In the face of global water scarcity and climate variability, the agriculture sector is increasingly turning to technology for sustainable solutions. A recent study published in *HardwareX* introduces TerraGrow, an open-source, low-cost controller designed to revolutionize precision irrigation. Developed by a team led by Prima Wijayakusuma at the Beijing Institute of Technology, TerraGrow integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology and fuzzy Sugeno control to offer a practical, accessible solution for growers.
TerraGrow stands out from existing systems by running all sensing and closed-loop irrigation locally on a single ESP32 microcontroller. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, proprietary systems that often require specialized knowledge to operate. “By combining local autonomy, simple deployment, and open documentation, TerraGrow makes practical precision irrigation more accessible to resource-constrained growers,” Wijayakusuma explains.
The system utilizes real-time data from soil moisture, pH, temperature, and humidity sensors to make informed irrigation decisions. Its modular and ergonomic hardware design, complete with a printable enclosure and labeled connectors, allows non-experts to assemble, calibrate, and service the unit quickly in the field. This ease of use is a significant advancement over earlier low-cost IoT irrigation nodes, which often lacked the simplicity and adaptability needed for widespread adoption.
Bench and greenhouse tests have demonstrated TerraGrow’s effectiveness in stable moisture regulation and reduced unnecessary watering. The system’s precise sensing capabilities and consistent hardware and firmware implementation ensure reliable performance, even in challenging environments. “TerraGrow’s novelty lies in fully local multi-sensor fuzzy control and an easy-to-deploy form factor supported by complete and reproducible design files,” Wijayakusuma notes.
The commercial implications of TerraGrow are substantial. By providing an affordable and accessible solution for precision irrigation, the system has the potential to transform agricultural practices, particularly for small-scale and resource-constrained growers. The open-source nature of the project encourages collaboration and innovation, paving the way for future developments in the field.
As the agriculture sector continues to grapple with the challenges of water scarcity and climate variability, technologies like TerraGrow offer a beacon of hope. By making precision irrigation more accessible, the system not only enhances crop yields and water efficiency but also promotes sustainable farming practices. The research led by Wijayakusuma at the Beijing Institute of Technology represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable agriculture, offering a practical solution that can be easily adopted by growers worldwide.