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Project ID:

AGCR03303

Microprocessor Based Irrigation Management System

Project Title:

Category:

Agriculture

Inventors:

Gan Wei Xing, Tan Teck Siang

Institution/Company:

Southern University College

Invention Description/ Abstract:

The Microprocessor-Based Irrigation Management System is a smart, semiautomated solution developed to improve the eƯiciency of plant irrigation using a
microcontroller and sensor-based control. This system uses a water level sensor to
monitor the level of water in the reservoir and relies on an STM32 microcontroller to
manage the irrigation process. It is specifically designed for small-scale agricultural
setups such as home gardens, indoor plant systems, and greenhouses where manual
watering is either time-consuming or ineƯicient. When the water level is suƯicient, the
microcontroller sends a signal to activate a water pump through a MOSFET driver
circuit. The water pump operates in a fixed cycle—for example, turning ON for 5 minutes
and OFF for 2 minutes—ensuring a consistent supply of water to the plants while
conserving resources. In addition to the pump, the system also includes a grow light
and a fan. The grow light helps supplement natural sunlight for indoor environments,
supporting healthy plant growth, while the fan maintains airflow and regulates
temperature around the plants. All components are powered by a 12V power supply,
with regulated output used to run the microcontroller. The timing and operation of each
device are controlled by the STM32’s programming logic, which can be easily modified
for diƯerent growing conditions. The system does not rely on a soil moisture sensor or
display modules, which simplifies the design and reduces cost, making it ideal for
students, hobbyists, and developers exploring embedded systems and agricultural
automation. By minimizing human intervention and making irrigation more consistent,
this invention oƯers a practical and eco-friendly approach to plant care in small-scale
or controlled environments.

Invention Technical Description

The Microprocessor-Based Irrigation Management System is a semi-automated solution
that utilizes an STM32F401RE microcontroller to control irrigation operations based on
the water level in a storage tank. The system is designed to reduce manual labor,
prevent water wastage, and maintain optimal watering cycles for small-scale
agriculture, indoor gardens, and hydroponic environments. At the core of the system is
the STM32F401RE, which reads digital input from a water level sensor connected to the
water reservoir. When the water level is suƯicient, the system proceeds with irrigation; if
the water level is low, the system halts irrigation to protect the water pump from dry
running. The microcontroller uses a digital output pin to trigger a MOSFET driver circuit,
which in turn powers the DC water pump. The pump operates on a timed cycle—
typically running for 5 minutes and stopping for 2 minutes—controlled using Real-Time
Operating System (RTOS) functionality built into the STM32, enabling precise and
consistent operation. In addition to the water pump, the system also controls a grow
light LED and a PC cooling fan. The grow light provides artificial illumination for the
plants, especially in indoor or low-light settings, while the fan ensures airflow and
maintains a balanced temperature within the growing area. Both devices are also
switched using MOSFETs and are controlled through the STM32’s GPIO outputs with
predefined timing or scheduling routines. The entire system is powered by a 12V DC
supply, which powers the pump and fan directly and is stepped down using a voltage
regulator to provide 5V or 3.3V to the STM32 microcontroller. The system is compact,
cost-eƯective, and easy to modify, allowing users to adjust timing parameters or expand
the system with additional features like sensors or wireless modules if needed. Its
design emphasizes reliability, simplicity, and adaptability, making it an ideal platform for
beginners, students, and engineers involved in smart agriculture or embedded system
applications.

Demostration/ Presentation Video

Poster/ Broucher/ Invention Photo

Additional Documents

> Photo of the Invention
> Additional Technical Document
> Additional Photo of the Invention

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