In the heart of Indonesia’s bustling cities, where air pollution levels have reached alarming heights, a new technological innovation is breathing life into urban plant care. Reiza Hersa Dwitama, a researcher from Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, has developed an IoT-based smart irrigation system that promises to revolutionize how we care for ornamental plants. This system, which leverages the Sugeno fuzzy algorithm, is not just a boon for plant lovers but also holds significant potential for the energy sector by promoting sustainable practices.
The system, detailed in a recent study published in the *Journal of Applied Informatics and Computing* (translated as *Journal of Applied Informatics and Computing*), addresses a critical issue: the struggle of urban residents to consistently water their plants. “Urban residents often face time constraints that make regular plant care challenging,” Dwitama explains. “Our system aims to bridge this gap by providing real-time, data-driven recommendations for watering ornamental plants.”
At the core of the system are a capacitive soil moisture sensor and a DHT11 temperature-humidity sensor, which monitor environmental conditions and transmit data to an ESP8266 microcontroller. This data is then sent to Firebase and visualized in an Android application, offering users real-time insights and specific water volume recommendations. The system uses 27 fuzzy rules derived from three input parameters—air temperature, humidity, and soil moisture—to predict the water needs of plants accurately.
The practical implications of this technology are vast. For instance, in the energy sector, smart irrigation systems can contribute to water conservation efforts, which are increasingly important as the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity. “By optimizing water usage, we can reduce the energy required for water pumping and treatment, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective solutions,” Dwitama notes.
The system’s effectiveness was tested on the Aglaonema Snow White plant, achieving an average prediction accuracy of 89.14% and a mean absolute error of 7.6%. These results underscore the system’s reliability and practicality. Moreover, the fuzzy rule base can be recalibrated for other ornamental plant species, making the technology versatile and adaptable.
As urbanization continues to rise, the demand for innovative solutions to maintain green spaces will only grow. Dwitama’s research offers a glimpse into a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. “Our goal is to create a sustainable urban environment where technology supports the well-being of both people and plants,” Dwitama says.
The commercial impacts of this research are profound. Companies in the energy sector can integrate such smart irrigation systems into their sustainability initiatives, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the technology can be scaled up for larger agricultural applications, further enhancing its commercial viability.
In conclusion, Dwitama’s IoT-based smart irrigation system represents a significant step forward in the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability. As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat pollution and resource depletion, this research offers a promising path forward. The study, published in the *Journal of Applied Informatics and Computing*, highlights the potential of fuzzy algorithms and IoT technology to transform urban plant care and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.