Analysis and experimental implementation of affordable smart irrigation system using IoT to reduce agricultural costs and minimize water usage

Abstract Smart irrigation systems utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and sensory systems have emerged as a revolutionary approach to modernising agriculture and addressing sustainability challenges. The worldwide agricultural sector continues to struggle with two major problems, which include water resource depletion and high operational expenses because of outdated irrigation systems. The research investigates the immediate requirement for budget-friendly precision agriculture solutions that can serve small to medium farmers operating in limited resource areas. The paper describes the development of an affordable IoT-based smart irrigation system that underwent experimental testing. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller as its core component while incorporating a capacitive soil moisture sensor for precise measurements, a DHT11 sensor for environmental data collection, and the Blynk IoT platform for live monitoring and distant system operation. The system begins irrigation when soil moisture reaches 20% and stops irrigation when moisture levels reach 80%. The system achieved operational success through field tests, which showed it used 25–35% less water than fixed-schedule irrigation systems while reducing operational expenses. The research proves that this affordable design can be duplicated and shows both technical and financial viability, which makes it an effective solution for sustainable farming practices.