor, Precision Farming, Automation.