International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Optimisation of Irrigation and Fertigation Processes through Automated Control Systems: A Case of Maziwa Farm’s Low-yielding Boreholes in Murewa, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The aim of this research was to design an automated irrigation and fertigation system in low yielding boreholes at Maziwa farm, Murewa, Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. The study focused on designing an automated controlsystem of irrigation and fertigation using the PIC18F4550 microcontroller. The work entailed the designing of a fertilizer and herbicide chemical plant and the simulation of the developed control system. An irrigation and fertigation control system program was developed using Mikro C Pro software and simulated using Proteus software. Key considerations in the fertiliser and herbicide chemical plant design included a drip irrigation system for optimised water, fertiliser, and herbicide distribution, featuring chemical tanks and solenoid valves for controlled injection. Emitters, laterals and the mainline pipes, a medium for the irrigation water and fertilizer or herbicides to the plants were also selected. The automated irrigation system employs a micro-controller that utilizes Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology in facilitating operator communication. The system status updates were sent to the user via SMS (Short Message Service) with connection between the user and the system being possible also through text messages for action confirmation. The results of the research were validated using simulation with proteus software.

Country : Zimbabwe

1 Frank Chipfunde

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Engineering, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

IRJIET, Volume 8, Issue 10, October 2024 pp. 272-286

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.810038

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