Construction of 3D Soil Moisture Maps in Agricultural Fields by Using Wireless Sensor Communication

Abstract

Over-irrigation without considering the soil property reduce the product yield and variety in many agricultural areas. In this study, it is aimed to produce a more useful, and user-friendly 3D soil moisture detection system by using wireless communication across the agricultural areas. The deficiencies of agricultural land can be eliminated in terms of irrigation, product variety, and product yield. 3D moisture information obtained from the soil can be transferred to a database system and the farmers can use this system to cultivate across the correct fields. A capacitive soil moisture sensor is deployed as a sensor unit. Each sensor unit with its electronics is placed in a PVC pipe with a specific length. This PVC pipe is placed vertically in the soil with sensor electrodes contacting the soil. Moisture measurements are carried out across the agricultural area. The system provides 3D moisture maps of the soil at fixed depths. Each 3D map represents a subsurface moisture layer. The sensor units are calibrated by measuring the moisture in the water, corresponding to %100 moisture in the soil, and the moisture in dry air, corresponding to %0 moisture in the soil. A percentage moisture determination formula is developed between these two extreme levels for each sensor unit. Hence the benefit of the results will be the knowledge of % moisture values in-depth profile of the agricultural areas. Farmers will have comprehensive and real-time information about moisture data and this data will help them to grow better crops.