In the heart of Iraq, at the College of Al Mustaqbal University in Hilla, Babil, Hawraa N. Jasim, a researcher in the Department of Computer Techniques Engineering, is pioneering a revolution in agriculture. Her latest work, published in the Majlesi Journal of Electrical Engineering, translates to the Future Journal of Electrical Engineering, introduces a smart irrigation system that could redefine how we approach farming and water management, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Jasim’s system leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a smart irrigation network that uses sensors, microcontrollers, and cloud computing to optimize water usage. “The idea is to create a system that can automatically irrigate based on real-time data,” Jasim explains. “This not only conserves water but also ensures that plants receive the exact amount of water they need.”
The system is composed of two microcontrollers: the Arduino Uno, which controls the water flow, and the NodeMCU with a WiFi module for cloud computing. Two sensors, the DHT11 and Soil Moisture, monitor the ambient temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. When the soil needs watering, the microcontroller activates a water pump unit, which sprays water onto the land. The data collected by the sensors is then sent to the ThingSpeak program, a cloud server, for real-time monitoring and analysis.
The commercial impacts of this technology are vast, particularly for the energy sector. Traditional irrigation methods often result in excessive water usage, leading to higher energy consumption for pumping and treating water. By optimizing water usage, Jasim’s system can significantly reduce the energy required for irrigation, leading to cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint.
Moreover, the integration of cloud computing allows for remote monitoring and control, enabling farmers to manage their irrigation systems from anywhere in the world. This level of automation and efficiency could transform the agricultural landscape, making farming more sustainable and profitable.
Jasim’s research is a testament to the power of technology in driving innovation. “This method can be used to create smart farming practices and smart lives in the future,” she says. As we look to the future, the potential for smart irrigation systems to shape the agricultural sector is immense. With continued research and development, we could see a world where farming is not only more efficient but also more sustainable, thanks to the pioneering work of researchers like Hawraa N. Jasim.