A Low-Cost Offline Smart Irrigation System for Smallholder Farming in Ghana with an Innovative Flat-Plate Sprinkler Design

This study presents the design and development of a low-cost offline smart irrigation system aimed at improving water management for smallholder farmers in Ghana. The system uses a soil moisture sensor and a temperature sensor connected to an Arduino-based control unit to automatically regulate irrigation based on real-time environmental conditions.

The system was developed and tested using the Tinkercad simulation platform. A hysteresis-based control approach was implemented to improve system stability and prevent frequent switching during operation. The system was able to detect different soil conditions and respond appropriately by activating or deactivating irrigation.

In addition to the control system, this work introduces a novel perforated flat-plate pressing-iron-type sprinkler designed to improve water distribution under low-pressure conditions commonly found in small-scale farms.

The results show that the system can effectively automate irrigation decisions, reduce water wastage, and improve efficiency. The proposed design is simple, affordable, and suitable for rural farming environments where access to advanced technology and internet connectivity is limited.

This work provides a foundation for further development, including real-world implementation, integration of renewable energy sources, and the application of machine learning techniques for improved irrigation management.