Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

The system architecture includes IR sensors embedded within seed tubes, enabling the detection of seeds during the planting process. These sensors communicate with a microcontroller unit, which processes the seed detection data and coordinates water distribution. Utilizing an algorithm tailored for seed-specific irrigation, the system activates relays to control solenoid valves, directing water exclusively to seed locations within the field.

The laboratory evaluation of the developed microcontroller based sensor system with pre-existing planter reveals that the variations of actual no. of seeds dropped and display reading of the LCD screen was found to be 5.33% at 1.0 km/h, 8.0% at 1.5 km/h and 11% at 2.0 km/h operating speed. It was found that the seed detection variation increases with increase in speed. The average water discharge from the nozzle was found to be 31.37, 42.54 and 55.24 ml at 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 second activation time of solenoid valve respectively. It was observed that, water discharge increases when increases in activation time of solenoid valve. After activating sensor system average water saving was found to be 46.28% at 0.5 sec, 32.86% at 0.8sec, and 14.29% at 1.0 sec. It was observed that water saving % decreases when increases in activation time of solenoid valve in both the conditions.