Open Ended Lab
A Smart Moisture Monitoring Sensor
Objective:
The objective of a moisture sensor is to measure soil moisture levels for effective plant irrigation.
By using this sensor, we should able to learn precision in agriculture, enabling efficient water
management for plant growth.
Apparatus:
Computer or Laptop
Arduino UNO
Moisture Sensor
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Prototyping Board (Breadboard)
Moisture Sensor:
A moisture sensor, commonly used in agriculture and gardening, measures the moisture content
in soil. A moisture sensor is a device designed to measure the level of moisture or water content
in a given material or environment. These sensors are utilized in various industries, agriculture,
and scientific applications to monitor and control moisture levels. It typically consists of two
probes that are inserted into the soil. The sensor's resistance varies based on the soil moisture:
more moisture leads to lower resistance. These sensors can be analog or digital. Analog versions
provide a continuous range of values, while digital ones give a simple wet/dry output. Integrating
moisture sensors in projects helps optimize irrigation, prevents overwatering or underwatering,
and promotes efficient water usage in plant care.
1. Principle of Operation:
Moisture sensors operate based on different principles, with the most common being resistive,
capacitive, and conductive methods. For instance, a resistive moisture sensor measures the
resistance between two electrodes, which changes with varying moisture levels.
Applications:
Agriculture: Monitoring soil moisture for optimized irrigation.
Construction: Ensuring proper moisture levels in building materials.
Industrial Processes: Controlling moisture levels in manufacturing processes.
Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring humidity in the air.
Advanced Features:
Wireless Connectivity: Some sensors offer wireless communication for remote monitoring.
Data Logging: Capable of recording moisture levels over time.
Smart Integration: Integration with IoT platforms for realtime data analysis.
Fig1.1
Types:
1. Resistance based Sensors:
These sensors use two or more metal probes to measure the electrical resistance of the soil,
which changes with moisture content.
2. Capacitance based Sensors:
They measure the soil's ability to store an electrical charge, which is influenced by moisture
levels. Changes in capacitance indicate variations in soil moisture.
3. Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Sensors:
TDR sensors send electromagnetic pulses into the soil and measure the time it takes for the
signal to reflect back. The moisture content affects the soil's electrical characteristics.
4. Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) Sensors:
Similar to TDR, FDR sensors analyze the frequency of electromagnetic waves in the soil to
determine moisture levels.
5. Dielectric Moisture Sensors:
These sensors measure changes in the dielectric constant of the soil, which is influenced by
moisture. They are commonly used in precision agriculture.
6. Gypsum Block Sensors:
Consisting of a gypsum block with electrodes, these sensors measure the electrical resistance of
the gypsum, which is sensitive to soil moisture.
Circuit Diagram of Moisture sensor With Arduino
Procedure:
1. First of all, take the circuit diagram.
2. Make the connection according to the circuit diagram.
3. Connect Arduino with Laptop or Computer to upload program in Arduino.
4. Once, program uploading is done.
5. Connect moisture sensor as well as LED’s with Arduino.
6. Monitor the moisture sensor on Serial Monitor on Arduino Software.
7. Check the output voltage according to moisture sensor.
8. Show the result to your instructor.
Program Code:
const int moisturePin = A0;
void setup() {
// Start Serial communication
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
// Read the analog value from the moisture sensor
int moistureValue = analogRead(moisturePin);
// Map the analog value to a percentage range (0100%)
int moisturePercentage = map(moistureValue, 0, 1023, 0, 100);
// Print the moisture percentage to the Serial Monitor
Serial.print("Moisture Percentage: ");
Serial.print(moisturePercentage);
Serial.println("%");
delay(1000);
}
Hardware Result:
Observation of Moisture sensor
Conclusion:
The Moisture Sensor lab effectively demonstrated soil moisture measurement for precise plant
irrigation using Arduino. The integrated circuit and sensor setup allowed realtime monitoring,
showcasing the importance of such technology in optimizing water management for plant
growth. This Handson experience emphasized the role of moisture sensors in enhancing
efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
