A solar-powered, internet of things (IoT)-controlled water irrigation system supported by rainfall forecasts utilizing aerosols: a review

Efficient water management is crucial in modern agriculture, especially in regions facing water scarcity. Traditional irrigation systems often result in water wastage, which challenges sustainability goals. This paper presents a comprehensive review of a novel Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart irrigation system with rainfall prediction based on pollutant concentration designed to optimize water usage through real-time environmental monitoring and promote sustainable agriculture through the integration of photovoltaic (PV) power. The system's components, including 160 Wp semi-crystalline PV panels, ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, Arduino Uno, Raspberry Pi, Partial Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control methods, and a reversible pump, were selected based on a comprehensive literature review, establishing the foundation for the proposed system's design. The review extensively covers previous PV-irrigation integration systems, their performance in varied environments, and the cost-benefit analysis with special reference to Indian government subsidies for solar adoption in agriculture. In addition, various IoT-based irrigation systems and communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, and Zigbee were reviewed, ensuring that the selected components represent the most efficient and secure combination for field deployment. The key novelty of this system is the rainfall prediction methodology, which focuses on pollutant concentration (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Cr and Pb) rather than the traditional aerosol size used in previous studies. This approach leverages the unique environmental characteristics of the chosen location, providing more accurate predictions of rainfall, which can be used to dynamically adjust irrigation schedules, reducing water waste. Sample data of pollutant levels and weather conditions from the area are provided as a demonstration. The paper also reviews security concerns in IoT systems, highlighting potential vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies to ensure robust system operation. By combining IoT, PV, and predictive weather analytics, the proposed system offers significant advantages in water and energy management, with the MPPT controller maximizing solar energy efficiency. The review presents a detailed flow diagram of the system, showcasing components chosen through a thorough literature survey. It also examines portable PV-pumping systems, recommending the proposed design for effective use in both small- and medium-scale farms. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of sustainable irrigation technologies, highlighting their potential to significantly improve agricultural water management practices.