Custom Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor – A Smart Irrigation Solution

This custom-built capacitive soil moisture sensor combines advanced electronics, low-power design, and user-friendly functionality to revolutionize automated irrigation systems. It’s designed for developers, gardeners, and smart-home enthusiasts looking for an efficient, reliable, and easy-to-integrate solution for soil and plant monitoring.

Features in Detail

1. Soil Moisture Sensing

• Capacitive Moisture Sensor: Built with the LMV358IDR operational amplifier for accurate and stable moisture level detection.
• Reliability: Capacitive sensors are resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term durability and precision in varying soil conditions.

2. Water Level Detection

• Powered by the TP5552-VR, the system can monitor water reservoir levels to prevent dry runs and optimize irrigation schedules.

3. Dual Temperature Monitoring

• DS18B20: Offers precise digital temperature measurements, ideal for applications requiring high accuracy.
• DHT11: Adds humidity detection, making the device suitable for climate monitoring in greenhouses or outdoors.

4. Smart Water Pump Control

• Low-Power 5V USB Type-A Water Pump:
  • Adjustable flow regulation using PWM control for optimized water usage.
  • Ideal for micro-irrigation and precision watering tasks.
• Manual Watering Switch: Enables instant manual control, providing flexibility when automation is not needed.

5. Multiple Power Options

• USB-C Port: Powers the system directly or charges the onboard CR2032 coin-cell battery.
• Battery Management System (BMS):
  • Includes the MAX17048 for advanced battery monitoring and efficient charging.
  • Ensures extended operation during power outages.

6. Voltage Regulation

• Buck Converter: Efficiently steps down voltage to 5V and 3.3V, ensuring stable operation of all components while maintaining low power consumption.

7. User-Friendly Design

• LED Indicators: Two LEDs provide real-time feedback for system status, battery health, and irrigation activity.
• Compact Form Factor: Lightweight and easy to integrate into DIY projects or existing smart irrigation setups.

Applications

• Smart irrigation for home gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural setups.
• Soil and climate monitoring in research or educational projects.
• DIY IoT projects for automated watering systems.

Why Choose This Solution?

• Customizable: Tailored for integration with IoT platforms like Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.
• Low Maintenance: Durable components reduce the need for frequent replacement or recalibration.
• Energy-Efficient: Designed for extended operation with minimal power consumption.